The Nao Victoria Foundation and the Panama City Marina invite the public to step back in time and learn about Spanish sailing history
PANAMA CITY, FL. (March 22, 2017).- After sailing more than 50,000 nautical miles and visiting dozens of countries, El Galeon, a Spanish galleon replica, will sail again into Panama City today, and dock at Panama City Marina. The historic three-masted tall ship is owned and operated by the Nao Victoria Foundation, a Spanish non-profit organization.
El Galeon will be open to visitors daily from 10 am. to 7 pm. starting on this Thursday March 23, and ending April the 2nd. Five decks will be available for tour.
Admission cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12. Children five and under are free. Tickets can be purchased on site and on line. School groups are welcomed and invited to tour the ship with advanced arrangement.
El Galeon is a full-scale reconstruction of the popular 16th Century sailing cargo vessel. Built by the Nao Victoria Foundation in 2009, the ship measures 170-feet long by 125-feet-tall, has a 30-foot beam, weighs 495 tons and draws 10,5 feet of water. The ship is commanded by Capt. Manuel Murube, and maneuvered by 17 crewmembers.
“It is a unique experience! When you step on board the ship it’s like traveling back in time 500 years to experience for yourself what it was like to explore the New World” said Fernando Viota, El Galeon project Manager.
El Galeon originally came to the United States from Spain in 2013 to celebrate Florida’s 500th birthday and has been traveling around the country ever since. The vessel arrives after a 10 days voyage from Santo Domingo, DR. This is the second port of call in town, after a very successful stay last year.
The ship is set to depart Panama City to Galveston TX, April 3rd , depending on weather and sailing conditions.
