Fragata Libertad
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Image:FragataLib 7.jpgImage:FragataLib a6.jpg The Fragata Libertad is the School-Ship of the Argentine Navy, and was built in the 1950's at the Rio Santiago shipyards near Buenos Aires, Argentina. It's maiden voyage was in 1962, and it continues to be the School-Ship with yearly Instruction voyages for the graduating Naval cadets.
It is currently (2006) undergoing a general overhaul which includes the addition of facilities for female cadets and crew in line with current diversity policies in the Navy and the updating of the engines and navigation technology.
Its main characteristics are: Length (including bowsprit): 103.75m; Beam: 14.31m; Draft: 6.60m; Displacement: 3765 Tonnes; Masts: 3; Crew: 357 souls (including 150 naval cadets).
Rigging: Square rigged. Three masts (Fore, Main and Mizzen with boom) and bowsprit, with double topsails and 5 yardarms per mast, which can balance up to 45 degrees on each side. Five jibs are fixed to the bowsprit, the foremast has 5 square sails and two jibs, the mainmast has 5 square sails and 3 jibs and the mizzen has 5 square sails and a spanker. Sail area: 2.652 sq. metres; max. height of mainmast 56,2 metres.
Armament: Four 47 mm cannons, 1891 model, which were transferred from the previous School Ship (Fragata ARA Presidente Sarmiento), used as a salute battery.
It has won the Boston Teapot trophy in 1966, 1976, 1981, 1987, 1992 and 1998
In 1966 it established the world record for transatlantic crossing (only sail navigation) between Capr Race (Canada) and Dursey Island (Ireland), 1741.4 Nautical Miles in 6 days and 4 hours. The Commander of the ship was Commander Guillermo Franke, and the Boston Teapot was given away by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in name of the Queen, because she refused to do so, since the Captain's rank was not Admiral.
