It’ a full-scale replica of a 17th century galleon
A huge Spanish tall ship, Galeón Andalucía, is coming to Bristol Harbour Festival(Image: Nao Victoria Foundation)
A huge tall ship is coming to Bristol for the city’s Harbour Festival – giving visitors a chance to step aboard a full-scale replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon.
Galeón Andalucía was built during 2009 to 2010 by the Nao Victoria Foundation and was designed and developed by Ignacio Fernández Vial at the Punta Umbria shipyard in Huelva, Spain.
The boat was first launched on November 30, 2009, and masts added at the beginning of 2010.
It has since covered more than 48,000 nautical miles between 2010 to 2016, sailing across the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Southern China Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Bosphorus Strait and the Caribbean Sea.
So far, visitors have been able to step on her decks in almost 100 ports all over the world.
The ship will dock in Bristol between Thursday, July 17 and Sunday, July 20. Visitors can board each day between 10am and 8.30pm to meet the crew and immerse themselves in exhibits that chronicle the era of transoceanic exploration and trade.
Festival director Harry Feigen said: “The arrival of Galeón Andalucía is a standout addition to this year’s Bristol Harbour Festival and offers an unforgettable way to connect with Bristol’s maritime heritage. It’s a must-see experience for all ages.”
The rest of the festival programme on the water will see ‘unmissable activity and family-friendly spectacle’, organisers say – including flyboard stunts from James Prestwood, high-energy canoe sprint races with Bristol Canoe Club and the ever-popular cardboard boat race and model boat parades brought to life by My Future My Choice.
The Royal Navy will add dramatic flair with Commando Raiding Craft demonstrations, while the Steamboat Association of Great Britain brings a touch of heritage to the water.
Young maritime fans can cheer on Sea Cadet races and junior gig crews and the weekend will draw to a close with a final flourish from the iconic Pyronaut.
Elsewhere, four of Bristol’s leading independent breweries – Left Handed Giant, Wiper & True, Bristol Beer Factory and Lost and Grounded Brewers – will be serving side by side for the first time. There will be music performances from Harmer Jays, Horses on the Beach and The Longest Johns, along with the return of the Queen Square market showcasing regional makers, traders and food vendors.
The Bristol Harbour Festival is produced by Proud Events in partnership with Swans Events, and is supported by Bristol City Council, Bristol City Centre BID, and Redcliffe & Temple BID.
For full programme details, visit here.
How to go on board Galeón Andalucía
Tickets to board the ship are available now here and can also be purchased onboard during the festival.
Entry is priced at £12 for adults and £6 for children aged five to 10, with a family ticket (covering two adults and up to three children) available for £30. Children under five can enter for free when accompanied by an adult.
Special rates are available for schools and associations by emailing ecampos@velacuadra.es.
After the festival, the Galeón Andalucía will embark on a unique voyage from Bristol to Portsmouth, offering a limited number of berths for adventurous travellers. Boarding is scheduled for 6pm on Sunday, July 20, with disembarkation on Thursday, July 24 at 12noon. For details and booking, visit here.