For example, although we know from previous records that Columbus fleet carried armaments, we do not know if one or several of the guns might have been carried on the Nina s railing or on the Nina s deck. The Nina was built in the Ribera de Moguer, an estuary of the Tinto River. Her official name was Santa Clara. Spanish ships were usually called by an affectionate nickname. The nickname might be derived from a feminine form of the master s name, the vessel s home port, or some quality of the ship s sailing.
Records indicate that the carvel Nina was a one-decker.
It is probable the Nina had a raised quarter deck at the aft end of the boat with a small cabin for the master of the vessel. Since no definite plans or drawings are available today, other experts estimate differing lengths, widths and drafts for the Nina. We know that the Nina s sail plan was converted from the lateen to the square rig in the Canary Islands. Even though the Nina s lateen rig was more efficient while sailing to windward, the westward passage was sailed downwind. A square-rigged vessel is easier to manage in downwind sailing and the decision to convert the Nina s rig was applauded.