Romanian Training Ship 'Mircea' Sails Hudson for U.S. Independence Day

The Romanian naval training ship "Mircea" sailed on the Hudson River in New York on July 4, participating in the Tall Ships Parade as part of the SAIL250 event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding.

This appearance marks a significant return for the "Mircea," nearly 50 years after its historic participation in 1976. A new generation of Romanian sailors aboard the vessel returned to the American metropolis, saluting the Statue of Liberty as they sailed.

Despite sweltering temperatures, the crew performed professionally. Cadets unfurled the sails, greeting the tens of thousands gathered along the Hudson River, creating an iconic image for the Romanian vessel. In the evening, the "Mircea" docked at Brooklyn Pier 5, where thousands watched the Independence Day fireworks display. Positioned near the launch site, the ship and its crew had a front-row view of the day's symbolic conclusion, according to a Facebook post by the Romanian Naval Forces.

The New York parade featured over 40 tall ships from 20 countries, including notable vessels like Chile's Esmeralda, Peru's BAP Unión, Argentina's ARA Libertad, and Spain's Juan Sebastián Elcano. The "Mircea" will remain in New York Harbor until July 8. During July 5-7, the training ship is open for public visits, offering a chance to explore one of Romania's most representative vessels and meet its crew.

The "Mircea" departed Constanța on April 16 for an international training mission scheduled until September 16. Its itinerary includes stops in five U.S. ports: Miami, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston. Built in Hamburg, Germany, in 1938, the "Mircea" is a three-masted barque measuring approximately 82 meters long with 23 sails covering 1,750 square meters. Its crew consists of 80-89 members, plus 120-140 cadets. The ship is comparable to the U.S. Eagle, Germany's Gorch Fock, and Portugal's Sagres. The "Mircea" is expected to return to Constanța in September after a voyage of over 150 days, covering roughly 14,000 nautical miles and visiting 15 ports across Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

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Despite the sweltering temperatures, the crew fulfilled their mission with professionalism. The cadets unfurled the sails and saluted from the rigging the tens of thousands of people gathered on the banks of the Hudson River, offering an image that has become emblematic for the Romanian sailing ship.