The Spanish galleon El Galeon Andalucia will extend its stay in Coleraine by at least a week after the vessel’s captain decided against departing for Scotland as scheduled on Monday 20 July.

The captain requested permission to remain alongside Riversdale Quayside, citing forecast weather conditions and an unfavourable wind direction for the northward passage to Oban.

Coleraine Harbour Commissioners granted the request, meaning the ship and her crew will stay in the town for a further week.

In a statement on social media, the harbour authority said the galleon would continue to welcome the public throughout the extended stay. It thanked residents for their support and for giving the ship and its crew what it described as a warm welcome.

The authority said it would confirm a revised departure date and time on its Facebook page once details were finalised.