On Friday, October 16th, the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’, replicas of Columbus’ ships will open in Charleston. The ships will be docked at Haddad Riverfront Park, 600 Kanawha Blvd E, until their departure early Monday morning October 26th.
The ‘Nina’ was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” The ‘Pinta’ was recently built in Brazil to accompany the ‘Nina’ on all of her travels. She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth 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’, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world. Before him, the Old World and the New World remained separate and distinct continents and ever since their fates have been bound together for better or for worse.
While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk aboard self-guided tour. The prices are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for senior citizens and $6.00 for students 5-16. Children 4 and under are Free. The ship will be open every day from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. No reservations necessary.
Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call 1-787-672-2152 or email columfnd1492@gmail.com. Minimum of 15. $5.00 per person. No maximum. Visit our website at www. Ninapinta.org for additional information.
Ships arrive on Thursday, October 15th and there will be a private viewing of the ships for the media after docking.
