The galleon Nao Santa Maria sailing from Spain will exchange Gun salutes off Ventnor in ‘Fundación Nao Victoria’s support for the inauguration of Armada Coast 1588 celebrations and launch of Armada Trail
On May 21, 2025 there will be an event in Ventnor, Isle of Wight to commemorate the anniversary of the Armada’s attempted invasion of England in 1588.
History books will need to be re-written as a result of research by Ventnor resident David Baldwin over the past fifty years into the course charted by the Spanish Armada off the Isle of Wight in 1588. There is now an opportunity to correct the misinterpretation of a letter by George Carey, Captain & Governor of the Isle of Wight, written in Carisbrooke Castle on the same day once the Armada had finally disappeared from sight beyond Selsey Bill. With the battle off Dunnose key to the outcome, the Isle of Wight can now resume its rightful place in Armada history.
Ventnor is acknowledging these Armadas, North and South of the Island, with presentation of a special ‘Almirante Recalde’ annual competition Cup for bowls matches between Ventnor and Cowes, the first to be played at Ventnor Bowling Club against Plessey Bowls Club of Cowes on Friday morning 23rd May 2025 at ten o’clock.
- The Fundación Nao Victoria in Andalucia are supporting the Armada Coast 1588 by sending the galleon, Santa Maria from Spain to mount gun-salutes off Ventnor’s coastline between St Lawrence and Bonchurch from 2-3pm to mark the opening of the dedicated Coastal and Downs Armada 1588 Heritage Trail on Wednesday 21st May 2025 by Ventnor Town Council, before sailing on to berth at Cowes until the 26th May.
- School bookings to go aboard Santa Maria in Cowes can be made through contacting Elena Campos at: ecampos@fundacionnaovictoria.org.
- The event will include a Four-Cannon Salute from the passing Galleon; raising of the Armada Coast 1588 flag, the Town Crier; Bells, Boules & Enactments; and an evening of shanties, sea songs and stories at
The Spyglass Inn.
For further details about the event, please contact:
History enquiries – David Baldwin davidjpbaldwin@hotmail.com
Programme enquiries – Cllr Steph Toogood steph.toogood@ventnortowncouncil.org.uk
