"The Columbus Project" on Tour with the Nina and Pinta

"The Columbus Project" is currently on tour with two of the most popular ships used by Columbus to explore the New World. The Nina and Pinta are historically accurate replicas of the explorer's ships and provide insight to living conditions endured on the high seas.

"The Columbus Project" foundation was formed in the British Virgin Islands in 1986. The original goal was to raise funds to build three replica ships used by Christopher Columbus in time for the 500th anniversary. After years of hard work and dedication, two of the ships, the Nina and Pinta, are now touring cities along the eastern seaboard.

My husband and I were fortunate enough to board these ships while in port at Inlet Harbor Restaurant in Ponce Inlet, Florida. We were able to see the enormous masts adorned with U.S. and British flags long before laying eyes on the vessels.

Upon arrival at the dock, we were transported back in time via this floating museum. Staff members shared stories of how the ships were built and the history behind each vessel. The Nina has the most colorful history and was the only vessel that survived the hurricane of 1495. As a Floridian, it's hard to imagine being out in rough seas during a hurricane on these tiny ships packed with livestock, food, water, wine, and human beings.

American engineer, John Sarsfield was commissioned by The Columbus Project to build the Nina in 1988. She was handcrafted using traditional shipwright construction methods and timbers from the forests of Bahia.

According to our tour guide, Sarsfield was tragically killed in a car accident while traveling to purchase the main mast and rigging. The replica ship was completed by British maritime historian, Jonathan Nance and the Nina took her maiden voyage out of Valenca, Brazil in December 1991. Since then, she has visited over 400 ports and logged thousands of nautical miles.

Both ships are manned by Columbus Project employees who reside in the bowels of the ships and sleep on hanging bunks. Life isn't much different for the crew members today than during times of Columbus' explorations. The replica ships do include an engine and generator, but primarily rely on wind power.

The Nina's galley consists of an icebox, propane gas stove, sink, and built-in storage. Sleeping quarters consist of four bench bunks and four hanging bunks positioned above the tiny restroom. The crew works six 10-hour days and stay at local motels when the floating museum is docked for public viewing.

The Pinta is often used for private parties and corporate entertaining. This vessel has an air conditioned 40-foot salon, sprawling main deck, large rear deck, and open galley. She was built in Valenca, Brazil and set sail on February 25, 2005.

The Nina and Pinta will remain on display in Ponce Inlet, Florida through Monday, May 9th. Five additional port visits are scheduled through June and include: Beaufort, North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; Norwich, Connecticut; and Kittery and Portland, Maine. Dates, times, and locations are provided at TheNina.com.

Admission to "The Columbus Project" is $8 adults, $7 seniors (age 60+), $6 children (ages 5-16) and free for kids age 4 and under. Take along some extra cash to visit the gift shop for souvenirs including key chains, notecards, visors, hats, bags, post cards, magnets, and coloring posters.

Sources:

The Columbus Project