El Galeon Andalucia and PLA

El Galeón Andalucía & Port of London Authority at the Fourth Portal

A spontaneous event on a chilly Tuesday afternoon saw the crew of El Galeón Andalucía and representatives from the Port of London Authority (PLA) gather at the Fourth Portal for an engaging discussion on navigating historic vessels in modern waterways. What began as an informal conversation quickly transformed into a lively and insightful exchange, enriched by performances from poets, storytellers, and musicians. With a bustling audience eager to explore maritime heritage, navigation challenges, and the deep connections between past and present sailing techniques, the event became a unique blend of discussion and artistic expression of poetry, storytelling, song, music making and lively discussion, bringing history to life in a truly immersive way.

El Galeón Andalucía Visits Gravesend

In September 2024, the El Galeón Andalucía made its inaugural visit to Gravesend, docking at the historic Town Pier from the 11th to the 22nd. This impressive 55-meter replica of a 16th to 18th-century Spanish galleon offered visitors a unique opportunity to explore its five decks, providing an immersive experience into maritime history. As part of an extensive European tour, the ship aimed to educate the public about the legendary vessels that once connected continents. During its stay, El Galeón Andalucía attracted numerous guests eager to learn about its historical significance and the lives of sailors who once voyaged aboard such ships.

Navigating the Thames: A Conversation with the PLA & El Galeón Crew

As part of its visit, El Galeón Andalucía participated in an impromptu talk at the Fourth Portal, alongside representatives from the Port of London Authority (PLA). The discussion explored the complexities of navigating a historic sailing vessel along the River Thames, touching on the challenges posed by tidal currents, modern river traffic, and the adaptation of traditional sailing techniques to contemporary waterways. This rare insight bridged historical maritime practices with present-day navigational expertise, bringing together past and present in a unique setting.

Insights from El Galeón's Crew

Andrea, the bosun of El Galeón Andalucía, provided a fascinating look into the demands of maintaining a historic sailing vessel. She spoke about the intricacies of traditional sailing practices, the challenges of managing the ship’s complex rigging system, and the crucial role of the boatswain in ensuring smooth daily operations. Andrea also delved into the complexity of navigating the River Thames using paper charts, demonstrating the skill required to maneuver such a grand vessel through dynamic waters.

She was joined by Miguel, a volunteer crew member, on his first voyage aboard El Galeón Andalucía. Miguel shared his personal journey of adapting to life at sea, learning the ropes — literally — and the unique experience of working on a historically significant replica. Their combined stories brought the realities of sailing a galleon to life, offering the audience a rare glimpse into life aboard a traditional vessel.

Port of London Authority: Keeping the Thames Running

John Dillon-Leetch, Port Hydrographer at the Port of London Authority (PLA), provided an in-depth look into the operations of the PLA, explaining his role in overseeing navigation, conservancy, and river management. He detailed the scale of maritime traffic entering the London Gateway and the intricate processes involved in keeping the river safe and navigable.

As a final touch to the discussion, John delighted the audience with a traditional river folk song, bringing a moment of warmth and humour to the session — though we’ve promised not to share the video!

A Visit to the Gravesend Gurdwara

Before the event, the Fourth Portal took Andrea and Miguel to meet Jagdev Singh Virdee, who welcomed them to the Gravesend Gurdwara — one of the largest Sikh temples in Europe. Jagdev led a fascinating tour of the stunning Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, explaining its rich history, architectural significance, and role within the local community.

As a place of worship, learning, and service, the Gurdwara offers free meals daily in its Langar Hall, embodying Sikh values of hospitality and equality. For Andrea and Miguel, accustomed to the rhythms of life at sea, the visit provided a unique cultural exchange, offering them insight into the diverse heritage of Gravesend before they returned to El Galeón Andalucía.

About El Galeón Andalucía

El Galeón Andalucía is a meticulously crafted replica of a 16th-century Spanish galleon, constructed by the Nao Victoria Foundation in 2009. Spanning approximately 50 meters with six decks, this full-rigged ship serves as a floating museum, offering visitors an immersive experience into Spain’s maritime heritage. Since its launch, El Galeón Andalucía has sailed over 70,000 nautical miles, visiting ports across four continents and participating in numerous cultural projects.

Port of London Authority (PLA): A River’s Lifeline

Established in 1909 under the Port of London Act 1908, the Port of London Authority (PLA) is a self-funding public trust responsible for overseeing the tidal River Thames and its continuation into the North Sea. The PLA’s duties include maintaining navigation, ensuring safety, and protecting the river’s environment. Historically, the PLA was created to bring order to the congestion of the Thames, as rival wharves and docks competed for business in the late 19th century. Today, it remains crucial to the safe and sustainable management of the river, supporting both commercial and leisure activity.

A Unique Exchange of Cultures and Maritime Knowledge

The event at Fourth Portal was an unexpected yet enriching gathering, where historic maritime traditions, modern navigation, and local cultural heritage intertwined. From the open decks of a Spanish galleon to the worship halls of a Sikh temple, the experience showcased the diverse, interconnected stories that shape Gravesend’s riverfront today.

The conversations sparked that day will undoubtedly continue to resonate, as visitors left with a deeper appreciation of the river, the ships that sail it, and the communities that thrive along its banks.