Stunning replica of first ship to circumnavigate the globe set to visit Great Yarmouth

The Nao Victoria will dock at South Quay in Great Yarmouth and be open to the public from Wednesday, July 29, until Sunday, August 9. The tall ship - described as a floating, living museum - is a life-sized replica of the vessel which completed one of the greatest maritime feats of all time.

The original Nao Victoria, commanded by Juan Sebastian Elcano, left Seville in Spain in 1519 and returned to the same city in 1522 after sailing around the globe.

The impressive replica was built in Spain in 1991 following lengthy historical research by designers and builders that enabled an accurate recreation of the shape of the ship and its detail. An exhaustive study, based on documentary sources, diaries, nautical treaties from the 16th century and maps and pictures from the time, means the reproduction has the original ship's main dimensions, spars, sails and equipment.

The visit follows last year's successful stopover in Great Yarmouth by the Nao Santa Maria and, in 2024, the Galeon Andalucía. Both visits saw thousands of people enjoy going aboard the tall ships. Councillor James Bensly, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Tourism, Culture and Coastal Management, said: ''We are delighted to have helped secure the visit of the Nao Victoria to the town this summer.

''The unique vessel promises to offer a fascinating day out for people of all ages. She is a truly incredible ship, and we can't wait for her arrival. It promises to be a stunning spectacle for people to enjoy on South Quay and learn more about the history of the Nao Victoria and its incredible achievement and place in maritime history.

''I'd like to thank the Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership for its generous support in helping us secure what will be a superb attraction for people to enjoy this summer.''

To commemorate the first sailing around the world and to celebrate the achievements of Spanish explorers, the replica of the Nao Victoria began its own circumnavigation of the globe in 2004, setting off from Seville. More than 26,000 miles were covered in the journey, which was completed in 2006 after visiting 17 countries, making her the first historical replica to circle the earth.

During her time in Great Yarmouth, people will be able to see a recreation of conditions aboard as well as a host of other features, exhibits and displays. Group visits can be arranged, as well as receptions and corporate events.

Jonathan Newman, of the GY Town Centre Partnership, said: ''I am delighted that, on behalf of businesses in the town centre, the Partnership has been able to help secure the visit of the Nao Victoria to Great Yarmouth this summer. We hope that the opportunity to explore this unique tall ship will provide an extra incentive for families to visit the town and its historic South Quay.''

The Nao Victoriatakes part in major international events as well as being a floating museum and training ship. In the past decade, she has sailed thousands of miles, visiting ports across the world welcoming more than six million visitors aboard.

The Nao Victoria will open on South Quay between 10am to 8pm daily and there will be an opening ceremony on July 29. Tickets for the ship cost £10, £5 for children between five and ten years old. Children under five go free. A family ticket (two adults and up to three children) costs £25.

People are advised to book online in advance to receive a discounted price. Once online tickets have sold out for each day, no further tickets will be available on the quay.

For more Information and to book tickets please ticket.fundacionnaovictoria.org/en/1863-nao-victoria/13937-nao-victoria-in-great-yarmouth-uk  

Group visits and corporate events can be arranged by emailing [email protected]