Tall ship Galeón Andalucía arrives in Weymouth Harbour

The Galeón Andalucía will be staying in the town until Monday, September 2.

She is berthed at Weymouth Harbour and the public will be given a rare opportunity to climb aboard the huge ship.

The ship berthed in Weymouth (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Luke Barton from Worcestershire is on holiday with his family, including his son Teddy, whose birthday is tomorrow (August 30).

Mr Barton said: "We didn't know it was going to be here, my son loves pirate ships so it is a nice surprise.

"My son's birthday is tomorrow, so he thinks it's the best ever.

"We come to Weymouth regularly, and there is always something different."

Luke Barton with his family (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The almost 50-metre vessel last visited Weymouth in May of last year.

Converted into a floating museum, the vessel offers a unique space for a diversity of events, as well as an interpretive centre dedicated to galleons.

Zoe Course from Dorchester knew that the ship was coming in so she brought her son Finn to have a look. She said: "We came to see it last year and it was amazing, really cool.

"We are looking forward to going on board and taking a look."

(Image: Cristiano Magaglio) Staff onboard busy getting the ship ready for opening (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Dave Webster from Wales joined the crew of the El Galeón Andalucía as it sailed from London to Weymouth.

He said: "It has been fantastic, we would recommend it to anyone, they will love it."

Dave Webster was aboard the ship as it sailed into Weymouth (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Ship Manager Alvaro Lecaro said: "It has been very, very nice. Nice weather we came from the south end, it was one and a half days sailing.

"We are happy to be here another year. We had a very warm welcome last time, as we have had this year as well.

"We are setting things up now and are looking forward to bringing people on board before we go to the Isle of Wight on Monday."

Alvaro Lecaro (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The Galeon Andalucia measures 160ft in length and is a full-size replica of a 17th-century Spanish Galleon ship from the 1600s, used by the Spanish in maritime expeditions and trade between Spain, America and the Philippines.

Since it was first launched in November 2009, a crew of 15 to 35 people have manned her across the seas and oceans around the world.

Four masts hold six sails which measure almost 11,000 square feet. The average speed of the ship is around seven knots.

(Image: Cristiano Magaglio)