New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
This week, for the first time, the “El Galeón,” a massive wooden full-scale, authentic replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon will visit the Port of New Bedford. The ship is scheduled to sail into New Bedford Harbor on Thursday, May 19 at 7:00PM and will be open to the public starting Friday, May 20th from 10:00AM to 7:00PM daily until Sunday, May 22nd.
On Friday morning at 10:00AM (subject to change), City officials will welcome the vessel to the port at State Pier. The ship’s visit to New Bedford is part of the El Galeón’s 2016 United States Tour which began in Tampa, Florida in February and will end this summer with a sail around the Great Lakes.
The Galeón is a replica of the type of vessel used by the Spanish Crown for maritime expeditions from the 16th to 18th century. Galleons were intended to discover and then establish trade routes between Spain, America and the Philippines, and formed the then called ‘Fleet of the Indies.”
New Bedford Tourism and Marketing Director Dagny Ashley said, “The El Galeón’s visit to New Bedford Harbor is anticipated to be of interest to a broad range of residents and visitors, from recreational sailors, to history buffs, and everyone who appreciates the splendor of a seeing these tall ships in action. This is going to be a fun-filled, family friendly, educational experience that speaks to our own local historical and cultural roots.”
“It is with great pride that Northeast Maritime Institute will assist the Port of New Bedford and the Harbor Development Commission to make New Bedford Harbor a destination for tall ships,” said Eric R. Dawicki, President and CEO of Northeast Maritime Institute College of Maritime Science.
“We’re happy to welcome El Galeón to the Port of New Bedford, the culmination of an effort by institutions on both sides of the harbor to attract tall ships into the harbor. This vessel kicks off a great summer schedule of historic ships providing the public with a fun learning experience on our dynamic waterfront,” said New Bedford Port Director, Ed Anthes-Washburn.
According to the Nao Victoria Foundation, the non-profit organization which owns the vessel, El Galeón is a 500 ton vessel, with over-all length reaching 160 ft. and beam 32 ft. Four masts hold 6 sails which measure almost 11,000 square feet. Its average speed is 7 knots.
Visitors may tour around the decks, where they will find information panels, historical documents, videos, interactive tablets and meet the crew. The ship is commanded by Captain Rosario Fernandez Rodrigues and maneuvered by 18 crew members.
Visitors can purchase tickets at State Pier or online, Adults $10, Children $5; 5-12 years of age, under 5 free. www.fundacionnaovictoria.org
Visitors can also track the El Galeon arrival at vessel finder. www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/GALEON
For images of the vessel: www.elgaleon.org
