60,000 visitors in Cebu: Rough seas delay galleon's trip to Bohol

CEBU, Philippines – Galleon Andalucia, a replica of a 17th century ship, returned to Cebu City port and postponed its sail to Bohol last Thursday to do some repairs and maintenance in preparation for her voyage back to Spain.

After it left the Malacañang sa Sugbu last Thursday morning to Shangrila in Mactan where it stayed the whole day and attempted to leave for Bohol, it returned to Cebu City due to rough seas and the presence of large rocks and corals along the Mactan Channel which may cause serious damage to the vessel since it is only made of wood.

Andalucia is made of Iroko wood from Africa, oak and pine, cast iron, wrought iron and galvanized iron nails.

It operates using sails but it has two engines, each at 350 horse power that assists the galleon when they have to dock, depart, during bad weathers and when the wind is taking them to a different direction.

Cebu City Councilor Margarita Osmeña said that she was informed by the organizers of the Dia del Galleon Festival that the ship arrived at the Malacañang sa Sugbu last Thursday night because of the sea was not good for sailing.

This gave them the opportunity to do some repairs because after Bohol, they will go back to Spain. This will take five and a half months of travel.

Its visit to Bohol has already been delayed by five days. It was expected to arrive there last Tuesday but instead left on Thursday due to the threats of typhoon Juan.

It is scheduled to finish all repairs and leave Cebu today.

Osmeña sees no problem in the galleon's extended stay in Cebu, saying that it is always welcome here.

The arrival of Galleon Andalucia has also helped Fort San Pedro generate more income as it has recorded a P100,000-collection in five days that the Galleon was opened for public viewing last October 13 to 18.

Osmeña said that during the five days, about 60,000 visited and toured inside the Galleon, most of them from the province.

The council, during yesterday's regular session, passed a resolution expressing appreciation to the offices and personalities that made the galleon's visit to Cebu a success.

Galleon Andalucia arrived in Cebu last October 13. It is a replica of a 17th century Galleon that Spain used for purposes of trade four centuries ago.

It stands as a living symbol of the galleon trade between Spain, America and Asia for almost three centuries. The galleon trade is one of the most important trade routes in world history since it connected Europe, America, Africa and Asia and started cultural transmission. (FREEMAN)