La Nina ~ Hurricane Sally Relief Fund

La Nina ~ Hurricane Sally Relief Fund

Most people do not know and will never be able to wrap their heads around what happened on September 16, 2020. Before landfall all weather reports predicted the hurricane making landfall along the Missisippi/Alabama coast. There were no evacuation orders mandated. Instead the Hurricane Sally stalled and shifted east putting the Nina, Pensacola and surrounding communities in the eye of a major hurricane. The four crew members who were aboard were prepared for tropical force/Cat 1 winds but no one could have predicted what actually happened. Hurricane Sally hit Pensacola Bay with 9-12' storm surge and winds up to 115mph (Cat 3). The entire marina broke loose with most boats ending up piled one on top of the other and sunk in the marina basin. With the four crew members aboard, the Nina got blown of the marina still attached to the dock. The crew had no choice but to ride out the hurricane.  Moments later, threw an anchor to shift her away from the rocks which saved the ship and most importantly the crew.

The Nina and crew were very fortunate to not end up on the rocks. Currently the Nina has been stuck in the mud awaiting assistance for the last 6 weeks. The Nina and her sister ship, Pinta have been sidelined since mid-March due to Covid-19. Our 2020 season has lasted 30 days this year over what is normally a 10 month schedule. Anyone who has visited the Nina over the last 28 years knows how special she is. Not only is her construction a mirror image of the original, but she has touched the lives of so many people and school groups around the country. It is important to preserve the history of these ships for those who visit and for future generations. The Nina has had well over 3,000 volunteers since 1992. We are all very grateful for everyone who has contributed to her success over the years. Nina, like any other wooden boat, has a soul and she speaks to you, especially when it's rough, but, she is saying, “I'll be back!”

Any donations you can make will help the Nina and crew get back on their feet and sail again to keep sharing history in our great country.