Out of the Fog: Training Ship 'Danmark' Makes a Stop in Palma

Out of the Fog: Training Ship 'Danmark' Makes a Stop in Palma

Early in the morning the 'Danmark' pushed like a foreign body through the gray veil that had wrapped the bay of Palma the day before. From a distance only masts and sails were visible; closer to shore one could hear the muffled hum of the harbor cranes and the occasional 'tock' of an anchor striking the concrete of Porto Pi. In the cafés along the Passeig Marítim cups filled while walkers in heavy jackets paused to wave at the old three-masted ship.

The ship is 77 meters long and comes from a time when sailing was still part of a thorough seafaring education: the 'Danmark' was built in 1933 in Nakskov. Today she belongs to the maritime training center in Frederikshavn and still takes cadets on board — classically under sail, supplemented by modern navigation. It is a rare sight, because the ship is not just a monument in the harbor but actively in use.

World history on deck

The 'Danmark' has written chapters one might expect from a large frigate. During a training cruise in 1939 the crew received news of the outbreak of the Second World War while in New York. The ship could no longer return to Denmark — the solution lay on the other side of the Atlantic: the 'Danmark' served during that time as a floating training facility for the United States Coast Guard. Around 5,000 cadets passed through parts of their schooling on board. Only after the end of the war, in 1945, did the ship return to Europe. Such detours belong to this vessel's DNA: war, international events and many training voyages.

Today this history appears more peaceful: the 'Danmark' has appeared in parades, visited exhibitions and regularly undertakes training voyages; most recently the Azores and Algeciras were on her route before Palma. Like other unusual guests such as the five-masted Royal Clipper. For people on land this is not just a photo subject but also a small sense of great maritime history right on their doorstep.

Size, role, perspective

At 77 meters the 'Danmark' sits between the very large windjammers and the somewhat smaller training ships. She is not a giant like others that pass through ports at over 100 meters, such as the new 'Star Princess' in Palma, but her role as a living school makes her special. Unlike a museum ship she still carries the noise of training, sail work and the everyday disorder of the deck. That makes her attractive to onlookers: classes of children dreaming of boats, seniors reminded of their own seafaring days, and hobby photographers standing on the quay at dawn.

A small anecdote from politics

One curious episode in the ship's recent history was a political idea from 2019: at the time a Green member of the Schleswig-Holstein state parliament suggested that Germany and Denmark could share a training ship — a reaction to cost problems surrounding another German traditional ship. The idea remained just a thought, but it fits the image of the 'Danmark': a small ship that repeatedly sparks larger debates.

What Palma gains

A visit by the 'Danmark' is not a major economic event for Palma, but it is a close encounter with international maritime history. The crew occasionally go ashore, and the cadets see Palma from a perspective locals know: the city as harbor, supply station and stopover. Along Porto Pi small cafés and kiosks benefit from curious visitors, and for a few hours the harbor scene becomes livelier — sails instead of container stacks, rigging instead of tourist bustle.

Those who stood on the quay yesterday heard the sound of other times: gull calls, the gentle clatter of rigging, two fishermen talking about the day's catch. Such scenes are what give it charm: not a spectacle, but a gentle reminder of how closely Mallorca is connected to the sea.

Looking ahead

The 'Danmark' will remain in Porto Pi until Wednesday, then continue her journey. For the island this is an opportunity to pause briefly, turn eyes to the water and see how lived tradition looks today. If you have time, make the walk to the pier: getting up early is worth it — the fog is often the best set designer for old ships.

And next time you walk along the promenade: take a closer look. Sometimes a small ship brings the biggest stories — and sometimes a glance at the rigging is enough to drift away for a moment.