Written by Emily Jones.
Desk jobs aren’t for everyone; sometimes you just need to get out on the open water.
Several weeks ago, two of Christopher Columbus’s ships, the Niña and the Pinta, sailed into the Savannah harbor. Docked on River Street, the Columbus Foundation’s replicas of the two famous ships that brought Columbus and his crew to the Americas, are open for tours until they set sail again on Monday, April 7 at 6:00 a.m.
Although a trip such as this requires a high level of work, the friendly and positive environment allow for an enjoyable adventure.
“It’s important to have fun when you’re on trips like these,” said crew member Jamie, one of the chefs and ticket sellers.
When at port, the ships are open for visitation, allowing Savannah’s tourists to gain a true sense of Columbus’s voyage.
“History books don’t do them justice,” said the alternate captain, Vic Bickel.
Informative professionals on board are able to provide visitors with answers to any questions they may have.
“I worked with an aerospace group for 22 years and got tired of cubicles. I started five years ago and haven’t looked back,” Bickel said.
The Pinta is the newest of the two, and is an exact replica of the original ship. Both of the Columbus Foundation’s vessels were made using 15th century tools and materials, but the Pinta especially has some modern amenities onboard.
“We can only hold so much water onboard our ships and we need plenty of drinking water, so it isn’t worth risking the clean, fresh water supply on taking showers,” said one of the members of the kitchen.
With kitchens, refrigerators, and toasters, the Pinta carries luxuries that cannot be found aboard the Niña.
“The best part is having a good time joking with the public, meeting crew from all over the world and making new friends,” Jamie said.
Details of volunteer opportunities can be found both online and down on River Street at the location of the ships.