El Galeón returns to its North American home port

In the pre-dawn hours this morning, Historic City News was called to report the return of the long-absent El Galeón Andalusia, the authentic replica of a ship that traveled Florida’s coasts during the time of St. Augustine’s founding.

Although city management brags that St Augustine is the North American “home port” for the educational vessel, in reality we are a part-time destination. The vessel left St Augustine last June, made a brief appearance for the 450th in September, and has been out to other ports ever since.

El Galeón first arrived in St. Augustine in June 2013. During its departures, the ship has visited ports along the east coast including New York City and was used in the making of the television series Crossbones on location in Puerto Rico.

The 170-foot, 495-ton authentic wooden replica of a Spanish galleon, is owned and operated by the Nao Victoria Foundation of Seville, Spain. Twenty-eight crew members must maneuver more than 9,600 square feet of sail area in the same fashion as 16th century sailors.

St Johns County residents have less than two-weeks to catch the Andalusia for a reduced admission rate of $10 while it is in its “home port” at the St Augustine Municipal Marina. The El Galeon takes off on its next adventure April 12th.

If you plan to visit, the vessel is open for tours from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children, aged 5-12. Tickets may be purchased at the ship at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez, or online at www.fundacionnaovictoria.org