Celebrating Nautical Exploration in San Diego

I just love nautical images.  I am not sure if it because of all the clean lines and the various textures of wood,  metal and rope, or if it is because my ancestors had such strong ties to the seas. Maybe it is because of what these ships represent; exploration,  discovery,  determination,  perserverance, adventure.

This particular ship is a replica of the San Salvador,  a 100 foot,  200 ton galleon that explored the California coastline in 1542 under the direction of it’s captain Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. The original ship was built in El Salvador and was the first ship to explore the coast of California.

Because of Cabrillo’s discoveries along the California coast he is recognized throughout the state with monuments,  museums, parks, beaches, school buildings, bridges, commemorative sections of highway, an aquarium and a light house. The most notable of these being:

• Cabrillo National Monument on the southern tip of Point Loma in San Diego, California
• Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park in Mendocino, California
• Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, California

There is some dispute over Cabrillo’s nationality,  he is claimed by both the Spanish and Portuguese. Although historical records seem to point more toward Spain, there is still much debate and the Portuguese continue to celebrate his accomplishments.

In fact since 1963 the people of San Diego have been celebrating the day Cabrillo first landed in San Diego Bay and stepped onto California soil on September 28, 1542 with the Cabrillo Festival. This years celebration will take place on September 28, 2019 at Naval Base Point Loma from 11am to 4pm.  Admission to the event is free and there will be music, dancing, childrens activities and a reenactment of Cabrillo’s landing. Visitors will also enjoy traditional foods from the Native American,  Mexican,  Spanish and Portuguese cultures. 

This particular replica of the San Salvador will be at the Cabrillo Festival,  but normally it can be found at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. It can also often be seen sailing the bay and coastal areas as visitors get a feel for what it was like to explore the oceans so long ago.