Replica of Christopher Columbus’ Santa María ship to dock in Ramsgate
A full-scale replica of the ship that carried Christopher Columbus to America will sail into Thanet next month and visitors are being offered a rare chance to climb aboard.
The Santa María famously carried the intrepid explorer across the Atlantic when he crossed the sea as part of his historic voyage in 1492.
Built in Spain using traditional 15th-century techniques, the Nao Santa María is not just a ship but a floating museum.
And after three years in America, stopping in cities including New York and Miami, she’s returned to Europe much to the excitement of historians and tall ships enthusiasts.
With her towering masts, wooden hull, and authentic design - visitors can explore four decks inside, including the captain’s quarters and sailor bunks, and learn how navigators at the time crossed uncharted oceans by starlight, compass, and guesswork.
Three ships originally set sail from Spain in 1492 in search of a new route to India, but only two — the Niña and the Pinta — returned to Europe.
After 40 days of sailing, the Santa Maria - managed by 40 men under Columbus - reached the Americas landing on a tiny in the Bahamas.
Later, on Christmas Day, the Santa María accidentally sailed into shallow waters near Haiti and got stuck.
But with the crew unable to free her she had to be dismantled - with the timber used to build a small fort called La Navidad on the northern coast of the island.
Completed with help from the local Taíno people, the fort became the first European settlement in the Americas.
Columbus left behind his men to occupy it while he returned to Spain with news of their voyage, but when he came back months later, the fort had been destroyed and all the men were dead.
With the original ship was lost to history, this modern replica was carefully constructed in 2018 by the Nao Victoria Foundation in Spain.
Built by skilled craftsmen using wood, rope, and hand tools, that ship now travels the world helping visitors step into the past and understand what life was like on board the vessel.
The Nao Santa Maria will visit Ramsgate in late July docking at Commercial Quay.
She’ll remain there from July 23 to July 27 when the ship will be open to visitors between 10am and 8pm.
But slots are expected to be popular so those planning on a visit are being advised to buy their tickets in advance here.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children aged five to 10, or £25 for a family pass.
