El Galeon Spanish tall ship arrives into Weymouth Harbour

As reported, The El Galeon vessel arrived yesterday (Thursday, May 18) and will stay in the town until no later than 10pm on Monday, May 22. 

The ship will be opening up its decks for the public to view from today.

El Galeon is set to be berthed at Weymouth Harbour at the Visitors Pontoon from 10am to 8pm during these days.

Measuring 49.4m in length, the ship is an exact full size replica of a 17th century Spanish Galleon ship from the 1600s.

El Galeon has arrived in Weymouth (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

These were used by the Spanish in maritime expeditions and trade between Spain, America and the Philippines from the 16th to the 18th century. 

El Galeon is also a floating museum and owned by the Nao Victoria Foundation in Spain.

These vessels were fighting ships and massive trading vessels that could carry more than 1,200 tons of cargo. 

Boasting six decks and made of iroko and pine wood with eight miles of rope to handle its 9,000 square feet of sails, El Galeon has travelled more than 70,000 miles visiting major ports around the world.

The entire timber structure has been reinforced to ensure the 500-year-old design meets all 21st-century regulations to safely sail. 

El Galeon will stay in Weymouth until May 22 (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

Its stopover in Weymouth is part of a great 2023 tour, during which the vessel is visiting various ports in Europe to 'spread to spread the knowledge' about how these 'legendary' Spanish ships connected the great continents of the planet. 

A self-guided walking tour is available of the vessel and once on board, visitors are free to wander its decks, talk to actual crew members and view dozens of interactive exhibits, videos, projections and historical documents. Photos are also allowed. 

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for families (two adults and up to 2 children between 5-10 years) and can be bought at the pier or via www.velacuadra.es (website in Spanish).