10/06/2026
OFFICIAL WELCOME FOR THE NAO SANTA MARÍA
This morning, Baltimore had the honour of officially welcoming the magnificent Nao Santa María to our village with a special reception and gift exchange aboard the historic vessel.
Representatives from local organisations, community groups, Cork County Council, Baltimore RNLI, Baltimore Sailing Club, and the Baltimore Pirate Festival Committee gathered alongside the ship's captain and crew to mark this memorable visit.
A warm Baltimore welcome was extended to:
• Desiree Gonzalez – Project Manager, Nao Santa María
• Pablo Fernandez – Captain, Nao Santa María
Joining the ceremony were:
• Noreen O'Mahony, Senior Executive Officer
• Aoife Power, Administrative Officer
• Cllr. Caroline Cronin, Chair, West Cork Municipal District
• Guitec Danno, Managing Director, West Cork Irish Whiskey
• Dr Noel Lawn, Baltimore Pirate Festival Committee
• Kieran Cotter, Baltimore RNLI
• Tom Bushe, Baltimore RNLI
• Ruth Field, Commodore, Baltimore Sailing Club
• Sarah Sinnott, Executive Engineer, Cork County Council
• Stuart Musgrave, Chair, Baltimore Community Council
• Bill & Ann Hillyard, The Algiers Bar & Baltimore Pirate Festival Committee
The exchange of gifts symbolised the friendship and cultural connection between Baltimore and the crew of the Nao Santa María, whose visit has already captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
We thank Captain Pablo Fernandez, Desiree Gonzalez and the entire crew for bringing this remarkable ship to Baltimore and for the wonderful welcome they have received from our community.
The Nao Santa María is open to visitors on Baltimore's North Pier until Sunday, offering a unique opportunity to step aboard a faithful replica of one of history's most famous sailing ships.
