Ponce de Leon visits El Galeon

Historic City News special reporter, Raphael Cosme, was onboard El Galeon Andalucia while Spanish explorers Ponce de Leon and Pedro Menendez visited the historic replica of the 16th century sailing vessel harbored at the St Augustine Municipal Marina.

Manuel Minero Gonzalez, head of communications for Fundacion Nao Victoria, the owner of the educational ship, greeted Ponce de Leon (portrayed by Father Gilbert Medina) and Pedro Menendez (portrayed by Chad Light) and their page (portrayed by Raphael Cosme lll) last week.

The ship departed from Puerto Rico, where Ponce de Leon was governor, and has sailed in much the same way his crew did in 1513. El Galeon also stopped in Miami, Cape Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale; inviting visitors to come aboard the floating museum and living-history testament to the mariners who forged Florida’s history.

The 16th century sailing ship will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through June 23, for public visits. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children; ages 6 to 12, and children age 5 and under are free.

Photo credits: © 2013 Historic City News contributed photograph by Raphael Cosme