The replica 17th century Spanish galleon El Galeón Andalucía made a first visit to Poole Town Quay this summer, arriving from Ramsgate on 30 July then continuing to Rotterdam on 5 August as part of its itinerary around UK, Dutch and German ports.
The 49m 500-ton ship, built in fibreglass then lined with wood, is owned by the Nao Victoria Foundation and was launched from the Punta Umbria shipyard in Huelva, Spain, on 30 November 2009. Visitors are able to explore most areas of this faithfully recreated ship, and also sail on her between ports.
It took three years to research the main historical and maritime archives in Spain and compile all necessary information about galleons’ shapes, details and measures so that this replica could be built.
Photo and report by Kevin Mitchell
