The scheduled Sunday arrival of the Columbus replica ship, Nao Santa Maria, has been postponed again, this time due to a mechanical difficulty aboard the vessel, which was most recently docked in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The new expected arrival date for the replica ship in Beaufort is April 6th. She’s going to stay until April 14th.
Originally scheduled to arrive in Beaufort on Thursday, March 28, the ship encountered a storm system off the coast of Florida and its arrival was postponed until Sunday evening, March 31st.
The ship was diverted Cape Canaveral this week due to serious storms off the coast. The Santa María’s attempt to restart their journey to Beaufort was met with volatile North winds in the gulf stream.
After attempts to sail the 500-year-old replica vessel against these conditions, the ship sustained damage and the safety of the crew was at stake. Therefore, the Captain returned to Cape Canaveral for safe docking and ship repair.
If you purchased tickets for the original tour dates and aren’t able to be in town when the ship does arrive, please email shop@naosantamaria.org to request a refund.
When She Does Finally Arrive in Beaufort
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.
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.
