HUNTSVILLE —On Friday the ‘Pinta’, a replica of Christopher Columbus’ famous ship, will open in Huntsville. The ship will be docked at Ditto Landing Marina, 293 Ditto Landing Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803, until her departure on Monday July 26.

In 2005, the ‘Pinta’, a caravel replica, was launched in Brazil. Historically, the Pinta was the first ship to sight land in the New World on October 12th, 1492. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century.

The Pinta tours as a ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel’, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to “discover” the world. Before him, the Old World and the New remained separate and distinct continents and ever since their fates have been bound together for better or for worse.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ship for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission charges are $6.50 for adults, $6.00 for seniors ages 60 and up, and $5.50 for students ages 5-16. Children 4 and under are Free. The ship will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 16 thru July 25. No reservations necessary.

Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member should call 1-850-686-3612 or visit ninapinta.org and click “take a tour”. Minimum of 15 for group rate at $4.50 per person. No Maximum.