Historic Spanish Galleon sails into the Tyne
You'll soon be able to visit the floating museum
NE1, Newcastle City Council, and the Port of Tyne have joined forces to secure a historic Spanish galleon visit to Newcastle for the first time, as part of its sailing tour of UK ports.
The eye-catching floating museum ship will sail up the Tyne and moor at Spiller’s Quay near the Cycle Hub in the Ouseburn remaining in place for people to visit from Tuesday 25th June until July 7th – and will be open from 10 am – 8 pm each day.
The Galeon Andalucía is a painstakingly accurate replica of the ships that were used by Spanish explorers and traders between the 16th and 18th centuries as they sailed what were unparalleled distances around the world at the time on their voyages of discovery.
The ship’s design was innovative for its time, created to sail huge distances and navigate large oceans as efficiently as possible while carrying heavy loads of armoury as well as hundreds of seamen, merchants and settlers.
The historic galleon is a striking example of these ships, which have featured in many iconic films over the years and will be familiar to everyone, with its three masts, seven huge sails and a large wooden hull. It is over 160ft long, which is roughly the width of a football pitch, and weighs over 500 tonnes, more than 50 double-decker buses.
Owned and operated by the Spanish Nao Victoria Foundation, the replica Spanish galleon was built by a naval engineer and historian and serves as a floating museum. A crew of between 15 to 35 people now sail the galleon around the world.
Visitors will be able to board the galleon to look around its six decks and learn about the ship and Spanish naval history. After the success of visits to different harbours across the UK, the Galeón Andalucía advises people to buy tickets in advance to avoid missing out on the experience.
Dates: 25 June – 7th July
Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm
Costs: Adults: £12 / Children (5- 10 years): £6 / Family (2 adults + up to 3 children between 5- 10 years): £30.
( Free for children under 5 years old, who must be accompanied by an adult).
Guided Visit Schools and Associations: £6 (1 free teacher for every 20 children) Over 10
years old £12. Arrange through: ecampos@velacuadra.es
Points of sale: on the ship or via the website: tickets.velacuadra.es
The best vantage point to view the galleon from the Quayside is at Spiller’s Quay on Newcastle’s Quayside. Access and entry to visitors will also be from this location.
Tariq Albassam, Director of Operations at NE1 Ltd said:
“We are delighted to have played our part in bringing this majestic replica galleon to the Tyne. It will be a true spectacle to see this historic vessel in full sail on the Tyne and then moored on the Quayside. We are excited to give the people of Newcastle, a city famous for links with ship-building and the ocean, the chance to see such a historic vessel and have the chance to board the floating museum, a truly unique experience.”
Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Rob Higgins, said: “Newcastle was once a hub of maritime trade and construction, so it is very fitting we welcome the Galeón Andalucía to our city as part of its tour of UK ports, and hope the crew enjoy their time with us.
“The galleon is a truly fantastic example of a ship of its time. It will look magnificent moored at Spiller’s Quay, and I’m sure will attract a lot of interest.
“We are lucky to have been given this opportunity and I do hope many people visit the ship during its stay to learn of the rich history of this type of vessel and the lives of those who sailed on it.”
Fernando Viota, Director of logistics for the Galeón Andalucía tour said:
“It is a pleasure for us to come to such an important port as Newcastle Upon Tyne. Last year we were looking forward to visiting the city and this year we didn't want to miss this opportunity. We are sure that everyone who visits the Galeón Andalucía will be amazed by the history hidden between its decks and its magnificent historical recreation”.
Alan Feast, Harbour Master, Port of Tyne said:
“We look forward to welcoming the Galeón Andalucía to the River Tyne.
The Port of Tyne team have enjoyed working closely with our stakeholders NE1 and Newcastle City Council to ensure the safe and successful visit of this historic vessel.”