Official presentation of the ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’ Trophy.

The Madrid ‘Casa de América’ welcomed yesterday the official presentation of the ‘Juan Sebastián’ Trophy on the occasion of the activities organized to commemorate the 500 Anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe. The event was presided over by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, who was accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy, Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón (AJEMA), the Under-Secretary of Culture and Sports, Javier García Fernández, the Secretary General of Defense Policy, Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez, and Vice admiral Ignacio Horcada, Secretary of the Ministry of Defense 5th Centenary Commission.

The AJEMA took the floor to welcome all the attendees and praised the figure of the Spanish sailor and his feat of circumnavigating the world for the first time. He also underlined the Navy’s commitment with the events commemorating such an accomplishment, like the next cruise of our training ship named after the renowned sailor, which will sail around the world; several regattas organized by the Spanish Navy and the special 5th Centenary ensign which Spanish Navy ships will fly for the occasion.

After a few words by Vice-admiral Horcada, Theresa Zabel – former Olympic yachtswoman, World and European champion, and President of ECOMAR, a foundation devoted to advocate respect for the marine environment – presented the Trophy. She was accompanied by yachtsman Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, Olympic sportsman and a world reference of oceanic navigation, who has circumnavigating the globe seven times.

The ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’ Trophy will be awarded in the most prestigious regattas organized by the different Spanish Yacht Clubs in the coming years, including European and World championships.