Offshoreonly.com - Nina to dock in Punta Gorda

I saw this a few years ago, and it is coming back. The pics were taken back in 2004 here in Punta Gorda, the last time I saw her.

The Nina is coming to Punta Gorda, FL.

Well, not the real one, but it looks a lot like it, organizers say.

On March 18, the Nina, a replica of one of Christopher Columbus’ ship will will dock at Fishermen’s Village for nine days.

Built completely by hand and without the use of power tools, “Archaeology” magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” The ‘Nina’ was used in the production of the film ‘1492’ starring Gerard Depardieu.

The ship has been touring since 1992 as a ‘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.

While in Punta Gorda, the public can walk on board by themselves for $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and $3 for students. Those less than 4 can get on board for free.

It will be open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fishermen’s Village is at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade.

If you’re an area teacher and want to schedule a 30-minute tour with your class, call 787-421 0402 or email [email protected]. There should be at least 15 students for a class trip, organizers said.