Tips for Visiting the Replica Nina and Pinta Docked in Knoxville

The Nina and Pinta are docked in Knoxville right now. From today through November 17, 2010 visitors can tour replicas of the Nina and Pinta. Both ships are the caravel style that Christopher Columbus and other explorers used to find new lands. Today, the ships sail the world teaching about history and Spanish exploration.

I began making plans to tour the ships the moment I knew they were coming. On the first day that the Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville, Hubby and I showed up with cameras in hand.

About my visit to the Nina and Pinta Replica docked in Knoxville
The dinky little ships surprised me. The deck length on the Nina is 65' and has a draft of only 7'. The deck length of the Pinta is only slightly larger. It comes in at 85' and has a draft of 7.5'. Sharing it with 27 people and livestock for an around the world trip couldn't have been easy.

Visiting on opening day gave us the perfect opportunity to talk with the volunteer crew. They enjoyed telling us all about the vessels.

A brief history about the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville

For purposes of authenticity, the Nina was created without the use of any power tools. We learned two impressive facts about this caravel. It is called the most accurate of any replicated 15th century ship by Archaeology Magazine. The total distance traveled by the Nina is equivalent to sailing around the equator ten times.

Both the Nina and Pinta sail together. A staff member told us that the replicated Pinta is about 50% bigger than her twin. He said that it was originally used in the Cayman Islands as a private charter boat. Its larger size provides more room to accommodate parties and corporate events. Customers can still rent the caravel when it is docked in any port. Arrangements can be made though the Columbus Foundation.

If you are going to visit the Nina and Pinta while they are docked in Knoxville there are a few things that you need to know. Read these tips to learn more.

Tips for visiting the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville
Location
The ships are docked at Calhoun's on the River at 400 Neyland Dr. Plenty of parking is available next to and in front of the restaurant. Upon departure, the caravels head toward Columbus, MS. A full schedule is online through this link.

Tips for visiting the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville
Restrooms
The closest restrooms for both men and women are located in the building at Volunteer Landing. Restaurant restrooms are for customers only.

Tips for visiting the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville
Cashier
Everything about visiting is more informal than you would expect. The admission cashier is under the blue canopy at the entrance to the dock. She or he will give you a paper about the vessels. The cost is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students. Kids under 4 get in for free.

Tips for visiting the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville
Tours
Tours are 100% self-guided. There aren't any signs to suggest which caravel to tour first. They are each different but complementary. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather as tours are open air.

Tips for visiting the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville
Boarding
The ramps to both caravels are steep and narrow. Visitors should expect to use the hand rails when boarding. It is important to wear comfortable shoes with good tread.

Tips for visiting the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville
Accessibility
Ships are historically accurate representations. Neither is fully accessible. It is possible to look at the boats from the landing without taking the tour. This is probably as going as it's going to get if you are mobility challenged.

Tips for visiting the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville
Animals
Pets no but they will allow service animals. We took one look at the outside of the vessels and decided not to bring our daughter's dog with us. We just were not sure that he could make it up the ramp. The ship decks have narrow spaces. If there is a crowd it could potentially be very difficult to navigate with a service dog.

Tips for visiting the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville
Souvenirs
The Pinta is the place to look for souvenirs. A small gift shop was created right on the deck. Items include t-shirts, replicated maps, hats and postcards. Many items are $1.00 and under.

Tips for visiting the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville
Off limits
The Coast Guard will not allow anyone on the very top deck of either ship. Climbing on the rigging is not allowed. Below decks are the living quarters for the volunteer crews who live on board and are not available for touring.

Tips for visiting the replica Nina and Pinta docked in Knoxville
Tipping the volunteer staff
Tips for the staff seemed to be appreciated. Conveniently placed containers are scattered throughout the boats.
Visiting the replica Nina and Pinta made for a day that I'll remember for a long time. Staff told us that the ships revisit a location on approximately a three year rotation. If so, I'll be back then.

View the slideshow through this link.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Columbus Foundation
City of Knoxville
Columbus Foundation Staff and Volunteers
Archaeology Magazine
Dictionary.com
Nautical Archaeology at Texas A&M