Joe and Vera Wiatt spotted two unusual vessels entering the Port O’Connor jetties on March 7th. They took this photo of the “Pinta” as it ran silently through the Intracoastal Waterway.

Matagorda, TX.—On Friday April 6th, the ‘Pinta and the Nina , replicas of Columbus’ ships will open in Matagorda. The ships will be docked at the Harbor Marina, Hwy 60 south & CR 255, until their departure early Monday morning, April 16th.

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 fifteenth 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 are invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission charges are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, and $6.00 for students 5 – 16.
Children 4 and under are Free.

The ships are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

No reservations necessary.
Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call 1-787-672-2152.

Minimum of 15. $4.00 per person. No Maximum.

Visit the website at www.thenina.com or email columfnd@surfbvi.com.