Replica galleon arrives in Scarborough harbour

The full-scale replica of a Spanish galleon arrives into Scarborough Harbour

A full-scale replica of a Spanish galleon has arrived in Scarborough Harbour, ready for the public to explore.

The floating museum, which has toured the globe, is 160ft (49m) long and weighs about 500 tonnes.

Harbour master James Buck said it was "wonderful" to welcome the ship to the seaside town.

The Galeón Andalucía was built in 2009 and modelled on the Spanish cargo ships of the 16th Century.

Harbour master James Buck welcomed the galleon replica into Scarborough

"This is a vessel built to the original 1500s design but with all the modern requirements of today," Mr Buck told BBC Radio York.

"Most sailing vessels these days, even replicas, have a diesel auxiliary.

"Unfortunately, in the days of sail, things didn’t always go to plan so it’s good to have the back up."

Aside from the engine, Mr Buck said the vessel was "as authentic as possible" having had a chance to look around when it docked in Whitby earlier this month.

It has previously toured around the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

The vessel had been moored in Whitby prior to its arrival in Scarborough

Captain Álvaro Lecaro of the Galeón Andalucía leads a crew of about 25, much smaller than that needed on board an original vessel of its type.

"Back in the day there were about 150 to 170, so you can compare how difficult it was without technology," he said.

"Right now, we sail when we have down winds but when we don’t we can use the engines.

"Back in those days this was impossible, so you can imagine how difficult it was."

In the 16th Century, galleons like this would make journeys from Spain to Mexico and Mexico to the Philippines, to transport spices.

Mr Lecaro said the purpose of touring with the replica was to "show the world our history".

Its arrival into the harbour on Tuesday afternoon was met with a "warm welcome" from locals stood on the dock.

The Galeón Andalucía arrived in Scarborough ahead of Seafest, the resort's annual maritime weekend celebration, and will remain in port until 22 July.

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