Tall ship Nao Santa María docked in Greenport Tuesday night in time for Columbus Day weekend tours.
The 98-foot wood and fiberglass ship is a replica of Christopher Columbus’ famed Santa María, which landed in America on October 12, 1492 on its maiden voyage with sister vessels the Niña and the Pinta. Its arrival was considered a milestone in history: the discovery of America.
This is the first time the 200-ton replica, constructed in 2017, has docked in Greenport. Crew members expressed excitement to be in the village despite the rain early Wednesday.
Visitors can take self-guided tour through its five decks, learning about the history of the ship and its ornamental elements from informative panels. The crew will also give talks about the lives of the ship’s Spanish sailors 500 years ago.
Nao Santa María is ported beside Fireboat Fire Fighter at Mitchell Park Marina. Tours are scheduled to take place Wednesday, Oct. 9 through Monday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dates can be altered by adverse weather conditions.
The tall ship Amistad, a replica of the historic 19th century Spanish schooner that made history off the coast of Long Island, was also except to dock in Greenport for Columbus Day weekend, however, its crew canceled the visit early Wednesday as inclement weather rolled in.
Tickets to board Nao Santa María are $10 for adults and $5 for children. The tickets can be purchased at naosantamaria.org.
