Columbus Ship Visits Panama City

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Christopher Columbus sailed in his favorite ship more than 500 years ago. No doubt you've seen drawings of the ships, but if you'd like a more up close encounter you'll get your chance this week in Panama City.

The Pinta and the Santa Maria aren't in town, but the Nina made the trip to the Panama City Marina, and even though the ship isn't 500 years old, it still looks that way.

Capt. Kyle Friaf said, "It's the world's most authentic replica. It was made entirely by hand. No power tools were used, so it was made in the 15th century methods as well."

The ship is an exact replica of the 15th century voyager, aside from a few additions due to 21st century regulations.

"We do have a motor on board. We've got all the modern navigational gear, we're completely legal to be out on the high seas now a days, but we can still shut it all off and sail the old fashioned way," Friaf said.

The Nina is a great way for people young and old to get a feel for life back in the old days, but maybe more importantly it gives school kids a chance to touch and feel what they learn in the classroom.

"It's a really good opportunity for school kids, home school, groups and that sort of thing to really be able to put into context what you learn in history. I mean, when you step on that deck it's magical."

The Nina will make a couple of stops after leaving Panama City before going to the Panama Canal on its way to the west coast.

The ship will be docked at the Panama City Marina and it's open to the public from 9:00-5:00, starting tomorrow and running through Sunday.