Columbus Replica Ships to Land in Stuart, Florida April 15, 2009

Stuart, Fla. will once again welcome the ‘Nina’ to the Treasure Coast when the Columbus replica, along with her sister-ship the ‘Santa Clara,’ sail through the St. Lucie Inlet on April 14 for a seven-day stay at Harborage Yacht Club and Marina.

Both ships will be in port until April 22 and the public is invited for walk-aboard self-guided tours, April 15 to April 22, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The 'Nina' was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine refers to the 'Nina' as the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built. Movie-buffs may recognize the 'Nina' from her role in the Hollywood film 1492, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Gerard Depardieu.

The 'Santa Clara' was recently built in Brazil to accompany the 'Nina' on all of her travels. She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel and offers more deck space for tours. Her 900 square foot main salon will host slide shows of both ships' construction. During the stay in Stuart, the 'Pinta' will also be available for private parties.

Both ships offer an enhanced 'sailing museum,' educating the public and school children on the 'Caravel,' a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.

Teachers who wish to schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member, should e-mail: columfnd@surfbvi.com. For more information on the ships, visit www.thenina.com.