Setting Sun
December 11, 2014
Alec Adams
December 11, 2014
Shades of 1492 resurfaced in Houma last week when Christopher Columbus’ ships ported in Houma.
The ships will set sail Saturday.
Columbus is not aboard, but motor-powered replicas Nina and Pinta are still out and about sailing around the United States 522 years later as part of the Columbus Foundation.
“There are always challenges of traveling around constantly and having different crews. Things are always changing,” Capt. Stephen Sanger said. “It is a lot of fun, and I have gained a lot of experience traveling all the waterways around the country. It is a great time.”
The visit marks the second time both ships have made landfall in Houma. The Nina has made the stop three times.
The foundation visits anywhere between 30 to 40 ports per year.
“We sail around so people can see how the ships were made back then compared to now because obviously they are a lot smaller,” Sanger said. “Everyone thinks they would be a lot bigger, but these are like the space shuttles of the 1400s. These were used by explorers to make long oceanary voyages.”
The foundation is funded directly by ticket and merchandise sales. Tickets are $8 for adults; $7, seniors; $6 for youth ages 5 to 16; and free to those age 4 and younger. Guided tours are available for parties of 15 or more and are $5 per person.
Anyone who purchases a ticket can tour the main deck of the ships to see the structure and what was used to sail the ships in the 1400s.
Many times, Sanger finds new crew members among visitors.
“Usually people gain interest when we visit the ports, and they talk to our crew. That is how most people get on,” Sanger said.
Anyone interested will be asked to fill out an application. Job interviews are held immediately, Sanger said of the rapid hiring process.
“We can hire someone in as little as a couple of days,” he said. “If it doesn’t work out, we can part ways and wish them the best.”
Whether it is the rivers or oceans, there are always challenges when traveling on the water. Sanger has seen it all from 14 foot waves to high winds and said the most important part is being prepared and acting quickly.
“The more time you think about it, the less time you have to actually do something about it. You have to make split-second decisions,” he said. “It is all about reacting quick and going with your gut feeling.”
While swells may present some of the more wild challenges, the everyday living conditions are not ideal, which is a challenge in and of itself.
Crewmembers are expected to be on watch for three hours on and then have three hours off. Staying on watch could mean steering the ship, holding spotlights or general ship duties such as cleaning.
“It always has its ups and downs. It has been a great experience traveling around in a way that most people will never get to see the country,” Sanger said. “It is amazing how many waterways there are and how different people are and how they react.
“It was definitely a great decision coming out of college,” he added. “It is something to take off the bucket list.”
For more information, call 787-307-9051 or visit www.thenina.com.
Visitors tour the deck of a motor-powered replica of the Nina, which is ported at the Houma marina. The vessel, along with the Pinta, are in port through Saturday.
