Replica Columbus flagship arrives in Jersey

The Nao Victoria Foundation, which built the ship in 2018, said it was a "faithful, full-scale historical reproduction"

A replica of Christopher Columbus's flagship is in Jersey for the first time and has opened its decks to the public.

The Nao Santa María arrived at Albert Pier is visiting the island and is due to continue to several ports in the UK, France, Spain and the Netherlands as part of a European tour.

The Nao Victoria Foundation, which built the ship in 2018, said it was a "faithful, full-scale historical reproduction", with four masts, five sails, and five decks.

It said the ship sailed "as a floating museum of its own story and Spanish maritime heritage".

'Harsh conditions'

The ship, which was constructed in Spain, weighs about 180 tonnes, is 29m (95ft) long, and 8m (26ft) wide.

"During its stay in Jersey, visitors will be able to board the ship and explore its decks to learn more about this famous 1492 flagship of Christopher Columbus," the foundation said.

"Its features, rigging, navigation, the stories it tells, and how the crew lived on board under harsh conditions."

The original Santa María was the largest of the three small ships used by Christopher Columbus in his first expedition across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492.

It sank on the return leg of the journey, after running aground off the north coast of Haiti on Christmas Day the same year.

The Nao Santa María is open until 20:30 BST on Sunday.