Ships From Denmark To Arrive In Territory As Part Of Transfer Day Commemoration

The Spanish Galleon sailing ship, El GaleónAndalucia, offered more than 2,000 Virgin Islands students an opportunity to tour its five decks. Now, three more Danish ships are set to arrive in the coming weeks for the Centennial events and activities, according to a release issued on Friday. Above, the El Galeon Andalucia.

The Danish government an Soren Blak from the Danish Council, have extended two opportunities for students and teachers to visit and engage two very different types of vessels that will be in the territory in commemoration of the Transfer Centennial. While both types of vessels are designated warships, they are used almost exclusively to train young cadets to become professional sailors and officers.

The sailing vessels Svanen and Thyra are 60 ft. Bermuda sloop rigged international open-ocean racers that will be competing in this year’s St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR) March 24-26. These smaller boats are ideal for older students, juniors and seniors, who have a career interest in the naval or maritime services, industry or are involved in similar programs at your respective schools.  The tall ship Danmark, is scheduled to arrive in St. Thomas March 28 and remains there until April 1 when she arrives in St. Croix. At 234 ft. it is a much larger training ship and international nautical ambassador for the Government of Denmark. This is more in line with visitations similar to that of the tall ship El Galeón. It can handle larger classes and a variety of interest levels.  We highly encourage the Danmark for general interest public visits for students. 

Here are the tentative tour dates and times for visits:

Ship(s)                               Location                                                                              Dates                       Times
SVANEN/THYRA         Yacht Haven Grande                                                   20-21 March        10:00-3:00

DANMARK                       Crown Bay                                                                         29-30 March       10:00-4:00

DANMARK                       Christiansted, St. Croix                                             1 April                     Tentative    

These dates and times are subject to change. Please stay tuned to your local radio and television stations for updates on the visit schedules. You may also contact to your local team at the VI Centennial Foundation (VICF) or 340 Group VI (340GVI) for assistance at (340) 244-3590 or (340) 513-8191. VICF and 340GVI are proud to partner with the VI Transfer Centennial Commission and our local Danish representatives and societies to bring additional maritime educational opportunities to our local students and the general community.