The 'Galleon Andalucía', a replica of the Spanish ships of the seventeenth century was launched at a shipyard in the town of Punta Umbria Huelva. Travelling 9,000 miles to China, it is going to represent Spain in the Expo XXI in Shanghai.
This replica designed by Ignacio Fernandez Vial was built by the Nao Victoria Foundation under its program of events 'Guadalquivir River of History'. The Foundation president, Juan Salas Tornero, stressed "absolute loyalty" in the making of the boat right down to its furnishings, including ladders, railings, candle holders, anchors and sails.
'Galleon Andalucía' is 52 meters in length, 12 meters wide with nearly 1,000 square feet of sails, and is equipped with the latest technology. It emphasizes the use of renewable energy consumption. During the construction, it saved on 500 cubic meters of wood through the use of pointers and lightweight materials such as fiber optics.
The wooden ship left Raffles Marina for Shanghai on 10th June.
