A replica of the tall ship Santa Maria will be visiting Brunswick and St. Augustine in April.
The replica of one of the world’s most famous sailing and discovery ships took more than a year to build in Spain’s Punta Umbría shipyards.
About one hundred craftsmen, carpenters, historians, mechanics and others made up the ship’s multi-disciplinary construction team, which was put together by the Nao Victoria Foundation.
“We started in 2017 and we finished it last year,” project manager Angel Rosa said. The ship has crossed the Atlantic and is making its first visit to the U.S.
The Santa Maria was the largest of the three ships that Christopher Columbus led to the Caribbean in 1492. Its replica is now making a tour of the mainland.
The replica is scheduled to be at the Brunswick marina’s Dock One from April 1 - 8.
Then it will sail down to St. Augustine’s municipal marina for a stay from April 17 - May 5.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for us,” said Rosa. The ship will also be making a stop in Panama City from March 7 to 17.
The replica weighs around 200 tons. Like the original, it has three masts and a bowspirit.
Ticket prices to tour the ship will be $10 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families of up to two adults and three children.
Tickets and additional information: Nao Santa Maria
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
