Recreating a Timeless 15th-Century Maritime Legend
The Santa Maria de Colombo is a full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship, built in the late 1990s in Madeira. The project was conceived by Dutch-born entrepreneur Robert Wijntje, who settled in Madeira and pursued his dream of rebuilding the 15th-century caravel. Construction began in July 1997 in the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, near Funchal, and was completed in July 1998. Today, the Santa Maria de Colombo is a popular tourist attraction in Funchal harbor, offering daily excursions and promoting Madeira's maritime heritage.
Robert Wijntje: The Visionary Behind the Project
Robert Wijntje, a Dutch entrepreneur and sailing enthusiast, moved to Madeira with the ambition of creating a faithful replica of Columbus’s Santa Maria. Without original blueprints of the 1492 caravel, he relied on maritime studies, museum models, and historical illustrations to guide the design. His initiative was entirely private, with no official public funding, and reportedly cost about 80,000 contos (approx. €400,000). Wijntje assembled a team of seven local craftsmen to work under his guidance, including master shipwright Jorge Nunes Oliveira (“Bailinha”).
Construction and Materials
The ship was constructed using traditional wooden shipbuilding techniques. They used around 320 m³ of wood, primarily mahogany, a durable imported hardwood. The keel, ribs, and planking were hand-fashioned and caulked according to centuries-old methods. Although updated for safety and modern usage, the design stayed true to 15th-century maritime architecture. The ship is:
Length: 22.3 meters
Beam: 7.0 meters
Draft: 2.74 meters
Tonnage: ~98 tons
Sail Area: 192 m² across three masts
While the build followed historical patterns, some features were adapted for safety, including a modern diesel engine, navigation systems, and passenger amenities.
Technical Specifications and Operation
The Santa Maria de Colombo is a motor-sailer, powered by both wind and a diesel engine rated at 455 horsepower. This dual system allows for reliable scheduling and flexibility during tours. Key specifications include:
Cruising speed: ~6–8 knots
Fuel consumption: ~24–33 L/hour at 1,800–2,000 RPM
Passenger capacity: ~100
Modern features include life rafts, radio navigation, galley, bar, restrooms, and fire safety systems, making the vessel both authentic and compliant with maritime safety regulations.
Expo '98 and Media Recognition
One of the project’s main goals was to showcase Madeira at Expo ’98 in Lisbon, themed "The Oceans." After launching in July 1998, the Santa Maria sailed to Lisbon and became a centerpiece of the Madeira exhibit. Branded as a floating ambassador for Madeira wine and culture, the ship drew around 97,000 visitors in just 25 days. It received extensive media coverage, including later documentaries by German and American film crews.
Post-Expo Role and Tourist Cruises
Following Expo, the Santa Maria de Colombo became a core element of Madeira’s tourism. Operating out of Funchal, it offers two daily 3-hour cruises along the southern coast for about 40€ (adults). Tours include:
Onboard guides in period costume (often styled as pirates)
Madeira wine and traditional honey cake tastings
Wildlife spotting (dolphins, whales)
These excursions blend education with entertainment, offering passengers an immersive historical experience. The ship also participates in local festivals and is available for private charters.
Maintenance and Longevity
The vessel undergoes regular maintenance, typically during winter layups. It has been dry-docked at the Caniçal shipyard for hull inspections, engine service, and structural upkeep. Thanks to this attention, the ship remains fully operational after more than 25 years. With continued care, it is expected to stay seaworthy for decades.
Legacy
The Santa Maria de Colombo stands as a testament to Madeira’s maritime legacy and private initiative. Built using historical craftsmanship, maintained rigorously, and operated for cultural tourism, it bridges the past and present. With thousands of visitors each year and a distinctive silhouette in Funchal’s harbor, the ship remains one of Madeira’s most iconic attractions.
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