The Royal Clipper, the world's largest five-masted sailing ship, now has its plaque on the Costa dock at the Port of Motril, recognizing "the shipping company's commitment to Motril, the coast, and the province of Granada." This was highlighted by Francisco Álvarez de la Chica, president of the port, who was accompanied by the mayor of Motril, the deputy mayor for tourism, the president of the Commonwealth, and the ship's captain.
The data justifies the recognition ceremony. The Royal Clipper has docked thirteen times and will return on October 26. Meanwhile, the company has made a total of 43 calls with its entire fleet without interruption since 2006.
Álvarez de la Chica cited the Royal Clipper as the ship that “has the greatest value for our destination.” The sailing vessel arrived in Motril with 278 people on board, including passengers and crew, more than a hundred of whom will be able to take a shuttle bus to explore the city. An excursion to Granada is also planned.
The mayor of Motril, Flor Almón, has pledged the City Council's support for the joint promotion of the destination because "we see it as an important economic resource for employment and a tourist attraction that will help Motril's name travel the world." According to the president of the Association of Municipalities, Sergio García Alabarce, "the presence of the ship and the recognition it has received strengthen and promote the Costa Tropical brand.".
The institutions represented at the event unveiled the plaque placed on the edge of the Costa dock and presented the ship's captain and his first mate with a book on the history of the Port of Motril. Captain Sergey Utitsyn commented, "We now occupy a special place in the port, so coming to Motril is like coming home.".
