“In fourteen hundred-ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue,” but on Tuesday Nov. 23, replicas of two of the intrepid explorer”s trio of ships will anchor at the Columbus Marina near the John C. Stennis Lock and Dam East Bank. The historically-accurate ships will remain docked until early Monday, Nov. 29.
The Nina was built completely by hand and without use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.”
The Pinta was recently constructed in Brazil to accompany the Nina on her travels. She is a larger version of the typical caravel, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers. Historians consider the fast-sailing caravel the Space Shuttle of the 15th century. Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced “sailing museum” for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the caravel.
While in port, the public is invited to board the ships for self-guided tours. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for students. Children 4 and under will be admitted free. The ships will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Teachers or organizations wanting to schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member, for groups of at least 15, should call 787-672 2152. (Admission for those tours is $4.) Visit www.thenina.com, or e-mail [email protected].
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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