Replica Spanish galleon arrives on Yorkshire coast

A replica of a 16th Century Spanish galleon has sailed into port on the Yorkshire coast and will welcome visitors for the next two weeks.

The original Nao Victoria became the first ship to circumnavigate the globe more than 500 years ago, and the replica now operates as a living museum.

Lupo Bathke, logistics manager for the vessel, said the crew were “constantly reminded of what an amazing piece of history we get to live on every day by people who come to visit”.

The ship is berthed at North Wharf Quay in Scarborough and will be open daily to the public from 27 June to 6 July.

After tide times delayed the ship’s arrival, its mast and Spanish flag were eventually visible on the outside of the harbour wall, to the delight of a gathered crowd.

Lisa, from Whitby, said she’d been waiting since the morning to spot the Nao Victoria, and described it as looking “like a pirate ship”.

“I’m very excited to see it – it’s gorgeous, absolutely stunning. I’m actually going on it tomorrow,” she said.

For Julie and Andy, from Shipley, the sight of the galleon was a pleasant surprise.

“We just got set up here because we like looking at the boats, and then we heard people talking and it’s just a coincidence this boat is coming in,” Julie said.

“We’ve got the perfect position, sat comfortably – brilliant.”

The Nao Victoria – whose name translates as “Victory” – was the only one of five ships that returned from a voyage to Indonesia, but later sank in 1570.

The replica was completed in 1991 and made a round-the-world trip between 2004 – 2006 in homage to the one taken by the original.

According to Mr Bathke, the vessel travels “80% of the time under sail” but has two auxiliary engines which are mainly used for navigating in and out of ports.

He previously spent a year on board with the crew and called it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” that even poor weather couldn’t spoil.

“When it gets into heavy waves, it can be a lot of fun for those who enjoy it and very never-wracking if you don’t enjoy it that much,” he said.

“I’m lucky enough to have never been seasick so I thoroughly enjoy it but I have seen some people who don’t have that good a time.”

The Nao Victoria now only stops sailing for one month a year, and mainly travels around northern Europe.

Prior to arriving in Scarborough, the ship journeyed up the English coast, stopping at Torquay and Eastbourne.

Visitors will be able to board the Nao Victoria between 10:00 – 20:00 BST every day, to find out more about the history of the original vessel.