** EL GALEON VISIT TO PLYMOUTH – POSTPONED UNTIL SEPTEMBER **
Update from Fundación Nao Victoria – Monday 31st July 2023:
“The Captain of El Galeón has been looking at the weather report closely in the last few days to determine the best time to sail across the Channel to get El Galeón to Plymouth safe and sound – sailing a 17th Century replica is quite different to sailing a modern ship as the weather conditions affect the ship and the sailing in different and much more determining ways. Unfortunately, the weather forecast, instead of anticipating a window of opportunity for the crossing, has recently gotten worse, to the point where the Captain doesn’t see an opening for a safe sailing to Plymouth during this whole week. The strong winds and waves forecasted during the next five days are way over the limit of what would be a safe sailing for the ship and her crew.
So, despite all the efforts we’ve all made to make the visit of El Galeón to Plymouth work, we are sadly forced to postpone the event. We are deeply sorry about this. We know this is a great setback for everyone involved, but we are forced to adapt to the weather conditions to maintain the safety and integrity of the ship and her crew.”
Liaising with El Galeón’s owners, Captain and crew, the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners have quickly been able to arrange a revised date for El Galeón to visit. El Galeón will now be in Plymouth, alongside on the Barbican Landing Stage, arriving into Plymouth on Tuesday 12th and departing on Monday 18th September. Further details of when she will be open to explore and the new ticket booking link will be released in due course.
Anyone with pre-booked tickets will be contacted directly and given an option to use their ticket(s) for the rescheduled visit or receive a full refund.
El Galeón Andalucía is the replica of the ship used by the Spanish during the XVI to XVIII centuries, in the maritime expeditions of discovery and inter-oceanic trade between Spain, America and the Philippines of the so-called fleets of the Indies.
The visit to the galleon consists of a self-guided walking tour. Once on board, you are free to wander its decks, talk to the actual crew members (real sailors living on board), and enjoy dozens of interactive exhibits, videos, projections and historical documents.
El Galeón is a full size replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon – access to the ship is via a gangway with steps and there are several stairs onboard. El Galeón is not accessible for wheelchair users.
