Historical ship
replica offers tour

The Nao Victoria, a replica of a 16th-century sailing ship, is offering free tours at Honolulu Harbor from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Honolulu will be the only United States port the vessel will visit on its trip around the world, using only techniques and instruments used 500 years ago.

In 1519, the Nao Victoria was one of five Spanish ships to set sail on an expedition commanded by Magellan to find a route linking the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean. During the three-year expedition, Magellan's boats and crew dwindled from hardships as they sailed to Brazil, around Cape Horn, across the Pacific, to the Maluku Islands and around Africa.

On Sept. 6, 1522, the Nao Victoria made land, alone, at Sanlœcar de Barrameda, and two days later docked at the pier of Seville. The 18 survivors (out of an original crew of 240) became the first men to sail around the world.

The rebuilt Nao Victoria is once again sailing around the world to unite Spain and Japan in search of global harmony, arriving at Expo Aichi 2005 to participate in the Spanish Pavilion activities.

For more information, call 566-2337 or visit www.alohatower.com.