16-04-2025
Spanish galleon Santa Maria to fire cannon salute during Isle of Wight visit
The historic galleon Nao Santa Maria will sail from Spain to the Isle of Wight next month to fire a four-cannon salute as part of the Armada Coast 1588 commemorations.
Taking place on May 21, the event includes the opening of the Coastal and Downs Armada 1588 Heritage Trail by Ventnor Town Council, a ceremonial flag-raising, enactments, bell-ringing, and live sea shanties and stories at The Spyglass Inn.
The replica galleon will fire its salute from 2–3pm between St Lawrence and Bonchurch before docking at Cowes until May 26.
Supported by Spain's Fundacion Nao Victoria, this event marks the launch of a major heritage project highlighting the Island's overlooked role in the Spanish Armada.
The Spanish replica galleon Nao Santa Maria (Image: fundacionnaovictoria)
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New research by Ventnor historian David Baldwin challenges long-standing narratives, particularly reinterpreting a letter by George Carey, the Island's 1588 captain and governor.
His findings reposition a key five-hour naval battle directly off Bonchurch.
Schools can arrange visits aboard the galleon by contacting Elena Campos at ecampos@
The Spanish replica galleon Nao Santa Maria (Image: fundacionnaovictoria)
Celebrations continue on May 23 with the first 'Almirante Recalde Cup' bowls match between Ventnor and Cowes, also honouring a lesser-known 1575 Spanish reconnaissance mission uncovered by Baldwin.
For research details, email davidjpbaldwin@
For event info, contact Cllr Steph Toogood at
