El Galeon expected to sail into Port Royal Thursday

Those looking out to sea around midday Thursday may think, if only for a moment, they’re seeing a mirage.

The image of a tall ship — suddenly appearing on the horizon like something out of “Pirates of the Caribbean” — would be enough to make anyone think they’ve had too much sun or rum.

But don’t be alarmed. It’s only the El Galeon.

The 125-foot-tall, nearly 500-ton replica of a 16th-century cargo vessel will sail into Port Royal in all its glory sometime Thursday. .

The ship left St. Augustine, Fla., on Wednesday morning and is expected to sail into Port Royal Sound on Thursday afternoon to moor at Port Royal Docks, at 1699 11th St. in Port Royal.

While no exact time could be set — after all, it is a large, ocean-going vessel — officials with the Santa Elena Foundation in Beaufort have said they expect the ship’s arrival “mid-afternoon.”

Seeing the ship in full sail already has folks around Beaufort County abuzz with big ship fever.

“We’ve had our phone ringing off the hook,” said Megan Meyer, director of development for the Santa Elena Foundation, which worked to arrange the ship’s historic voyage to the area in celebration of the 450th anniversary of the Santa Elena settlement.

The ship is following the historic journey Pedro Menendez de Aviles took when the explorer first sailed into Port Royal Sound on the same date in 1566.

While officials can’t tell you exactly when you’ll see the ship, they can say where you’re more likely to spot the telltale white sails in full bloom.

A good place for viewing is at the boardwalk and observation tower between the docks and The Sands, officials said, so spectators might want to bring binoculars.

Those along the eastern side of Hilton Head — such as Port Royal Plantation or Mitchelville — will also stand a good chance of spotting the vessel. Those at Lands End or Fort Fremont on St. Helena Island may also spot the tall ship as it makes it way up the sound.

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 11:20 AM with the headline "El Galeon expected to sail into Port Royal Thursday."