Unveiling of ship, Corazon de Madre, (Mother's Heart)

Today is the official unveiling of the 70 foot long, double masted carvel, Corazon de Madre, (Mother's Heart), at Fort Menendez. There will be photo opportunities from noon until 5:00 p.m. with costumed re-enactors and pirates. Other activities include vendors, a cash refreshment bar and the Craic Band will be entertaining you. The ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m. and the ship is being dedicated to and named for Irene Carignan, (the head shipwright's wife.) The museum will be closing at 5:00 p.m. for the Privateer's Ball. Call (904) 824-8874 for more information Ships fictitious history: The newest addition to Fort Menendez is the 70 double mast ship called the Corazon de Madre. Commissioned by King Philip II of Spain who reigned from 21 May 1527 thru 13 September 1598, the Corazon de Madre took just under two years to build with 5 Shipwrights and a staff of 60 to 75 men working on her both day and night and it was christened in 1571. With a crew and passenger load of 31 persons in total, its maiden voyage was destined to go directly to the new world along with a fleet of 12 other ships. Its name, (Mothers Heart), was given as the care taker of soldiers and workers sent to the new world to help establish this new colony known as St Augustine.