Replicas of Columbus’ famous Nina and Pinta will sail into St. Augustine, the nation’s first port, on Tuesday, May 5. Beginning Wednesday, May 6th, until their departure on May 18th, the two ships will be open to the public from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily at the St. Augustine City Marina.

The Nina was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called it “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” The craftsmanship and the details in the rigging make it a truly fascinating visit back to the Age of Discovery. The Nina was used in the production of the film 1492 starring Gerard Depardieu and directed by Ridley Scott.

The Pinta 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 larger deck space for walk-aboard tours and has a 900 sq. ft. main salon down below to view slide shows of the ships’ construction. While in port, the Pinta is available for private parties.

Both ships will be touring together as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘Caravel’, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.

Admission to the ships is $7 for adults, $6.for seniors and $5 for children. Children four and under are admitted free of charge. No reservations are necessary. A portion of the proceeds will go to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. Teachers wishing to schedule a 30- minute guided tour with a crew member should email columfnd@surfbvi.com Minimum of 15 per group -- $3 per person For more details, go to www.thenina.com