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This is an individually mounted model of Columbus’ own vessel ‘Santa Maria’.

Whilst the design follows in general Martinez Hidalgo’s dimensional data (see Columbus’ Fleet) this model was made somewhat more beamy than the one in the ‘Fleet’ and the detailed design of the rails on the poop and forecastle are totally different. The object was to try to capture the character of the famous MATARO model, the only contemporary model of a vessel of that period.

This commission was particularly interesting in that we were in a position to generate much activity and story telling around the vessel itself.

The sea state is for a wind around force six and the ship is shown with a following wave raising the stern and the bow ploughing into the one in front. Meanwhile the spritsail has blown out and crew on the foredeck are busy shortening sail in anticipation of a rising wind. Despite this preoccupation of some of the crew an old salt with a wooden pegleg is calmly sitting on the main deck spinning a ‘fishing’ yarn to an incredulous cabin boy. Finally, in recognition that there were still superstitions at that time about monsters in the seas in the great beyond, there is the head and tail of a monster visible in the water on the starboard bow, looking up at the apprehensive crewman peering back over the forecastle rail as if saying to him ’I’ll have you one day!’.  Columbus stands resolute on the poop.

Data
Sterling silver, figures and insignias on sails gold plated.
Scale	1:50 approx
Ships hull	stem to stern	18.0 inch (45.7cm)
	incl: bowsprit	21 inch (53.3cm)
Plinth	rosewood	31½ x 18¾ inch (80 x 47.6cm)

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