A Special Spanish Way to Celebrate Columbus Day

A Special Spanish Way to Celebrate Columbus Day

Captain’s Notes by Kevin McCarthy

We Are Proud to Welcome the Nao Santa María to our “Isla de Santa Maria”

Columbus Day is a US Holiday commemorating the first landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. So, we found a special Spanish way to celebrate Columbus Day – onboard a replica of Christopher Columbus’ Flag Ship, the Nao Santa María!

This incredible tall ship is currently docked near our fleet in the Fernandina Harbor Marina of Amelia Island. In 1573, when Spanish Franciscans established a mission here on what had previously been called the “Isle de Mai,” by the French, they formally renamed the island, “Isla de Santa Maria.” So, you see, it is a very special occasion when Christopher Columbus’s ship, the Nao Santa María, is on the “Isla de Santa Maria” on Columbus Day!

Blessing of the Ship

Onboard in the photo is Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra of the Archdiocese of Madrid Spain along with Bishop Felipe Este’vez, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, and Father Jose Kallukalam, pastor of St. Michael’s parish in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The Cardinal was visiting St. Augustine for The Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of La Leche at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine on October the 10th. So, he made a brief visit to St. Michael’s in Fernandina Monday afternoon with a very impromptu visit the to the Nao Santa María docked downtown. Some of the Spanish crew of the ship were at St. Michael’s for the visit and they invited the Cardinal and his entourage to see the ship, so they did! The Cardinal was kind enough to bestow a blessing on the Nao Santa María, which was very well received by the crew.

This was taken at 2:30pm October 11th, Columbus Day, in the Year of our Lord 2021.

Standing By

Also in the photo are crewmen, from left to right Carlos Lorne, mate; Daniel Hernandez, mate; Miguel Talegon, Captain; and Angel Rose, project manager. Standing between Captain Miguel and Angel is yours truly, Captain Kevin McCarthy, owner of Amelia River Cruises in Fernandina Beach.

Departure Delayed!

Although the Nao Santa María had originally planned to depart today, she will be extending her stay at Fernandina Harbor Marina for at least another week before heading back to Spain. So, if you have not already come for a visit, it’s not too late to check it out, or even if you have, you can come back by to get more pictures. Sunsets make an especially stunning backdrop. Be sure to take a self-guided tour through the 5 decks of the Nao Santa María, where you can find informative panels in English, Spanish and French, with the history of the ship and ornamental elements of the time. Don’t miss the opportunity to talk with the crew to learn all about how Spanish sailors lived 500 years ago.

Ticket Info

The Nao Santa María is owned by the Fundacion Nao Victoria, a non-profit that operates out of Spain. They specialize in promoting historical events. Purchase tickets on their website, www.naosantamaria.org or you can just purchase your tickets as you board.

Amelia River Cruises is a proud sponsor of the Nao Santa María‘s visit to our “Isla de Santa Maria.”

Categorised in: Amelia Island, Cruises & Events, History & Community, Our Staff