On Friday August 27th, the ‘Pinta’, a replica of Christopher Columbus’ famous Ship, will open in Chattanooga, TN. The ship will be docked at the Chattanooga Pier, 200 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402, until her departure on Monday, September 20th.

In 2005, the ‘Pinta’, a caravel replica, was launched in Brazil. Historically, the Pinta was the first ship to sight land in the New World on October 12th, 1492. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century. The Pinta tours 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. Before him, 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.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ship for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission charges are $6.50 for adults, $6.00 for seniors ages 60 and up, and $5.50 for students ages 5-16. Children 4 and under are Free. The ship will be open every day from 10:00am to 5:00pm from August 27th thru September 19th. No reservations necessary.

Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member should call 1-850-686-3612 or visit ninapinta.org and click “take a tour”. Minimum of 15 for group rate at $4.50 per person. No Maximum.

Looking back to our schools days, most will remember: