Nao Santa María: Historic ship replica visits Eastbourne - in pictures

The 29-metre Nao Santa María docked at Sovereign Harbour on Thursday, June 18 as part of a European tour.

Until June 28, locals will be able to experience a self-guided tour of the four decks of the ship, with information panels detailing the ship’s history and period decorative features, and speak to the crew to get a sense of how Spanish sailors lived 500 years ago.

The original Santa María was the largest of Christopher Columbus’ three ships and led the historic 1492 voyage that resulted in the European discovery of the Americas.

Fundación Nao Victoria (Nao Victoria Foundation), who built the replica, said the ship is a ‘floating museum’ and ‘a proud ambassador of the maritime’.

A spokesperson for the foundation said: “The vessel was built in 2018 by the Fundación Nao Victoria to commemorate the 525th Anniversary of the Encounter between Two Worlds.

"Master shipwrights constructed the 200-ton vessel in Punta Umbría (Huelva – Spain) using iroko and pine wood, strictly adhering to historical records to ensure every detail reflects the original 15th-century ship.”

Adult tickets cost £12, and children aged five to 10 can enter for £6.

Family tickets cost £30 for two adults and up to three children aged five to 10.

To book tickets to board the historic vessel, visit: https://tickets.velacuadra.es/en/1954-nao-santa-maria/13593-nao-santa-maria-in-eastbourne-uk