Setting Sails

Artist photographer Andy Royston witnessed the arrival in Fort Lauderdale of a very special tall ship, then joined the ship as she sailed for St. Augustine, her final Florida port of call. The State of Florida's invitation of a full scale Spanish warship to visit Florida's oldest ports turned out to be transforming experience for all who visited El Galeon Andalucia. The ship was built just four years ago by the Nao Victoria Fundacion in Seville Spain. A magnificent 495 ton, 170 foot 1:1 replica of a galleon that was part of Spain's fleet to Florida. Viva Florida 500's aim was to engage residents and visitors to Florida with the rich history that lies behind the formation of the sunshine State.