The Nina and Pinta replica ships arrived at the Peoria Riverfront Thursday.
The Nina and its seven member volunteer crew arrived first on the Riverfront. Nina Captain Stephen Sanger says the ship is an exact size replica and the Pinta is slightly larger than the original.
“Both of the ships are what’s known as Portuguese Caravels. They were typical trading vessels in the Mediterranean during the 1400’s before Columbus used them for his voyages. They constructed by 8th generation Portuguese ship writes down in Brazil. And the Nina was built built entirely by hand, no electricity was used. She was built in time to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s crossing.“
The ships are open for tours starting Friday. Tickets can be purchased at the blue tent near the Spirit of Peoria. Tickets for Adults are $8.00; a child’s ticket is $6.00.
The ships depart from Peoria Monday the 22nd. Next they are headed to Memphis, and then Little Rock.