http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-913466.mp3
Burlington, IA – Summer is a time when the Mississippi River is filled with jet skis, speed boats, and leisure boats. So boaters probably did a double-take when they saw a pair of large, wooden ships docked near Big Muddy's in downtown Burlington.
The Columbus Foundation was formed in 1986 with the idea of building replicas of the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria in anticipation of the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' discovery of "The New World."
A replica of the Nina was built in 1991 while the Pinta was constructed 14 years later. Today, they sail throughout the United States as "floating museums."
Each ship features a crew of 6-8 people from across the country. Captain Kyle Friauf says they add and lose crew members throughout the year.
The Nina and the Pinta are on the water 10 months a year. They are scheduled to dock in 30 U.S. cities this year.
You can hear more about the Nina and the Pinta by clicking the audio link above.