Replicas of Columbus’ Nina, Pinta ships open for tours in Hardin County

COUNCE, Tenn. — West Tennesseans now have a chance to step back in time and experience being on board two replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships.

“For the last 10 years, the ships have been floating around the U.S. as a floating museum,” said Stephen Sanger, captain aboard the Nina.

Sanger says the ships aren’t the originals but are considered the most historically accurate replicas of the 15th century models.

“There were no actual blueprints, but Christopher Columbus made very accurate logs of what was carried on board and what the sails were shaped like,” Sanger said.

Sanger says people can tour the Nina, which was built completely by hand, and the Pinta, the larger version.

Now docked at Grand Harbor Marina in Counce, Sanger says this is just one of many stops on the tour.

“This year, we’re going to Florida, the Gulf Coast, and we’re going all the way up the Ohio River to Pittsburgh,” Sanger said.

Crew members say these ships are close replicas of the originals, taking visitors back through history.

“It’s a lot better than just sitting in the classroom and being able to read it out of a book,” crew member Collin Foster said.

Foster says during the age of exploration, the ships helped explorers like Columbus open up new trade routes.

Crew members say Columbus’ third ship, the Santa Maria, is not part of the tour due to its size.

The ships are available for tours at the Grand Harbor Marina from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through July 17.