If the sea and the splendour of a magnificent tallship appeals to you, Weymouth is the place to be later this month.
From Thursday 18 May until Sunday 21 May there will be a rare opportunity to see and explore on-board the full-size replica of a massive 17th-century Spanish Galleon, similar to those of the Spanish Armada that was famously defeated by Sir Francis Drake in 1588. These vessels weren’t just fighting ships, but massive trading vessels that could carry over 1200 tons of cargo whilst accommodating 150 crew plus merchants, servants and families, not forgetting animals – for food! Enormous fleets (sometimes up to 70 ships) would sail in convoy between Spain and the Americas or Asia, taking supplies to their colonies and returning with gold, silver and precious gems so it was hardly surprising the ships were armed as they had to frequently defend attacks by pirates and foreign nations – which included England! It was these Spanish galleons that linked nations to trade and share cultures between continents.
‘El Galeon’ was launched in 2009 at Huelva in Spain. The entire timber structure used iroko, pine and beech, reinforced using a totally new and innovative technique to ensure her 500-year-old design meets all 21st-century regulations to safely sail the world’s oceans. After three years of intense research followed by two and a half years in building, the vessel was rigged with over eight miles of traditional rope to handle her 9000 square feet of sails. The ship’s spacious six decks accommodate a fascinating range of features and exhibits that provide a ‘floating museum’ displaying the history of these magnificent craft and the age in which they operated.
El Galeon will be open at Weymouth Harbour from 10 am until 8 pm daily from Thursday 18 May until Sunday 21 May. There is a small admission charge with reduced prices for children and families.
