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San Salvador Replica on the Move

Construction volunteers and spectators were out early this morning to witness the San Salvador replica’s first move from her build site at San Diego’s Spanish Landing Park.

© Lynn Ringseis

Who was California’s first sailor? That distinction belongs to Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who — along with his crew, of course — was the first European to explore the coast of what is now California aboard the 100-ft galleon San Salvador. On September 28, 1542, Cabrillo’s party discovered San Diego Bay, a fact which has always been a point of pride with nautical history buffs there. 

So much so, in fact, that the San Diego Maritime Museum sponsored the construction of a full-size San Salvador replica which is now nearly ready to launch. A major step in the process was completed early this morning when — after three days of various delays — professional builders and volunteers successfully moved the massive galleon from its build site at Spanish Landing Park onto a barge. She is now headed to the South Bay where she’ll undergo a variety of pre-launch preparations.   

Taking roughly four years to complete, the new San Salvador is a magnificent work of nautical art. 

© Lynn Ringseis

Latitude contributor Lynn Ringseis was on the scene: "The jubilant crowd cheered when San Salvador was safely on board the barge. Soon after, she was whisked away over pleasantly calm waters."

The original San Salvador was built in El Salvador, taking her name from that country’s capital. Cabrillo eventually sailed as far north as the Russian River, and also visited the Channel Islands. He died at Catalina Island. 

With any luck, the new San Salvador will be launched in about a month. In the meantime, you can check out details and photos of the building process at the Museum’s website. The site has all sorts of interesting stuff, including free downloadable paper models of the ship.

After completion, the 94-ft galleon will become part of SDMM’s impressive collection of historic vessels, and will travel the California coast, serving as an ‘ambassador’ for San Diego. We can’t wait to see her here in the Bay. 

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