A replica of Christopher Columbus’ ship will dock in London later this month

Maritime enthusiasts might remember the Galeón Andalucía, the replica 17th century warship that sailed into London last summer. If you liked that, we have good news, because another mighty vessel is coming to the city this month.

The Galeón Andalucía’s sister ship, which happens to be a replica of the boat sailed on by Christopher Columbus, will voyage to the UK capital this May, dropping anchor at St Katharine Docks for more than a week. The 93ft Nao Santa Maria will sail into the city on May 28 (weather permitting), before opening its gangways to visitors from May 29 until June 8.  

The mighty ship will offer a peak into 15th century maritime life, as it will recreate the vessel used on the coloniser’s 1492 voyage. Visitors will be able to explore the authentic wooden decks, peek into the captain’s quarters and get an insight into the naval architecture, navigation techniques and conditions that faced sailors at that time. 

The Nao Santa Maria is operated by the Nao Victoria Foundation and was first launched in 2018. The construction of the vessel involved nearly a hundred professionals from various disciplines: shipwrights, ropemakers, and other maritime craftsmen, alongside historians and engineers who worked on planning the initial designs for the replica and the design of the ship’s shapes and measurements. 

The ticket prices haven’t been revealed just yet, but booking will take place on the St Katharine Docks website. Check back there for more information at a later date. 

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