Hundreds of people gathered at a seaside pier to witness the arrival of an "incredible" 17th century replica ship.

Around 400 people gathered at Gorleston pier on the banks of the River Yare last night to witness "the magnificent sight" of a replica Spanish galleon arriving. 

The replica El Galeón Andalucía was set to dock at Great Yarmouth over the weekend but was delayed due to poor weather.

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It has been reported that people were waiting several hours for the ship as she passed through Herring Bridge at 8.30pm.

Eastern Daily Press: Around 400 people gathered at Gorleston pier on the banks of the River Yare to witness the ship's arrivalAround 400 people gathered at Gorleston pier on the banks of the River Yare to witness the ship's arrival (Image: Mark Dudley)

Eastern Daily Press: The replica Spanish Galleon arrived last night at the Great Yarmouth harbourThe replica Spanish Galleon arrived last night at the Great Yarmouth harbour (Image: Galeón Andalucía/Nao Victoria Foundation)

The Galeón Andalucía was scheduled to arrive at South Quay for her opening ceremony on Tuesday, May 28 at 10am. 

Coinciding with half term, she was set to be open to the public between May 28 and June 9. 

Eastern Daily Press: The replica El Galeón Andalucía was set to dock at the Great Yarmouth Harbour over the weekend but was delayed due to poor weatherThe replica El Galeón Andalucía was set to dock at the Great Yarmouth Harbour over the weekend but was delayed due to poor weather (Image: Bob Ottaway)

Eastern Daily Press: The Galeón Andalucía was launched in 2009 and has covered 70,000 nautical milesThe Galeón Andalucía was launched in 2009 and has covered 70,000 nautical miles (Image: Bridget Heriz)

Constructed by the Nao Victoria Foundation in Spain, Galeón Andalucía was launched in 2009 and has covered 70,000 nautical miles.
 
She is 162 ft long and 33 ft wide, with 10 cast iron cannons on each side, and its seven sails have a surface area of almost 1,000 square metres.

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The galleon is a floating museum which will be open to the public for the next few days.

Ruth Cockrill, Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s marketing events officer, said: ‘’The visit promises to offer a fascinating day out for people of all ages.

"She is a truly incredible ship and we can’t wait for her arrival, it promises to be a stunning spectacle for people to enjoy on South Quay.’’