A FULL-sized replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon is to visit Jersey next week – and Islanders and tourists will get the chance to step on board.
El Galeón – a 50-metre-long, six-decked floating museum featuring exhibits and displays – will be berthed on the Albert Pier between Tuesday and Sunday.
The ship’s crew will also be available to explain more about the vessel and the history behind the Spanish fleet, which was mainly used between the 16th and 18th centuries to ply many of the world’s trade routes.
The galleons were originally designed to cross the Atlantic and Pacific, taking products such wheat, olive oil, wine, fabrics, weapons and tools from Spain.
When the ships returned, they mainly carried gold, silver, ivory, silk, and precious gems.
Ports of Jersey will hold a small Spanish food festival featuring paella, tapas, churros, Spanish beer and sangria between noon and 8pm, from Friday 21 July to 23 July, on the Albert Pier. There will also be live music between 5pm and 8pm.
Tickets to board the ship can be bought from a stall on the Albert Pier during the vessel’s visit.
- El Galeón was launched on 30 November 2009.
- The ship covered more than 48,000 nautical miles between 2010 and 2016, travelling the world’s largest oceans, visiting four continents and participating in many cultural projects.
- El Galeón has sailed across the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Southern China Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Bosporus Strait and the Caribbean Sea.
