The city of Corpus Christi and the Columbus Sailing Association are looking for a group to take over the preservation and restoration of the Caravel Replica ship La Niña.
La Niña is one of three Columbus ship replicas built in Spain for the 500th anniversary of his voyage to the New World.
The city says La Niña, the last remaining of the three, was leased to CSA in 2010. At the time CSA was a dedicated volunteer group committed to restoring the ship to its former glory.
Now, with only three remaining members and a few volunteers, CSA has decided it can no longer maintain La Niña.
“We have dwindled in volunteers and, of course, it’s a volunteer organization and we just cannot maintain the Nina the way she should be maintained,” Kim Mrazek, president of the Columbus Sailing Association, tells KRIS 6 News.
The city and the association are issuing a Request for Interest for the rights of ownership.
The city says the purpose of the request is to provide all interested parties with an opportunity to submit a Letter of Interest for the acquisition and preservation of the replica ship. It aims to allow the city to identify a new owner, historical foundation, and/or developer with the commitment, plans, and display concepts that are the most satisfactory to the future preservation of La Niña and her legacy.
“Somebody that has experience…in some historical restoration. We really prefer that,” says Gina Sanchez, superintendent of Corpus Christi Marina.
Details on the Request for Interest can be found at www.cctexas.com/lanina . Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Sept. 28.
For more information, contact the city public information manager at 361-826-2940 or deannam@cctexas.com. To request a property visit, contact 361-826-3980.
