Replica of Columbus' flagship is heading for Cork's harbour festival

The Nao Santa María, a replica of the flagship used by Christopher Columbus during his epic 15th century voyage of discovery to the Americas, is set to drop anchor in Cork later on this month for the city's Habour Festival.

The original Santa María sailed alongside the Pina and the Niña when they left Spain in August 1492, reaching the Americas in October.

On the journey back home to Spain, the ship floundered off Hispaniola in the Caribbean, and its timbers were rescued and used to build Fuerte Navidad, the first Spanish settlement in the Americas.

The replica, completed in 2018, took 14 months to build by a team of almost 100 shipbuilders. It weighs 200 tonnes, measures 28.3m in length and 7.96m across the beam, with a main mast that rises almost 25m above the waterline.

It carries five sails covering 303sq m in total, and the rigging uses around 3km of rope, and has a 20 strong crew compliment.

She will sail into the heart of the city on Friday, May 29, and will be tied at Albert Quay/Kennedy Quay until June 8. 

During that time the ship will open to the public, offering visitors an opportunity to explore her decks, get a fascinating insight into life on the high seas during the 15th century, and learn about one of history’s greatest and most epic voyages of discovery. 

The ship will be open to the public from 10am to 8.30pm during its inaugural visit to Cork, part of a 30-port European tour.

For more information and to book individual or group tickets visit: ticket.velacuadra.es.