A reproduction Spanish galleon has made a stop over in Gravesend so that members of the public can go onboard.
The Galeon Andalucia is a reproduction from between the 16th and 18th centuries. The ship’s interior has been fitted out to be a floating museum dedicated to the age of sail.
The vessel was launched in November 2009 after weeks of historical research and 17 months of construction. It can reach speeds of seven knots and requires a crew of up to 35 people. It has sailed the Atlantic, the Pacific and Indian oceans and the Mediterranean, China Aegean, Caribbean and Red seas. It has covered more than 48,000 nautical miles in its first six years.
The ship, which is based in Seville, Spain, is 55m (180ft) long, has six decks and seven sails. The visit to Gravesend is part of a European tour which has already taken in Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.
It docked at Gravesend Town Pier on Tuesday 10th September and is open to visitors until 22nd September for around £12 for adults, £6 for children aged five to 10 years old, and £30 for families of two adults and up to three children.
It is scheduled to leave Gravesend on 23rd September around midday and will travel further up the Thames towards Central London.
