Matthew (ship)
1996 replica caravel, ship located in Bristol, UK
The Matthew was a caravel sailed by John Cabot in 1497 from Bristol to North America, presumably Newfoundland. After a voyage which had got no further than Iceland, Cabot left again with only one vessel, the Matthew, a small ship (50 tons), but fast and able. The crew consisted of only 18 people. The Matthew departed either 2 May or 20 May 1497. She sailed to Dursey Head (latitude 51°36N), Ireland, from where she sailed due west, expecting to reach Asia. However, landfall was reached in North America on 24 June 1497. His precise landing-place is a matter of much controversy, with Cape Bonavista or St. John's in Newfoundland the most likely sites.
.jpg) A replica of The Matthew in Cardiff Bay
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
| England | |
| Name | The Matthew |
| Builder | Storms'l Services |
| Laid down | 1994 |
| Launched | 1996 |
| Homeport | Bristol |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | replica caravel |
| Displacement | 85 |
| Tons burthen | 50 |
| Length | Length overall: 78 ft (24 m) |
| Beam | 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m) |
| Height | 72.5 ft 6 in (22.25 m) |
| Draught | 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) |
| Decks | 2 |
| Installed power | 200hp Caterpillar 3116 |
| Propulsion | sail, engine |
| Sail plan | caravel |
