Crew needed for Columbus voyage

Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy

An old fishing boat is being converted into a replica of Christopher Columbus's Santa Maria to recreate the voyage to discover America.

Wayne Booth, 41, from Charlestown in Cornwall is looking for a crew for the journey which will use navigation equipment from 500 years ago.

The teacher from Maryport, Cumbria, also plans to wear period costume and eat the authentic food of the time.

He hopes to set sail on 20 May, the 500th anniversary of Columbus's death.

Star navigation

The work needed to convert his 40-year-old trawler Silver Quest, will be done at Charlestown.

He said: "There are a lot of people who have made the Santa Maria as an exhibition piece, but we want to make a working ship."

During the crossing Mr Booth will take on the mantle of Columbus, who was born in Genoa in Italy.

The crew of 15 sailors will assume various roles including coopers and carpenters.

There will be an experienced skipper and electronic navigation on board, but this will only be used in an emergency.

Like the original voyage of discovery, navigation will be done by the stars, sleeping quarters will be the ship's deck and food will include freshly caught fish, salt meat and wine.

Royal patronage

In order to protect the crew from scurvy, vitamin tablets will be taken.

The voyage is expected to take about five to six weeks, similar to the original voyage in 1492 which began from the Canary Islands on 6 September. The New World was sighted five weeks later on 12 October.

The adventure will cost about £400,000 and Mr Booth is hoping to get some royal funding.

He said: "Christopher Columbus went to various royal families around Europe , but it wasn't until he went back to the Spanish that he was successful.

"We are hoping to get the patronage at least of the royal family in this country. Hopefully they are not going to let us down 500 years later."