Spanish galleon replica The Galeon Andalucia departed from Ramsgate this morning (July 29) after a weekend stop in the harbour where visitors were able to go onboard and explore the vessel.
Andalucia is a 500 ton galleon, with length overall reaching 160 ft and beam 32 ft. Four masts hold six sails which measure almost 11,000 square foot. Average speed is 7 knots. Since her launching, a crew of between 15 to 35 people has manned her across the seas and oceans around the world.
She is a replica of the vessels used during the 16th through to the 18th centuries to discover and establish trade routes between Spain, America and the Philippines islands, forming the then called Fleet of the Indies.
The replica has been designed and built by Ignacio Fernandez Vial, a naval engineer and historian, commissioned by ship owner, the Nao Victoria Foundation.
Photographer David Stearne captured her leaving harbour today.
He said of his photos: “Dawn, and the sunrise over Ramsgate Royal Harbour picks out the Galeon Andalucia up and ready for an early morning departure for Poole.
“She makes her way out under her own power, past the harbour arm light and out into open sea. Worth getting up so early to capture this view!”