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On Thursday, June 21, the “Pinta” and the “Nina,” replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships, will open in Demopolis.  The ships will be docked at the Demopolis Yacht Basin until their departure early Monday morning, June 25.

The ships are being made available for viewing through the Columbus Foundation.

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.” In 2005, the “Pinta,” also a caravel, was launched in Brazil and was the first ship to sight land in the New World.    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 new world. Before him, the Old World and the New remained separate and distinct continents and ever since their fates have been bound together for better and for worse.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. There is an admission charge for adults, students, and seniors. Children 4 and under are free. No reservation is necessary.

Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member should call 787-672-2152 or emailninapintatour@gmail.com.  Group tours must have a minimum of 15 members and there is a charge of $5 per person.   

The ships will arrive in Demopolis on Wednesday, June 20.