04/14/14 — Replicas of Columbus' ships on display

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Replicas of Columbus' ships on display

By From staff reports
Published in News on April 14, 2014 1:47 PM

MOREHEAD CITY -- On Friday, April 25, the "Pinta" and the "Nina," replicas of Columbus' ships, will be open for visitors in Morehead City.

The ships will be docked at the Sanitary Fish Restaurant, 501 Evans St., until their departure May 5.

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 15th 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 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for students ages 5-16. Children 4 and younger are free. The ships are open every day from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

No reservations are necessary.

Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member should call 1-787-672-2152 or emailcolumfnd1492@gmail.com. There is a minimum of 15 people per group, at $5 per person.

Visit the website at www.thenina.com.