2,000 people have visited the Galeon Andalucia in Yarmouth

A replica of a Spanish galleon has been boarded by more than 2,000 visitors in the five days since it docked in Great Yarmouth.The masts and folded sails of the Galeon Andalucia have been a part of the South Quay skyline since it arrived on Wednesday.

The replica ship, whose design is similar to ships that dominated global waters throughout the 16th to the 18th centuries, was greeted with much fanfare as it docked in the town last Tuesday.

The captain of the Galeon Andalucia, Miguel Cuesta, left, with Alvaro Lecaro, at the wheel, during the ship's visit to Great Yarmouth. (Image: Denise Bradley)Ship manager Alvaro Lecaro Guerrero said the warm reception from its some 2,000 visitors has made the stop "all the more special" for the crew.

"We didn't expect to see as many people," he said. "Even today, the children are back at school and the weather is so-so, but it's been a good turnout.

The public tour round the Galeon Andalucia (Image: Denise Bradley)"We have been made very welcome in Great Yarmouth, and we would love to come back either with this ship or one of the other three ships in our fleet."

The floating museum will be in the town until June 9 as part of its grand tour of Europe.

The Galeon Andalucia on its way to Great Yarmouth on Tuesday. (Image: Oliv3r Drone Photography)THE GALEON ANDALUCIA

Constructed by the Nao Victoria Foundation in Spain, the Galeón Andalucía was launched in 2009.

The ship is a faithful historical replica of the Spanish galleons that sailed the seas from the 16th to the 18th century, supplying the Spanish empire and bringing back its riches to Europe - sometimes attracting the interests of English rivals en route.

She is made almost entirely of wood - with the exception of a fibreglass hull - and has six decks, made of iroko and pine wood.

She has sailed more than 55,000 nautical miles around the world, visiting ports on four continents, such as Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, New York and Quebec, spreading its history.

During her stay in Great Yarmouth, people will be able to get on board, tour her five decks and learn about her details, how she sails, what life was like on board and the history of these ships.

Before arriving in Yarmouth, the Galeon Andalucia had a stopover in Ostend, Belgium and she will be crossing back over the North Sea for a stay in Delfzijl, Netherlands.