“In fourteen-hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” Many will recall learning this rhyme in elementary school, along with the names of Christopher Columbus’ ships – the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria.
This summer, a replica of one of these vessels, the Nao Santa Maria, will be docked at Waterfront Park.
“This is a Spanish-flagged, exact replica of Christopher Columbus’ flagship, the Santa Maria,” said Custom House Maritime Museum board member Ken Jackman. “This will be the first time that this ship comes to any port in New England. Newburyport will be the first place you will be able to see this vessel, board it, explore it, and see the entire ship from stem to stern.”
The Nao Santa Maria was constructed and launched in Spain last year. It has sailed to the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, across the Atlantic Ocean to Puerto Rico, and is making its way up the U.S. coast. It is expected to arrive in Newburyport on Friday, May 31, around 10:30 am. The ship will depart on Monday, June 10, at about 6 am.
In addition to the ship itself, Newburyport is hosting a number of themed activities and events, ranging from children’s pirate parties to black-tie cocktail evenings. The Maritime Museum will also feature programs and exhibits that tell “both sides of the Christopher Columbus story.”
The Nao Santa Maria is the third tall ship – a sailing ship with high masts – to dock at Newburyport during the past four years. Jackman hopes to make the presence of a tall ship an annual event. “They should be something that everyone in town looks forward to, every year,” he said.
Don’t delay! Book your stay at the Essex Street Inn today so that you can be present for this fun family event. Since Waterfront Park is located just blocks from the Essex Street Inn, you’ll be a brief stroll or bike ride away.
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ESSEX STREET INN, 7 ESSEX STREET, NEWBURYPORT, MA
www.EssexStreetInn.com * 978-465-3148