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The Nina Rediscovers America; Docked in Alton Thru Sunday
BY HEATHER ACCARDI
An extraordinarily accurate replica of Columbus’ favorite ship is visiting historic Alton, Illinois until Oct. 28 and the public can tour the vessel. The Santa Clara, better known by the nickname “The Nina,” was researched and designed by maritime historian John Sarsfield and funded by the Columbus Foundation. The Nina is fashioned after the caravel, a trade ship known for its speed and maneuverability.
JANE BANASZEK PHOTO
Part of what makes The Nina so authentic is the manner in which it was built. To this day, Portuguese descendents of Brazil can be found using the 15th century shipbuilding techniques of Columbus’ time. Sarsfield gained the confidence of these shipwrights, and The Nina was subsequently fashioned with traditional tools such as axes and chisels. In December of 1991, The Nina was completed and set off for North America.
According to 2nd mate Jameson Marquette, one of the most interesting topics visitors learn about The Nina is how the crew survived. “It’s amazing to think about how they came across [the ocean] with nothing,” exclaimed Lorraine Lang, an enthusiastic sightseer.
Indeed, Columbus and his men discovered the Americas with minimal protection from the elements. Twenty-seven sailors slept on the deck of The Nina, while livestock and cargo such as spices were kept below in the hold. Luckily, the crew on this Nina doesn’t have to sleep on deck, since the hold now contains eight bunks and a small kitchen for the crew. “We’ve become the cargo,” laughs Marquette.
Visitors of The Nina will see historically accurate reproductions such as the ship’s cannon, the hold, the ship’s boat (a rescue boat), and the windlass.
HEATHER ACCARDI PHOTO
Other interesting objects aboard The Nina include two original bricks from the home of Christopher Columbus, Spanish coins and an antique nautical compass.
Under Columbus’ command, the original Nina logged more than 25,000 miles of exploration. Today, the Nina sails across U.S. waterways such as the Great Lakes, Mississippi, and the Gulf of Mexico. The ship remains in Florida for the winter. On days when the wind is right, the crew still hoists the sails and uses nothing but the rudder to steer. “It [the rudder] predates the wheel by approximately 150 years,” said Marquette.
The ship was used in the production of the film, 1492, starring Gerard Depardieu. In 1991, The Nina sailed from Brazil to Costa Rica on its maiden voyage to take part in the filming.
Visiting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5 – 16, and $4 for senior citizens over the age of 60. Children 4 years old and under are free. The Nina will be located at the Alton Marina in downtown Alton, Ill. until Sunday, Oct. 28. Additional questions on The Nina can be answered by calling (787) 421-0402.
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