The Niña is a replica of
the ship on which Columbus sailed across the Atlantic on his three voyages of
discovery to the new world beginning in 1492. Columbus sailed the tiny
ship over 25,000 miles. That ship was last heard of in 1501, but the new
Niña has a different mission. It is a floating museum sponsored by the Columbus
Foundation from the British Virgin Islands that visit ports all over the
Western Hemisphere.
On Friday May 23rd, the
‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’, replicas
of Columbus’ Ships,
will open in Bridgeport. The ships will be docked
at Captains Cove Seaport, 1 Bostwick Ave., until their departure
early Tuesday morning May 27th.
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.
While
in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard,
self-guided tour. Admission charges are $8.00 for adults, $ 7.00 for
seniors, and $6.00 for students 5 - 16. Children 4 and under
are Free. The ships are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 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. For more information
visit www.thenina.com
For
information about Fairfield County www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com
