If you’re a fan of history and maritime adventures, you won’t want to miss the Pinta replica ship’s visit May 18-21 to Evansville. This unique vessel is a recreation of the caravel ship that accompanied explorer Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the Americas in 1492. It’s the only traveling replica of its kind in the world and offers visitors a chance to experience a piece of nautical history firsthand.
The Pinta replica was built by hand in Brazil, using traditional shipbuilding techniques and materials to ensure it was as authentic as possible. Caravels were fast, agile ships with a shallow draft, making them ideal for exploring and navigating unfamiliar waters.
The ship’s deck is 85 feet long and 23 feet wide, which is 29 feet longer and 5 feet wider than the original Pinta. The replica was launched in 2005 and built larger to accommodate tours and visitors.
Capt. Stephen Singer has been sailing with the ship since 2010. His company, Sanger Ships LLC, also has a replica of Columbus’ ship Niña, but it was damaged by the Atlantic Ocean Hurricane Sally in 2020. Singer says the Niña is about 80 percent back to sailing capacity, and the company hopes to tour again soon.
The Pinta is docked in Florida and travels around the country for about 10 months a year. The seven-member crew sails around the Gulf Coast, East Coast, Great Lakes, and the Midwestern river system to give visitors a chance to step aboard the ship. It’s the latter waterway that will bring the Pinta to Evansville.
“Visitors can step back into history with a replica of the ship that brought Columbus to America,” Singer says. “It’s the reason we’re here.”
Traveling from Grand Rivers, Kentucky, the ship will dock at Evansville’s Nu Plaza Yacht Club, 5630 Old Henderson Road, and is open for public tours May 18-21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you miss the Evansville docking, the Pinta also is visiting Owensboro, Kentucky’s English Park July 7-10. Interested in seeing the Pinta for yourself? Make a reservation for a tour, or simply show up for a self-guided tour.
Tickets can be purchased at the ship and are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors over 65 years and military personnel and veterans, $6 for children ages 5-16 years, and free for children under four.
