In 1988, John Patrick Sarsfield, an American engineer and maritime historian, began a project to build the world’s first historically accurate replica of Christopher Columbus’ acclaimed ship, the Niña. Built in Bahia, Brazil by the Columbus Foundation, the ship—a caravel—was constructed almost entirely by hand and without the aid of power tools, only axes, handsaws and adzes, in addition to naturally shaped timbers from the forest. After four years of construction, the new Niña took sail in December 1991. The ship, which stands over 17 feet tall and has a deck length of 66 feet, has sailed the world since its launch and even co-starred with Gerard Depardieu in the film 1492. And now this sailing museum is on its way to the Queen City, where it will be docked at the Erie Basin Marina from Friday, June 30 until it sets sail again on Monday morning, July 3.

Friday, June 30 - Monday, July 3 from 9am-6pm. Erie Basin Marina. $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens,

$3 for students, FREE for children 4 and under.