NS Mercea - Romania Navy vessel
17 June 2010
During our stay in Brinidisi, the NS Mercea was moored against the town quay and prior to our departure for Croatia, we were able to go aboard and check it out above decks. This 'tall ship', similar to the famous Tea Clippers of times past, travels around giving Romania Navy trainees the opportunity to learn all about 'real' sailing before they then move on to more sophisticated, modern craft. Whilst in port, they allow public visits at certain times of the day and this was how we had the opportunity to take a look around.
Built in 1938 in Hamburg, the ship was built for the sole purpose of training the Romania Navy. We were shown around by one of the trainees, who spoken excellent English, and, although he had only been on board for 3 weeks, he was very knowledgeable. There were a total of 130 crew on board and, whilst we were not able to go below decks, our guide told us that life aboard was comfortable.