 When John F. Kennedy was President he was instrumental in forming a group known as Op-Sail, short for Operation Sail, a nonprofit, multinational organization designed to promote sail training and goodwill among nations.
An avid sailor and Naval officer, the former President believed sailing promoted team building skills and helped to bridge cultural and international barriers.
Nearly 50 years later, Op-Sail is still making its mark, and was an inspiration and catalyst for the development of the Sail Corpus Christi Organization.
Ahoy Mates! That's not Captain Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl you see coming into Corpus Christi harbor, that's "La Gloria," and she's the true glory and pride of the Colombian Navy, and is in the spotlight for the first ever Sail Corpus Christi Tall Ship celebration.
On the morning of June 6 the Corpus Christi waterfront will be abuzz in anticipation of the arrival of this magnificent tall ship, one of the few foreign tall ship vessels to visit the Texas coast in recent years.
Thanks to the efforts of the Sail Corpus Christi Organization, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, the Buccaneer Commission, and corporate sponsor HEB, South Texas and Corpus Christi is hosting it's first Tall Ship Event.
The gala is set to begin the morning of June 6th with the arrival of La Gloria and will continue through Friday June 9th. Visitors will get a chance to view the tall ship dockside or purchase tickets to tour the ship onboard. Ticket prices range from $10 for dockside viewing to $26 for ship boarding, but it is recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time since the ship has limited patron availability. (You may purchase your tickets online at www.ccsail.com).
The event is a true intercultural exchange for South Texans, Texas Visitors and for the Colombian crew of La Gloria. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about tall ships as well as the culture and history of Colombia. In the vicinity of the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center, different activities are planned which will highlight Colombian culture. There will also be a host of conferences about trade opportunities with Colombia planned during the event.
Most of us have heard about Colombian coffee, but there is a wealth of other wonderful and diverse products from Columbia to learn about, and the crew of the La Gloria is anxious to enlighten visitors.
The La Gloria crew of 130+ is accustomed to serving as ambassadors for their country at tall ship events around the world, and say they look forward to the cultural exchanges in the many ports they visit. La Gloria even sports its own band to entertain where ever they harbor!
While visitors tour the great tall ship, the Colombian sailors will get a taste of Texas as well. They'll try out their land legs at a local soccer tournament, experience Texas Beaches, and are even scheduled to visit the infamous King Ranch nearby. With 70 students aboard the ship, they are eager to explore the South Texas area and its own diverse cultural offerings.
 South Texas is a long way from Cartagena, Colombia, homeport to the La Gloria. Normally docked in the historic district of Cartagena, the ship has an air of age about it, though it is younger than it looks. It's the 23 sails, four masts, polished wood and brass that give it such a historical ambiance. But La Gloria was actually built in 1968, and is one of the largest tall ships still afloat and used as a training vessel.
Since the ship is often invited to Tall Ship regattas around the world, the Colombian Government uses it to showcase its history to foreign dignitaries and visitors who step aboard. In fact, the beautiful wooden bar on board has museum-quality exhibits set in exquisite glass displays for visitors to admire. Spectators will be amazed by the pre-Columbian gold and ceramic artifacts on display.
While the exterior of La Gloria may remind one of historic seafaring vessels of yesteryear, her interior is full of modern computer navigation and even air conditioning, making for a comfortable and engaging ship tour for visitors.
Don't miss this rare and unique opportunity to visit this Tall Ship on the Texas Coast. La Gloria awaits to whisk you away to a time near forgotten.
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Rio Grande Valley
