WILMINGTON — They may not be discovering the new world this time around, but Wednesday morning the Niña and Pinta arrived in the Port City.
As they made their way under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, the still morning air was shattered by cannon fire from the Niña’s three-pound gun, much to the surprise of diners on the riverfront.
The caravel-style ships made their way down the waterfront, and docked at Pier 33, where they’ll serve as floating museums for the next 10 days.
According to the Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust, the Columbus Foundation has recreated both of the Columbus’ caravel-style ships (The Santa Maria was a larger vessel, called a Nao). The foundation’s Niña and Pinta replicas tour together as “sailing museums” for the purpose of educating the public, especially children, on life aboard a caravel.
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.
Columbus’s Niña was last heard from in 1501. The new Niña was built completely by hand and has been called “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built” by Archaeology magazine.
The ships will be open for tours for individuals, groups, and sponsored events. Tickets are $8 for Adults, $7 for Seniors/Military, and $6 for children 5-16. Children 4 and under are free.
Group tours of 15 or more are available for school groups, museums, scouts, and camps for $5 per person. Group tours need to book in advance.
Tickets are available online at https://www.wilmingtondocks.com/ and will also be on sale at Port City Marina on the days of the tours. Tours are May 11 – 21, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For information on sponsored events by contacting Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust at [email protected].
