PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds was among scores of persons including tourists, diplomats, members of the media, members of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and special invitees who rode rough waters for a tour of the Argentine Navy Vessel TALL SHIP ARA ”LIBERTAD” Saturday morning. The vessel was anchored approximately 10 miles off the coast with flags representing 65 countries including Guyana fluttering from half white ropes on the vessel giving the shape of an arch.
Speaking to the guests onboard the vessel yesterday morning Midshipman of the Argentine Navy Nicolau Joaquin disclosed that the vessel is used by the Argentine Navy as a school ship and provides professional education, foreign politics as well as foreign naval relationships. The vessel has a crew of 320 with 37 women among the lot.
The “LIBERTAD” was built in the 1950s to be used as a school ship for the Argentina Navy cadets. Today it continues to provide that service with instruction voyages each year for the graduating class of the Navy Cadets. During 2004/2007, the vessel went in for a complete overhaul that saw its engines and navigation technology being updated. In keeping with current navy policies, the vessel also has facilities that cater for female cadets.
The vessel’s maiden voyage was in 1962. After that it took part in several activities such as the Boston teapot race and earned for itself several trophies in the years 1966, 76, 82, 87, 1992, and 1998. In 1966, the “LIBERTAD” established the world record for transatlantic crossing between Canada and Ireland, which was done only by sail. Today that record still remains unbroken.
The visitors to the vessel were given a pictorial tour of the vessel and plans for continued sailing. The “LIBERTAD” during this year’s tour which comes to an end in December is expected to have 133 days of sailing, 56 port days and a total of 19,000 miles. The vessel recorded miles sailed so far as 3,000 with the Guyana stop.
Asked why the vessel was forced to anchor almost 10 miles off the Coast, the midshipman explained that the vessel has a 31-metre draft. However it was noted that the vessel was able to anchor closer to the coast than it did during its last visit here. Asked about the vessel’s capabilities in the event of a  terrorist attack while sailing, the Navy man said that the “LIBERTAD” operates within the guidelines of the standards set out for sailing, especially when passing through certain territories.
Midshipman Joaquin explained that while sailing should anything adverse comes the vessel’s way it will be ready to take the necessary action to protect the crew members on board at all times. He added for this voyage so far the vessel has utilised at least 30 percent sail, 30 percent engine and 30 percent mixture of both sails and engine. Navy Joaquin explained that it is the intention to have a 50 percent usage of the sail for the journey, but that depends on the wind.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds expressed thanks on behalf of the Guyanese people for being given the opportunity of visiting the vessel and learning about its operation. Following the formal welcoming and small introduction the Prime Minister, members of the diplomatic corps and special invitees were invited to the VIP lounge of the vessel where they were treated to finger foods prepared onboard by the crew members.
High Sea drama
The journey leading up to the visitors’ presence on board the “LIBERTAD” was not easy sailing or boating for everyone. Three boats initially departed the coast guard wharf at Ruimveldt at approximately 09.15 hours. Onboard the first vessel was Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, his security detail, Coast Guard commander Beaton and other visitors; the second boat comprised the media corp as well as the Ambassador of Argentina and his wife;captain Jerrold Gouveia was also on board;the third vessel was a Coast Guard patrol boat and a few guests as well as Commander Porter of the Coast Guard and head of the Government Information News Agency.
About half hour after take off, the second vessel comprising the media corp encountered difficulties off the coast. One of two engines on the boat failed and the boat captain was soon heard commenting that he was getting no battery power. By that time powerful waves had the boat where it wanted it and the fear among the passengers mostly media personnel would soon be known. For some it was the first time travelling off the coast so experiencing rough waters was not a norm.
Screams could be heard coming from a female reporter from a newspaper.  The waves rocked the boat which caused passengers to believe that the boat was going to capsize. For one cameraman, the rocking was so severe that he got upset and could not function for the rest of the trip. His female reporter was forced to perform the duties of camerawoman and reporter while he received the attention of a doctor onboard the “LIBERTAD.”
While the two other vessels had personnel onboard with radio sets, the same could not be said for the vessel that was encountering difficulties. However, due to the close proximity the Coast Guard boat that was leading the way was informed and turned back to render assistance.
A technician was transferred from the boat of the Prime Minister and he immediately began trying to remedy the problem.  After a few failed attempts, it was then suggested that some passengers join yet
another larger vessel sent from the Coast Guard wharf After a few persons including this reporter and a cameraman from the Multi Technology Vision (MTV) thought it best to join the larger vessel. Soon the ropes which held the two boats together for the transfer were untied and the larger vessel went on its way leaving several other persons on board the boat with the failed engine. It was during enquiring why the rest of the media and other persons were not allowed to join the larger vessel that an army rank explained that the boat was not meant to travel in such rough waters, the weight had to be eased. However,after a few attempts to fix the situation on the boat it was discovered that a fuse was blown. That was fixed and very soon it was back to horsepower for that boat and arrival at the navy vessel  with everyone onboard.
Following the tour of the navy vessel, it was time to re-board and head back to Georgetown. That however was not without its drama as persons were reluctant to join the boat that had developed the problem on its way. It was only after being assured by Commander Porter that the vessel was safe to travel in that persons joined with some amount of confidence but with much skepticism.
Among the main characteristics of the LIBERTAD are 103.75m in length (including bowsprit), 14.31m beam, 6.60m in draft and 3765 displacement. Three masts (Fore, Main and Mizzen with boom) and bowsprit, with double topsails and five-yard arms per mast, which can balance up to 45 degrees on each side. Five jibs are fixed to the bowsprit, the foremast has five square sails and two jibs, the mainmast has five square sails and three jibs and the mizzen has five square sails and a spanker. Sail area: 2.652 sq. metres; max. Height of main-mast 56.2 metres. Four Hotchkiss 47 mm cannons 1891 model, which were transferred from a previous School Ship. Those cannons are used as a salute battery.