Spanish Navy visits Sydney

The Spanish Navy Training Ship JUAN SEBASTIAN DE ELCANO arrived at wharf 3 Circular Quay in Sydney on Saturday 29 December 1928. The vessel berthed for a period of eight days during a round-the-world journey. The ship left Spain on 1 May 1928 and returned in mid May 1929. The crew consisted of 310 officers and sailors, accompanied by eighty naval cadets.

‘The Sydney Morning Herald’ reported on the activities of the Spanish visitors. During the port visit, the vessel was open to the visiting public for special tours. On 8 January 1929, a concert was hosted on board where Australian opera singer, Alfred O’Shea performed alongside fellow Australian pianist and impresario, Daphne Deane, while the guests danced on deck. A civic reception was held at the Sydney Town Hall for the Spanish Consul-General and senior officers from the vessel, whilst cadets from the vessel paid a visit to HMAS AUSTRALIA.