El Galeón, a Unique Replica of the 16th Century Spanish Galleons, Bound for St. Augustine This Summer
By: Samantha Vega Apr. 19, 2013
St. Augustine is one of only four Florida port stops for the Viva Florida 500 Voyage of El Galeón as it sails a historic route similar to Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León's 500 years ago. The ship set sail from Puerto Rico on April 1 and will spend 12 days in St. Augustine May 23 - June 3.
El Galeón is a 170 foot, 495 ton, authentic wooden replica of a galleon that was part of Spain's West Indies fleet. The Viva Florida 500 Voyage will call on ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Canaveral and St. Augustine beginning April 15 and culminating June 3, as part of the state's Quincentenary commemorations.The galleon will cover more than 900 nautical miles, with 28 crewmembers on board maneuvering more than 9,600 square feet of sail area, the same way it was conducted in the 16th century. It is owned by the Nao Victoria Foundation of Sevilla, Spain.
Ponce de León sailed from Puerto Rico, where he was Governor, in search of an Island of riches and perhaps the fountain of youth. He spotted land April 3, 1513 and promptly named it La Florida. His arrival marked the beginning of a European presence in what is now the U. S. mainland, and Ponce de Leon is also credited with discovering the Gulf Stream which led to development of the early trade routes between Spain and the America's that brought galleons filled with treasures perilously close to Florida's shores.
While in port, the ships decks will be open to public visits. Visitors will have the chance to learn about the history that began 500 years ago while admiring the craftsmanship and grandeur of these galleons that reached Florida's coast centuries ago.
Information and tickets for El Galeón are available at www.vivaflorida.org. The ship will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the St. Augustine City Marina. Tickets are $8 for children age 12 and under and $15 for adults.
Videos