Thursday The Portugese tall ship the Sagres

Good morning, and have a good day,
Today I will share some photos of a Tall Ship arriving in New Bedford the other day.
I took out my Big lens, the Sony 200-600, for its arrival, but wish I had also taken my 50-400 lens for some shots when it was near docking, but ohh well, it is what it is.

Let me tell you about the ship.

Built in 1937, the NRP Sagres is the premier sail-training vessel of the Portuguese Navy. Nicknamed "Sagres III," she is a stunning 293-foot, three-masted barque.

Famous for her bright white hull and sails emblazoned with the red crosses of the Order of Christ, she serves as both a floating classroom for naval cadets and a roving cultural ambassador.

The Sagres has a fascinating history that spans three navies and four flags

German Origins (1937–1945): Launched in Hamburg as the Albert Leo Schlageter, she was built by Blohm & Voss as a training ship for the German Kriegsmarine.

Brazilian Service (1948–1961): Following World War II, the U.S. took the ship as war compensation and later gave it to Brazil.

The Brazilian Navy sailed her as a training vessel named the Guanabara.

Portuguese Service (1961–Present): Portugal acquired the ship in 1961, renaming her Sagres to replace an older, retired training vessel and its still is use today.

And why did it visit New Bedford after it visited Boston for Sail250®—the 250th anniversary of American independence

New Bedford's has a proud Portuguese-American community , and hence the Sagres holds a special place in the city's maritime history.

Now on to the photos and more than usual again for this post

Starting with a Monochrome edit as she was coming in and passing the Butler Flats Lighthouse