Chalupa Christening

St. Augustine's Maritime Heritage Foundation proudly marks the completion of a major project as they christen their hand-built 16th-century-era chalupa on March 22, 2015, at the Fountain of  Youth.

This is the first building project at the Maritime Heritage Foundation's replica boat yard on the waterfront at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Volunteers have been working on this replica workboat for the past three years. The chalupa will be featured in St. Augustine's 450th anniversary celebrations later this year.

Chalupas are long utility boats that were used extensively by early Spanish explorers and settlers. They plied the waters between the larger ships and the mainland, crossing sandbars and navigating shallows to off-load soldiers, arms, and equipment.

Basque whalers originally used chalupas as pursuit long boats. The design of the open deck rowing boat included 10 oars, a rudder, and two masts. Chalupas could be equipped with sails and, while especially versatile and quick in coastal waters, were seaworthy enough for the open sea when necessary.

Admission: The event is free with regular Fountain of Youth admission, which is $15 for adults (ages 13 - 59); $14 for seniors (60+); $9 for children (ages 6 - 12); free for toddlers (ages 5 and under); and free for St. Johns County residents with ID.

When? The christening ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2015.

Where? The ceremony will be held at the St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation's boat yard at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, which is located at 11 Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine.

For more information, visit here or call (904) 829-3168.