Replicas of two of history’s best-known sailing vessels are due to arrive in Portland Harbor this month.
The Nina and the Pinta — replicas of ships that Christopher Columbus took across the Atlantic to explore the New World in 1492 — are due in the harbor June 22, after stopping over for a few days in Kittery.
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The ships will be docked at South Port Marine in South Portland for several days, before departing on the morning of June 28.
Starting June 23, the public can take guided tours of the vessels. Admission fees will be $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $6 for children ages 5-16.
The vessels will visit Badgers Island Marina East in Kittery from June 14-20.
Senior Capt. Morgan Sangar said the Columbus Foundation, based in the British Virgin Islands, decided to bring its ships to Maine because of the amount of time that has passed since the Nina’s last trip here.
More than 2,000 people visited the Nina in 2003, when it was berthed at Portland Yacht Services in Portland.
“Sailing ships are highly regarded in Maine,” Sangar said. “I think people up there will appreciate the effort we are making.”
The Nina, which was built in Brazil without the use of power tools, was launched in 1991. It is a replica of the ship that Columbus sailed on the first of his three voyages to the New World.
Archaeology Magazine called the Nina the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built, according to the Columbus Foundation.
The Pinta, also built in Brazil, was launched in 2005.
The original Pinta accompanied the Nina and the Santa Maria on Columbus’ voyage. Columbus was searching for a new route to India when he sailed into the Caribbean in 1492.
The replica ships, which are considered sailing museums, tour together.
“That’s the beauty of these ships,” Sangar said. “There are lots of replicas bouncing around, but you have to go back a lot of years to when these ships were in use. That’s when the Age of Sail really started.”
During their visit, the vessels will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Teachers or organizations may schedule 30-minute guided tours by calling (787) 672-2152.
Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at:
dhoey@pressherald.com
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