Replica 17th century Spanish galleon in Malta
A replica 17th century Spanish galleon, the Andalucia, sailed into Grand Harbour this afternoon for a short visit.
The 52-metre vessel sailed past the sleek Maltese Falcon, one of the biggest modern sailing yachts in the world, as it headed for the Valletta Waterfront, where it will remain for most of this week.
Galeón Andalucía is the result of extensive historical research into shipbuilding methods of the era.
Ships of this type traded between Spain, America and Asia for generations, and the replica will follow the same route in a round the world trip which started in Seville on March 22. The ship will promote Spain at the World expo in Shanghai.
Galeón Andalucía will be open to visitors on Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and from 4-7 p.m.
It is represented in Malta by Kirton and Co.
19 Comments
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Jesmond Micallef
Apr 7th 2010, 19:28
The Ferro-concrete boat I was referring to in my previous comment looked pretty much like this one:
http://www.towinginstockton.com/images/franks_boat.JPG
It would be interesting if someone could shed some light on this here.
Jesmond Micallef
Apr 7th 2010, 14:19
Mr. Ivan Cocker, referring to your comment concerning concrete, I wish to highlight something very interesting here. During the early seventies, there used to be an experimental yacht built out of concrete lying abandoned for quite a few years at St. Georges Bay, Birzebugia. This vessel laid abandoned there until the weather broke it up completely.
Maybe readers here can shed some light about this very intriguing vessel.
Ivan Cocker
Apr 7th 2010, 12:49
@ Mr King
Dreams can come true they say, I guess Mr Morana pointed out that there are many other dreamers out there who took a moment in their life to experience a living-history artifact.
Regarding the Macina, which was built for galleon mast maintenance purpose, was due that last year it was ridiculouse to see a prop vessel from the film Troy under it, instead of a galleon during one of these weekend activities we are getting from councils!
But on on ething you are right it is a dream that in Malta a project like this shall materialise, if it was made of concrete probably it would have seen the light ...
Joe Morana
Apr 7th 2010, 12:09
This morning in just one hour (11.00 am -1200pm), hundreds of people of all ages and from all walks of life have vIsited the Andalucia.
Surely this sailing ship is a crowd puller............
mario camilleri king
Apr 7th 2010, 11:58
It seems that the DAY DREAMING COMMUNITY is increasing. Mr.Ivan Cocker wants a replica under the macina and Mr.Joseph Bartolo wants two replicas.If this is not DAY DREAMING than what is it? Was i wrong when i suggested DISNEYLAND?
Joseph Bartolo
Apr 7th 2010, 06:36
I have a very good idea, why can the maltese tourism and cultural deparment, build Two galleons, one that is a full size replica, that can be on show throughout the year, in one of those docks, of the former drydocks, to show and teach both the locals and tourist's something very important in Maltese history, that is also a very important part of European History. Along with this We need one galleon to be built so that both Maltese and tourists alike, can have a 1st hand account how life was in the 16th century, which will take the crew and people interested in history a tour throughout the grand horbour and around the maltese coast.
What do you think my fellow times readers, is it a good idea I have put across ? One will be like that Cutty Sark, on display and the other will be more as a adventure galleon. Both reaping money for Malta.
Ivan Cocker
Apr 6th 2010, 20:30
It would have been more ideal berthed under the Macina, would have really looked a living history momentum.
That would be the day that someone would dream something like this to promote Malta's heritage. Spain has given us a lesson. But considering our attitude this shall never materialise ... pity as some hundreds of years ago we were the seadogs of the Mediterranean!
Jesmond Micallef
Apr 6th 2010, 14:18
Mario Camilieri King.
What so wrong with having such a vessel. It think it would be great to have a collection of master craftsmen building a replica galleon. It would be a very interesting exercise for them and while at it teach the younger generations of traditional boat building techniques using wood.
There is a large Luzzu (if not a Daghjsa tal Latini) operated by Captian Morgan at Strand in Sliema. It can be done.
Jesmond Micallef
Apr 6th 2010, 09:38
The Knights found the Maltese ship building trade pretty much already in existence when they came to Malta. Ship building in Malta is indeed much older then the period in which the Knights where on the islands and it's pretty unfortunate that such skills have been lost, though not completely, to time.
Why not set up an office somewhere which would collect construction models, and other technical details about the Maltese Daghjsa, Luzzu, Kajjik, and Frejgatina, for example. There are still very skilled master craftsmen on the islands who can build these boats simply from memory. They can get together and form a foundation so that these technical skills are well documented and preserved. These people know how to design and build an effective hull without any CFD simulation or water tank testing !!!
mario camilleri king
Apr 6th 2010, 09:07
Good morning to all the day dreamers who wish to have a Knights galleon replica. I suppose next time you wake up you want a replica of one of the galleons of the Turkish armada. You should go to the place you belong. DISNEYLAND.
Joe Morana
Apr 6th 2010, 08:59
@ JAbela
Dock No 1 and its envorons are the natural location for our National Maritime Museum.
How can the 'Old bakery' be more appropraite than Dock No 1 and the historical wharehouses built by the Knights for the use of their galleys equipments? What reservations do you have regarding this porposal?
I appeal to Heritage Malta to express itself on this proposal
David Falzon
Apr 6th 2010, 07:15
As other readers pointed out, a replica of a Knights galley would enhance the historical beauty of our Grand Harbour. Not only would it serve as a great tourist attraction (especially to those coming in on cruise liners) but it would also be a source of pride for us Maltese having such a rich maritime tradition.
Joe Morana
Apr 5th 2010, 19:29
Dock No 1 and its immediate environs i.e.the Knigths galleys' warehouses are an ideal place for our national Maritime Museum, whereby some 'old ship' can be dry docked and adjoining warehouses used by the Knights of St John for their galleys be used to house other historical maritime exhibits. I am confident that it could tun out o be one of the best National / maritime Museum in the Mediterranean
It would be interesting to learn what and how Heritage Malta considers such proposals .
J Abela
Apr 5th 2010, 23:32
FYI Mr Morana, we already have a Maritime Museum. It is at the Birgu waterfront in the beautiful building which used to be the navy bakery.
C. Farrugia
Apr 5th 2010, 19:10
This is much better than *visiting warships*!!
Jesmond Micallef
Apr 5th 2010, 19:01
Here people, help yourselves : http://www.sailtraininginternational.org/home Malta is blessed with one of the world's most beautifull natural harbours, the clarity of the blue Mediterranean sea, Valletta and the old 3 cities, the local Maltese fish culture......., wow where does my imagination take me !!!
K Tabone
Apr 5th 2010, 18:59
A replica like this cost money... maintenance, upkeep, etc... but it will be a very good idea to have something similar in the No1 Dock at Cospicua.
Jesmond Micallef
Apr 5th 2010, 18:50
Tall ships and replica ships like this one could make a a spectacular summer regatta or festival in Malta !!!!
Rocco Cauchi
Apr 5th 2010, 18:37
A similar galleon from the times of the Order of St John has long been overdue in our harbour. It would make an excellent tourist attraction.