Photo: Ray Duff Visitors begin their tours on the Main Deck.
Words and Photos by Ray Duff – At the end of last week, another replica Spanish galleon arrived at Dover Marina.
The ‘NAO VICTORIA’, painted all over in black, is based on the first ever vessel to sail around the world in the 16th century.
The visit follows the great success of the albeit shorter visit last year of the same groups ‘Grande Andalucia’ replica which attracted hundreds.
The Noa Victoria was originally built in Spain in 1519, returning in 1522 having circumnavigated the world under the command of Captain Juan Sebastian Elcano. Today’s modern replica was constructed in 1991 as part of a small fleet of four replica vessels, so far, of the Noa Victoria Foundation and are used as museum and training vessels.
Photo: Ray Duff One of the mini cannons used for defence
The ship at Dover is actually even smaller than the Grand Andalucia and boarding gives a glimpse of just how precarious life on board these vessel could be.
The deck spaces are very small especially when going into the hold and the few cabins on board. Even the Captain’s Cabin is a small cramped space though for the most part people were shorter in those days.
On display, amongst much else, is a selection of the ropes that would have been carried, the foodstuffs, some of the military hardware of the day, mostly small cannon in this ships case, some metal breast plates.
The modern vessel can run on wind power alone using it’s sails, especially for training voyages, and instead of the more tradition ‘steering wheel’ it only has a long tiller pole linked to the stern rudder. Today of course it is required to have an albeit small engine to ensure it can travel even on windless days accompanied by some small controls and modern compass both just in front of the tiller.
Photo: Ray Duff The Captains Cabin, under the poop Deck with the steering pole in front
Any visitors should perhaps also note that as this vessel is smaller it may tend to ‘bob about’ a little more alongside so may feel a bit unsteady, including when using the boarding gangway, but staff are on hand to assist if necessary.
Photo: Ray Duff The Crews Mess hall in the stern of the vessel, with rope selection.
Information:
Replica Spanish Galleon- Dover Marina: Tug Boat Quay. 21 -31 August 10AM – 8PM
(last boarding at 7pm)
Tickets at the Kiosk: £10 Adult/ £5 Child / £25 Family.
Souveniers also on sale at the kiosk.
Tickets can also be purchased online.
The Nao Victoria – https://www.