COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chuen Wu, Assistant City Manager
DATE: November 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Santa Maria Ship Donation from Dan J. Hoback
The City Council will accept a donation from Dan J. Hoback of a model of the original Santa Maria ship.
BACKGROUND:
Local resident, Dan J. Hoback constructed a highly detailed, historically accurate model of the original Santa Maria ship, built in 1460 in Galicia, Spain. The ship was first named “La Gallega,” but over its career as a merchant vessel along the Mediterran ean and African coasts, it was later renamed “La Santa Maria de la Immaculada Concepcion” when Juan de la Cosa provided it to Christopher Columbus for his landmark 1492 voyage.
Mr. Hoback began this project in November 2013, upon receipt of detailed plan s from Milan, Italy. He was committed to authentic construction methods and materials used in the 15 th century. He used coastal live oak, or red oak, found in the Santa Maria area, which is similar in color, grain and density to the variety of oak found in the Galicia region of Spain, from which the original ship was most likely built.
The woodworking techniques include using multiple thicknesses of milled oak planks to form critical structural components such as the keel, stem, sternpost, and futtocks. T he futtocks, which support various decks, were intricately fabricated with traditional joinery methods involving dowels, glue, and pre-drilled nails to prevent splitting. The planks were bent and shaped by being boiled in an electric cooker, then dried in a custom jig to ensure the curvature remained intact when installed.
The standing rigging (supporting the masts) and the running rigging (operating the sails and yards) were meticulously installed. Mr. Hoback’s sister, and local artist, Marilyn Hoback Cronk, designed and painted the sails to evoke the authentic feel of a 15th century voyage. Additional details such as forged anchors, a model cannon, and decorative elements further enhanced the authenticity of the model.
DISCUSSION:
Dan J. Hoback wishes to provide this model ship as a donation to the City, where he was born, raised, and worked. City staff have arranged space in the display case for the ship located in the lobby of City Hall.