La Nina Model Boat Kit. La Nina is a caravel made famous after its participation in the first voyage of Christopher Columbus, when he journeyed to the West Indies in 1492. The name’La Nina’ means the girl in Spanish, but this was a nickname for the boat, her real name being Santa Clara. The nickname’La Nina’ was supposedly a joke amongst sea mates, which intended to mock to her owner, Juan Nino. It is reportedly said that La Nina, out of the 3, was the favourite of Columbus. La Nina boat kit is manufactured by Mantua Model Group. They have been recognised by many for offering high quality model boat kits, using laser technology to accurately cut out pieces.