Nao Santa Maria

 

We've developed quite the interest in ships at the minute. Not just any ships may we add, no, these are the magnificent ships that were both on the defence from pirates and used by pirates themselves. So when we learnt that a replica of Christopher Columbus's flagship was coming to Kent to dock we had to go.

A faithful replica of Spanish galleons of the time, we (individually as Yogi could not come aboard) dutifully climbed onboard the ship and got exploring as the gentle waves bobbed us about.

Lauren went first and was blow away. The smell of the wood mingled with the salt from the water was amazing, it was proper history and I've always wondered what it would be like on a real ship like what you'd see in the movies. It was everything I'd hoped, cramped, cosy, and exposed to the elements just like I had imagined. It's weird to view that in a positive light I know, but when you've thought about it like I have, having the real experience marry your expectations is a wonderful thing.

The ship, while labelled as a museum, isn't quite that in a traditional sense. While it has lots of explanation plaques and props, it's the ship itself which is the callback to history. This was lovingly built as a replica and it shows, this is the history, the very tropical wood that we were standing on.

It was lovely to see other nods to history such as the skeleton in the captains quarters and Wally strung up in the ropes. Standing on the top deck was certainly the highlight for both of us as we got to look out to sea and feel what it would be like back in the day when the waters were plagued with ships like these.

The craftmanship involved was insane, these guys are very skilled with their replica and we even treated ourselves to some replica Doubloons to remember the experience. 

Galleons were primarily used for warfare and cargo, developed in Spain and Portugal they were used by the Europeans as armed cargo ships in the 14th-16th centuries before adapting to warfare for the Ango-Dutch wars mid 17th century. 

Interestingly, the meaning of galleon meant different things during different parts of history. These ships would go from Naos to Galeon but it seemed the two names were interchangeable with of course mainly the Spanish seamen being able to tell the difference. As noted, this vessel is the Nao Santa Maria, but it is generalised as a Spanish galleon ship.

The galleon is recognisable by its elongated beakhead followed by a taller foremast and mainmast compared to the lateen rigged mizzenmasts. On average the galleon would have three masts but the larger ships would have four, usually another mizzenmast. The one we visited had four as it was a larger galleon.

The original flagship was the largest of three ships Columbus used on his first expedition in 1492 across the Atlantic Ocean. This of course sank, but hopefully the replica will do no such thing! All of these were 'small' ships but let us tell you, while small in ship terms, this example was anything but. Not the roomiest admittedly, but there was plenty to explore. The ship weighs approximately 180 tonnes, is 95ft long and 26ft wide, not to mention five decks (four were in use to public), four masts, and five sails. It was grand in our eyes.

With a full crew we'd imagine things were pretty cramped, but at the point of visit there was plenty of room to manoeuvre due to lack of people on deck. It was neat, tidy, and a wonderful way to recognise history. We loved every second and as our very first ship, this Spanish galleon was the perfect introduction to life on the water back during the Age of Sail.

We can't wait to continue learning about the Age of Sail as this truly opened our eyes to life on the sea and these stunning vessels. We're fully committed to following through on our love of ships now and we intend to visit the Discovery next.