A REPLICA of the first ship to circumnavigate the world should be opening to the public at Poole Quay today.

The Nao Victoria, a historical replica of the Spanish ship commanded by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan - and Juan Sebastian Elcano following Magellan's death - will be moored at the quay as part of the Poole Maritime Festival.

Visitors will be able to go on board throughout the week and experience how life at sea would have been five centuries ago.

The historic journey, one of the greatest maritime adventures accomplished, took place between 1519-1522.

Five ships started the expedition, but only the Nao Victoria completed the voyage. Of the 265 men aboard the five ships, only 18 on Nao Victoria returned alive.

A spokesman for the replica vessel explained: "This was one of the biggest acts of maritime history carried out by Spanish sailors, who managed to sail all around the world and discovered the planet's real dimensions.

"One of the crew members of the expedition was Englishman, Maestre Andres, born in Bristol.

"He was serving as lombardero (artillery soldier) and died in the Philippine islands during the expedition on May 9, 1521.

"By visiting Poole this emblematic vessel puts the town on the vast map of ports all around the world that she has already visited since her construction."

Between 2004-2006 the Nao completed her own circumnavigation of the globe, stopping off in 17 countries and sailing 26,894 nautical miles.

She was built for the World's Fair, which was held in Seville in 1992. Construction on the 27 metre wooden vessel started the year before - taking eight months to complete.

The spokesman said: "The Nao will be open to the public in Poole from May 16-21. During the visit to the seven-metre wide vessel, a masterpiece of Spanish marine carpentry, visitors will get to know the ship's amazing history, forms, details, operation and the life of Spanish seaman."

The ship will be moored close to the Sea Music sculpture on Poole Quay.