Cabrillo’s San Salvador: The Pacific Heritage Tour begins

SAN DIEGO — The full-scale replica of explorer Juan Cabrillo’s San Salvador, the first European vessel to explore California’s coast, makes her maiden voyage beginning with exhibits and festivities at the Maritime Museum of San Diego on Sept 3-5.

The public can be part of the historic sail when the full-scale replica of the vessel embarks on its sail during the Port of San Diego Festival of Sail 2016 at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The San Diego event, which includes festivities and exhibits,  is the start of a two-month maiden voyage celebration that will features stops at three additional ports along the West Coast and a variety of onshore exhibits and seagoing adventures for all ages.

“The new San Salvador is a faithful, seaworthy recreation of explorer Juan Cabrillo’s flagship galleon. She is the result of 20 years of planning and five years of construction by skilled shipwrights and dedicated volunteers,” said Ray Ashley, Maritime Museum of  San Diego president and CEO. “San Salvador is the newest of the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s world-class collection of historic vessels, and one that provides a unique educational platform. Her maiden voyage and Pacific Heritage Tour is an opportunity for many others to share the experience and be part of our rich maritime history.”

The museum is offering an opportunity for the public to sail on one of three legs of the trip:  Leg I – Morro Bay to Channel Islands to Oxnard (Oct.10-14), Leg II – Circumnavigate Catalina (Oct. 17-21) and Leg III – Avalon to San Diego (Oct. 23-26). It is open to a limited number of passengers, ages 12 and up. Priced at $995 per person or $3,500 for a party of four, the adventure also includes onboard accommodations and meals.

For more information call 619-234-9153 or visit sdmaritime.org.