Billing 1/100 Esmeralda Naval TS

Information

Billing Boats Esmeralda Naval Training Ship

The Esmeralda is a training ship of the Chilean Navy with a long and storied history. It was originally built in Spain in 1946 and launched as a steel-hulled four-masted barquentine ship named the “Juan Sebastián Elcano.” The ship was then acquired by Chile in 1951 and renamed the Esmeralda, after a previous Chilean Navy vessel of the same name.

The Esmeralda is primarily used as a training ship for naval cadets, providing hands-on experience in seamanship, navigation, and leadership while participating in international training cruises and naval events. The ship is known for its distinctive black hull and white-painted superstructure, as well as its intricate and traditional rigging.

One of the most notable aspects of the Esmeralda is its participation in naval tall ship races and events around the world. The ship has competed in numerous races and regattas, showcasing its sailing prowess and beauty to spectators and enthusiasts alike. The Esmeralda has also served as a floating embassy for Chile, where it has hosted dignitaries and promoted goodwill between nations.

Despite its training and ceremonial duties, the Esmeralda has faced controversy over the years due to its association with the Chilean military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. The ship was briefly detained in the Netherlands in 2003 due to a legal dispute over the seizure of Chilean assets related to human rights abuses during the Pinochet regime.

Overall, the Esmeralda remains an important symbol of Chilean naval tradition and maritime heritage, representing the country on the global stage through its training missions, naval diplomacy, and participation in tall ship events.

What's In The Box:

• Billing Boats Esmeralda Naval Training Ship kit with Laser cut wood planking.
• Full set of fittings
• Plans
• Diagrams and an instruction manual in multiple languages.

Note: This is a wooden kitset which requires assembly and painting. Glues, required tools, and paint sold separately.

Technical Specifications:
Scale 1:100
Length 44.5″ (113cm)
Height 22″ (56cm)
Width 5.5″ (14cm)
The kit does not contain paint, glue or tools.