In partnership with the Maritime Museum of San Diego and Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is pleased to announce the arrival of the galleon replica San Salvador into port for the 2023 Santa Barbara Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
San Salvador is a full-scale sixteenth century replica of the flagship used by Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo during the first European voyage to make contact with the Indigenous Native Americans here while exploring what would one day become the West Coast of the United States.
The ship will be arriving in Santa Barbara around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 4 in the waters on the west side of Stearns Wharf.
Free Public Tours: Throughout its weekend visit, the ship will be available for free public tours at the harbor’s Santa Barbara pier Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 6, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“Every year, Fiesta celebrates our history, traditions and culture,” said Old Spanish Days Fiesta El Presidente David Bolton. “We are honored to partner in this collaboration and to offer free weekend tours for our community.”
The San Salvador vessel represents a time and experience in Pacific maritime history for adventurers young and old. This is her first Pacific Heritage Tour voyage since 2019.
“San Salvador is a full-scale replica of the flagship used by Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542 during the first European voyage to explore what would one day become the West Coast of the United States,” said Maritime Museum of San Diego President/CEO Raymond Ashley, Ph.D., K.C.I. “Meticulously constructed by Maritime Museum of San Diego over six years and US Coast Guard Certified, San Salvador is one of very few early modern replica ships in which members of the public can glimpse through experience what seafaring beyond the known world was like half a millennia ago.”
Santa Barbarians have long been proud of their city’s heritage. The tradition of colorful music, dance, and song together with a spirit of friendliness, hospitality, and tolerance are part of this heritage. It is a spirit Old Spanish Days Fiesta works to preserve.
“We are excited to have the San Salvador visit us as we celebrate Fiesta,” said SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga.
The San Salvador’s visit is generously sponsored by the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, Rick Oshay, and Teresa Kuskey.
Image courtesy of Jerry Soto.