After having lost the ''Santa Maria'', which was grounded on a coral reef (the officer on duty turned the helm over to one of the ship’s boys), the ''Niña'' and ''Pinta'' sailed back to Spain, but not before being caught in a severe storm. Columbus returned to Spain on March 15, 1493, and was received by Ferdinand and Isabella with great pomp. The crown reconfirmed his titles and honors. | After having lost the ''Santa Maria'', which was grounded on a coral reef (the officer on duty turned the helm over to one of the ship’s boys), the ''Niña'' and ''Pinta'' sailed back to Spain, but not before being caught in a severe storm. Columbus returned to Spain on March 15, 1493, and was received by Ferdinand and Isabella with great pomp. The crown reconfirmed his titles and honors. |