The Santa Maria is known all over the world as the flagship of Christopher Columbus on which he on August 3rd 1492 sailed from Palos in the southwest of Spain. After having visited the Canary Islands he crossed the Atlantic in 36 days and along with his crew of 40 men discovered America on October 12th, 1492. The modest expedition consisted of the Santa Maria, a decked ship about 30m (about 100 ft.) long under his command. Nina was under the command of Captain Yanez Pinzo and had 24 men aboard. Pinta was under the command of Captain Martin Pinzo had 26 men aboard for a total of 90 men. The caravel Santa Maria was owned by Juan de la Cosa, who sailed with Columbus as his
captain.

In December, the Santa Maria was wrecked off the coast of Hispaniola (Haiti). La Navidad, a makeshift fort, was built of materials salvaged from the vessel, and garrisoned with fewer than 40 men.