16th century replica ship Nao Trinidad returns to Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — If you’re walking in downtown Wilmington, you may notice a unusual-looking boat docked along the riverwalk. 

The Nao Trinidad has returned the port city. The 16th century replica ship arrived Tuesday afternoon in Wilmington from Charleston, SC. 

Each year the ship welcomes tens of thousands of visitors eager to learn more about what life was like on a ship 500 years ago.  

The 1-to-1 scale replica was built in the south of Spain in 2018. The ship has four masts, five sails, and five decks. The boat has stopped in the port city each year since 2022.  

Project Manager Brenda Parra said the ship allows visitors to step back in time. 

“It’s way nicer to see it in person, you know? It’s not only reading on books or as you see it on TV, but you’re actually on board of the ship. You can walk around the decks, you can see the dimensions of the ship, and for me, it’s kind of like a time machine,” Parra said. 

In case you’re wondering, staff stays on the ship overnight, and during the weeks-long voyages to new ports.