Then and Now

[DEAN01]

This story takes a little time: The Spanish government sent reconstructions of the "Nina," the "Pinta," and the "Santa Maria"--Christopher Columbus' ships--to the city of Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1992. The ships were sailed across the Atlantic in a similar fashion to Columbus' voyage. On the left is the "Nina," or what remains of her, her sister ships rotted away years ago. A group is now trying to restore the ship and sail her again.
The ship is about 80 feet long. Imagine sailing across uncharted oceans with between 18 and 24 shipmates. Of course in the background is a somewhat more modern ocean-going craft.

Now for a more modern story: Yesterday a nude man swam across the channel and attempted to sail the Nina away--note the absence of sails. Yes, the police apprehended him.

[Shadowman]

Nice capture and story.

[Manfred M]

When you look at the size of the ships that Columbus (and others) used for exploration, you have to realize how crazy these early explorers were. The ships were really traders / "coast huggers", that sailed within sight of land most of the time.

Crossing the Atlantic in these small boats required a lot of courage and a touch of insanity.

[IzzieK]

Good shot of different era boats. I like the narrative too. It is shots like this that warms the heart and put envy on the soul for a better one. I wonder how the older boat feels about the modern one if it can feel...???

[Sergio M.]

I enjoyed the history lesson and story.
The photo shows the contrast well.

Sergio