The Columbus ships Nina and Pinta will sail into Chattanooga on Thursday and will be docked on the downtown riverfront until Nov. 3. While in port, the ships will be open to the public for self-guided tours Oct. 15-Nov. 2.
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 craftsmanship of construction and the details in the rigging make it a truly fascinating visit back to the Age of Discovery, officials said.
The Nina was used in the production of the film “1492” starring Gerard Depardieu and directed by Ridley Scott.
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 and offers larger deck space for walk-aboard tours. People can view a slide show of the ship’s construction on the 900 square foot main salon, downstairs. The Pinta is available for private parties while in port.
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.
Tours are open to the public. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for students. Children four and under are free. The ships are open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. No reservations are necessary.
The ship will be available for 30 minute guided tours for school groups with a crew member on Friday, Oct. 15; Monday, Oct 18-Friday, Oct. 22; Monday, Oct. 25 – Friday, Oct. 29; Monday, Nov. 1; Tuesday, Nov. 2. The ships are open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The charge for school groups is $4 per person, with a minimum of 15. There is no maximum number of students that can be booked, however, book as soon as possible as space is limited. Teachers and organizers wishing to make a reservation can email columfnd@surfbvi.com or call 787.672-2152. Visit www.thenina.com for more information. Educational materials, photographs and other ship-related souvenirs are available on the ship.