The History and Origin of the Mexican Tall Ship ARM Cuauhtémoc

ARM Cuauhtémoc: Mexico's Sail Training Vessel - History and Origin

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Published in 05-18-2025

ARM Cuauhtémoc: Mexico's Sail Training Vessel

 

The ARM Cuauhtémoc (BE-01) is a majestic tall ship serving as the official training vessel of the Mexican Navy. Named after the last Aztec emperor, Cuauhtémoc, this ship stands as a symbol of national pride and maritime tradition.

Construction and Commissioning

The Cuauhtémoc was constructed in 1981 at the Celaya Shipyards in Bilbao, Spain. It was the last of four sister ships built for Latin American navies, following Colombia's Gloria (1967), Ecuador's Guayas (1976), and Venezuela's Simón Bolívar (1979). The ship was launched on July 24, 1982, and officially delivered to Mexico shortly thereafter. It was commissioned into the Mexican Navy on September 25, 1982, in Veracruz. Source

ARM Cuauhtémoc: Mexico's Sail Training Vessel

Mexican Navy's Tall Ship: Exploring the History of the Cuauhtémoc

Design and Purpose

The Cuauhtémoc is a three-masted barque measuring 90.5 meters in length, with a mast height of 48.2 meters. Designed for training purposes, it accommodates approximately 186 officers and crew, along with 90 cadets. The ship serves as a floating classroom, providing hands-on experience in navigation, seamanship, and naval traditions. Source

Global Voyages and Diplomatic Missions

Since its commissioning, the Cuauhtémoc has embarked on numerous international voyages, visiting over 228 ports in 73 countries. These journeys serve both educational and diplomatic purposes, promoting goodwill and representing Mexico on the global stage. The ship has participated in various tall ship races and international maritime festivals, earning accolades for its crew's professionalism and the vessel's elegance. Source

Recent Incident: Collision with the Brooklyn Bridge

On May 17, 2025, the Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City during its annual training voyage. The incident occurred as the ship was departing Pier 17, resulting in the tragic deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least 19 others. Preliminary reports suggest a mechanical failure led to the loss of power, causing the ship to drift into the bridge. The collision caused significant damage to the ship's masts but did not result in major structural harm to the bridge. Source

Legacy and Significance

Despite the recent tragedy, the Cuauhtémoc remains a symbol of resilience and dedication within the Mexican Navy. Its legacy as a training vessel and ambassador of Mexican culture continues to inspire naval cadets and foster international relations. The ship's enduring presence underscores Mexico's commitment to maritime excellence and global engagement.

For more information on the Cuauhtémoc and its missions, visit the official page of the Mexican Navy: Velero Cuauhtémoc ARM (BE-01)


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