Replicas of Nina and Pinta at the City Marina
CHEBOYGAN, MI -- In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. In 2010, replicas of the floating boats of history are in Cheboygan. The "Pinta" and "Nina," two of Columbus' flagship ships, are docked at the City Marina.
“They are historically significant for sure. Everybody immediately recognizes the Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria, these are the two caravels the crew took across the ocean," said Kyle Friauf, captain of the Nina.
The replica of the Nina was built by hand without the use of power tools 20 years ago just like Columbus would have built his ships 500 years ago. It's called the most historically correct replica ever built. The Pinta was built five years ago.
“They were much smaller than I thought they would be. It's history, and to be able to see it so when he gets the education he has it within his memory," said Susan Cheli, who visited the boats with Issac.
The boats that once discovered the new world can be explored first hand. And for eight year old Ryan Bennett, his fears were cleared.
"Most of the people that are on the ships aren't trying to be like a pirate, they're just regular people," said Bennett.
Here's the cool thing; all weekend, you can step onto history and see what it was like. Of course, you won't be in the vast sea, you'll be dockside.
“It's a great opportunity to come down, stand on the ships, and understand what life was like 500 years ago, what sailing was like 500 years ago, we live in a pretty easy times, compared to the sailors then," said Friauf.
The boats will be on display all weekend from 9 to 6. Cost--$7 for adults, $5 for kids, and $6 for seniors.
