Owensboro native Ryan Embry never thought he would be a part of the crew on the Pinta, a replica of one of the ships sailed by Christopher Columbus in 1492. But after stumbling upon the vessel and taking a tour, he knew he wanted to be a part of something that brings history to life in cities across the United States.
Embry was born and raised in Owensboro, graduating from Daviess County High School in 2017. Like many others, he stumbled across the Pinta as a guest, asking crew members what life was like aboard the vessel and how they joined the crew.
“I was eager to join, so I filled out the paperwork and wrote to them why I should be part of the crew and what I hoped to gain from the experience,” Embry said. “With luck, it seemed at the time they liked me and wanted me aboard. Two weeks later, I traveled to Tennessee and climbed aboard.”
For roughly a year, Embry has sailed with the crew of the Pinta, docking in new cities every week and making history come alive for the people who live there. But the experience was much more than just a history lesson for Embry.
“I was introduced to sailing, which I now love,” he said. “That was my favorite part of the whole thing. I was also introduced to so many amazing people from all over the world. The bonds I’ve been able to make and the friendships that came with this experience have been life-changing.”
Embry also found himself working as a shipwright occasionally, spending time working on the other vessel in the shipyard. Today, he’s still in touch with the crew and travels when he can. Embry hopes his story will inspire others to pursue their dreams and find joy in life.
“They took a kid from the valley, saw the potential in him, and introduced him to a whole new world with what seems like an endless amount of possibilities for the future,” Embry said. “If you have something in life you wish to pursue, then you should take the risk to check it out, chase the joy in life because what if it can go better than you could have hoped for.”
Embry’s experience serves as a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected adventures can lead to the most rewarding experiences.
“If you have something in life you wish to pursue, then you should take the risk to check it out and chase the joy in life, because what if it can go better than you could have hoped for,” Embry said.
The replica of the Pinta will dock in Owensboro on July 7 at English Park. Visitors can climb aboard the floating museum for self-guided tours and more. Read more about touring the Pinta here.
