PENSACOLA, Fla. — Juan Sebastián de Elcano, the world’s third largest tall ship, will arrive at approximately 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, at the Port of Pensacola to help commemorate Pensacola’s 450th anniversary and kickoff the 60th annual Fiesta of Five Flags celebration.

Performances by McGuire’s Irish Pipe Band and the Pensacola Civic Band, a 21-gun salute, cannon fire and a fly-over by the world-famous Blue Angels will be part of the festivities as the ship enters the port.

The Elcano will dock through June 9 giving the public several opportunities to enter the Port of Pensacola to board and tour the ship June 4, 6, 7 and 8.

While the Port of Pensacola will not be open to the public on Wednesday, June 3, the public is invited to view the entrance of the ship from the viewing area at Plaza de Luna.

Boaters are also encouraged to watch from the water. However, the United States Coast Guard wishes to remind all boaters that the Elcano is a commissioned vessel of the Spanish Royal Navy, and, as such, certain precautions must be observed at all times.

No vessels will be allowed to approach within 500 feet of the Elcano during her cruise through Pensacola Bay, or while docked at the port. Vessels from the United States Coast Guard, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will accompany the Elcano through Pensacola Bay. It is important that boaters comply with the directions given by any of these agencies.

The tall ship is named after Juan Sebastián de Elcano, who sailed with Magellan on his first circumnavigation of the globe, and then completed the circumnavigation after Magellan’s death during the voyage.

The Elcano was launched on March 5, 1927. It is the official training ship for Spanish Midshipmen of the Spanish Naval Academy and has sailed more than 1.5 million nautical miles on 77 cruises, 10 of which have been around the world.

Considered to be a “floating embassy,” the ship’s presence in foreign countries and ports has enhanced Spanish foreign policy across the globe.

Several distinguished guests will be in Pensacola throughout the Elcano visit including Commanding Officer, Capt. Francisco Javier Romero Caramelo, Naval Attaché to Spain, Capt. Martinez, Consul General of Spain, Santiago Cabanas, and Honorary Vice Consul of Spain, Maria Davis.

Free public tours will be available at the following times at the Port of Pensacola:

• Thursday, June 4

11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3–6 p.m.

• Saturday, June 6

11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3–6 p.m.

• Sunday, June 7

3–6 p.m.

• Monday, June 8

11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3–6 p.m.

Spanish explorers arrived in Pensacola in 1559 to establish the country’s first major European settlement. The Elcano visit will represent this journey and honor the community’s Spanish heritage.

The tall ship first visited Pensacola in 1959 during Pensacola’s 400th anniversary.

Other activities include a private Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Emmanuel Point location, a regatta involving nearly a dozen midshipmen at the Pensacola Yacht Club and other private receptions.

In addition, several public events including the Fiesta Days Celebration, the Fiesta Boat Parade and the DeLuna Landing Ceremony, the Fiesta Sand Sculpture Contest and the Fiesta Days Parade will take place during the week.

For more information about the arrival of the Juan Sebastián de Elcano or festivities taking place while it is in Pensacola, call the Fiesta of Five Flags at (850) 433-6512, or click on www.fiestaoffiveflags.org.