See replicas of Columbus's ships Nina and Pinta in Bridgeport Connecticut

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 23^rd,  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 27^th.

     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

Sail away this summer at Soundwaters in Stamford CT

If you ever dreamed of sailing on a tall ship, Soundwaters in Stamford Connecticut can make your dreams come true.

Once again this summer Soundwaters is offering afternoon and sunset sails on their 80 foot three masted schooner in June, July, August and September on selected weekends.  

The afternoon sails that take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. are perfect for families.  Participants will enjoy the wonder of Long Island Sound as they help raise the sails and examine first hand the rich diversity of aquatic life that exists beneath the waves.  Educators on board will teach participants about the quality of the water, how to test it and how to analyze groundwater.

The sunset sails are perfect for adults and a romantic cruise along Connecticut’s “gold coast”.  Guests on the sunset cruise are invited to bring their dinner aboard and favorite beverage and relax as the sun dips below the horizon of the Sound.

The schooner is located on 333 Ludlow Street in the Stamford Harbor Park Marina in Stamford just off of I-95.  To reserve your spot on the schooner visit http://www.soundwaters.org for dates and times and your reservation.  If you have additional questions call 203-406-3335 or email hstarks@soundwaters.org.

About Soundwaters

Soundwaters is a leading environmental education organization in Stamford CT located on Long Island Sound.  Their award winning programs take place at their Coastal Education Center and on the Soundwaters, an 80-foot three-masted schooner as well as at schools, community centers and field sites throughout the region.  Their mission is to protect Long Island Sound through education.  

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

Classic Schooner Sails SoundWaters Opens this Weekend!

Anyone who has ever dreamed about gliding full sail on a classic schooner should visit SoundWaters, an environmental education organization located in Cove Island Park in Stamford. They offer regular sails on the SoundWaters, an 80-foot three-masted replica of a 19th Century sharpie schooner, which leaves from Brewer Yacht Haven Marina in Stamford.

Afternoon sails from 3 to 5 p.m. on selected dates from June through August are great for families with children age 5 and up, offering the chance to help hoist the sails and raise the trawl to discover who lives underwater. This summer, afternoon sails are offered on the following dates: Sunday, May 29, Sunday, June 12, Saturday, June 25, Sunday, June 26, Sunday, July 3, Saturday, July 9, Saturday, July 16, Sunday, July 17, Saturday, July 23, Saturday, July 30, Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.

Sunset Sails on selected weekends and weeknights from June through August are intended for adults, who are invited to bring dinner and their favorite beverages on baord and relax while watching the sun go down. These sails are intended for Adults, as alcohol is often brought on board. Sunset Sails are offered 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm on the following dates this season: Sunday, May 29,  Sunday, June 12, Saturday, June 25, Sunday, June 26, Tuesday, June 28, Sunday, July 3, Wednesday, July 6, Friday, July 8, Saturday, July 9, Friday, July 15, Saturday, July 16, Sunday, July 17, Wednesday, July 20, Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 2, Wednesday, July 27, Friday, July 29, Saturday, July 30, Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.

On July 2 Soundwaters is offering a "Fireworks Sail", that is truely an unforgettable event that is set against the dramatic backdrop of Long Island Sound from 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm. Tickets for this very special sail are $75 per person.

Tickets for Afternoon and Sunset Sails are $30 per person and all children must be at least  five years old.  To reserve your space please call 203-406-3335 with a credit card.  Prior to the day of the sail, tickets are also available at the SoundWaters Center in Cove Island Park and can be purchased by credit card, cash or check.  Spaces on day of sail are available first come first served. Passengers can pay in person (cash or check) on the day of sail dockside (Brewers Yacht Haven Marina). Note that these spaces are not guaranteed.  For any additional questions or if you would like to make advance resevations phone  (203) 406-3335 or email hstarks@soundwaters.org.

To reach the Marina coming from the North on I-95:-Take I-95 South to Exit 7. Merge onto N State St (merge into the middle lane, the far left lane will take you back to I-95 South). Turn left on to Washington Blvd (5th Traffic Light) Washington Blvd will turn into Dyke Lane Continue on Dyke Lane. Take a right onto Batemen Way. Turn left into Brewer Yacht Haven Marina and follow the pavement to the southwest corner of the marina. The Schooner SoundWaters is located at Dock S1.

Coming from the South on I-95: -Take I-95 North to Exit 7.-Merge onto S State St-Turn right onto Washington Blvd-Washington Blvd will turn into Dyke Lane- Continue on Dyke Lane.- Take a right onto Batemen Way- Turn left into Brewer Yacht Haven Marina and follow the pavement to the southwest corner of the marina. The Schooner SoundWaters is located at Dock S1.

The gate into Brewer Yacht Haven Marina is open Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm. If your sail is after 5:00 pm on a weekday, after 1:00 pm on Saturday, or on a Sunday, a SoundWaters staff member will be at the entrance gate into Brewers Yacht Haven Marina 30 minutes prior to the start of the sail to check in passengers and direct you to parking. You must check in at the gate 5 minutes prior to the start of the sail.