Originally scheduled to arrive in Beaufort on March 29th, the Nao Santa Maria has gone through quite a lot to come to town.
First it was a storm that delayed her.
Then, it was damage to the ship from the storm that delayed her.
But, still, the replica ship of the original Santa Maria, Captained by Christopher Columbus in 1492, is coming to Beaufort.
On Friday, April 5th, the replica of the historic Columbus ship will arrive at the Downtown Beaufort Marina and will be open to the public for tours from Saturday April 6th, through Sunday, April 14th.
Previously, the Nina and Pinta ships were very well received in 2014 and 2017 when they made their stops in town.
This time, it’s the Santa Maria’s turn.
The Nao Santa María is one of the most famous ships of humanity. On October 12, 1492, captained by Christopher Columbus, protagonist of one of the most important milestones in history: the Discovery of America, the Meeting between the Worlds that is related to the evolution of universal history.
It was then that “Columbus sailed the ocean blue”, leading to the discovery of a “New World” and marking the beginning of America’s earliest history. This earliest chapter of our nation’s history – and the local story of 16th century settlement Santa Elena – is shared with visitors daily at the Santa Elena History Center.
Before Columbus, the Old World and the New remained separate and distinct continents and ever since their fates have been bound together for better or for worse.
The ship allows visitors to see what it was like aboard the ships that carried Columbus and crew across the ocean. The tours consist of a guided tour through the 5 decks of the Santa María, where you can find informative panels with the history of the ship, ornamental elements of the time and talk with the crew to feel how to live like the Spanish sailors did 500 years ago.
“What a special activity for us to enjoy here in Beaufort this spring as part of celebrating our Shipwrecks of America’s Lost Century symposium,” said Megan Meyer, Executive Director of the Santa Elena History Center.
“We hope many people will take advantage of this unique ‘sailing museum’ to learn about the Columbus ship, and visit the Santa Elena History Center to learn what occurred during the next 100 years – much of which took place right here in Beaufort County.”
The Shipwrecks of America’s Lost Century symposium is being held on April 5th at the USCB Center for the Arts.
S.C. underwater archaeologist, James Spirek, directs a symposium of 10 archaeologists and historians from around the country. Presentations include Spain’s 1526 South Carolina-Georgia coast colonization attempt, the wrecked 1565 Ribaut fleet, and the 1576 French corsair “Le Prince” resting at the bottom of Port Royal Sound.
While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ship for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission charges are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students 5 – 11. Children 4 and under are free and family packages are also available at discounted rates. The ship is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The ship will be docked at the downtown Beaufort marina, adjacent to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Tickets for tours can be purchased here.
Also, learn more about the Nao Santa Maria here.
