Replica Ships Anchor At Our Oldest City

Replica ships drop anchor in oldest our city

The News-Tribune
May 6, 2009
ST. AUGUSTINE

-- A blast from the past will be visiting the nation's oldest city, beginning this week.

An archaeologically based replica of the Niña and her larger sister ship, the Santa Clara, (representing the Pinta) will be docked through May 17 at the City Marina with tours offered
from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The vessels are owned by the Columbus Foundation based in the British Virgin Islands.

The Niña is distinct because of its authentic replication. Traditional shipwrights built the ship using all hand tools in Brazil and the hull shape was reproduced using data recovered from archaeo-
logical excavations of contemporary 15th century caravels excavated around the Iberian Peninsula
as well as the Caribbean.

The collaborative effort, which combined the resources of traditional shipwrights, maritime historians, archaeologists, and marine engineers, helped produce a vessel acclaimed as the most authentic caravel replica afloat.

As an accompanying ship, the Santa Clara is a floating museum as well as reception platform. An exhibit in her hold shows how the Niña was designed by the collaborative research team and built by traditional shipwrights.

Visitors not only get to see the finished product but experience the research and effort behind making
a reproduction of a 15th century sailing vessel. This ship is thoroughly modern inside and includes an
air-conditioned exhibit space, gift shop, and galley.

The Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program, the research arm of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, worked with the Columbus Foundation to get these ships into St. Augustine. As hosts, LAMP and the Lighthouse will jsbr volunteers to assist visitors dockside and provide a living historian who will portray Christopher Columbus.

"It is important to remember these workhorses of the sea," said LAMP archaeologist Brendan Burke,
"and a great opportunity, since the local '450 Corps' is studying the feasibility for creating a replica
here in town for the upcoming 500th anniversary."

Admission for adults is $6, children over 4 are $4, and senior citizens are $5. A guided group rate of
$3 per person is also available for groups of 15 or more.