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.

A replica of The Matthew in Cardiff Bay
History
England
NameThe Matthew
BuilderStorms'l Services
Laid down1994
Launched1996
HomeportBristol
General characteristics
Typereplica caravel
Displacement85
Tons burthen50
LengthLength overall: 78 ft (24 m)
Beam20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
Height72.5 ft 6 in (22.25 m)
Draught7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Decks2
Installed power200hp Caterpillar 3116
Propulsionsail, engine
Sail plancaravel