About The Matthew
The Matthew of Bristol is a modern reconstruction of the original Matthew that John Cabot sailed to Newfoundland in 1497. Built for the 500th anniversary of this remarkable voyage of exploration, the modern Matthew followed in Cabot's wake, sailing across the Atlantic to Canada in 1997. Today, the ship is a much-loved part of Bristol’s maritime heritage with a busy schedule of public and private boat trips, film and festival work, and corporate and celebratory events.
Located in the heart of central Bristol in the city's historic Floating Harbour for much of the year, The Matthew is moored at Princes Wharf and is the ideal place to start your exploration of the harbourside – the ship is one of the first maritime attractions you will see as you walk from the city centre along the quayside.
During our summer sailing season (from April to October), The Matthew offers the city’s residents and visitors boat trips around the harbour or down the Avon Gorge to Pill. Tickets for all trips are available in advance – visit our booking page for more details and to book your tickets.
The ship is also open to the general public when it's not out on a trip (no ticket required) – entry is free, but as we are a registered charity, any donations in the collection box are very much appreciated! Climb aboard, explore the ship and learn more about its history from the dedicated crew of volunteers when the ship is moored and open!
General arrangement of the ship
The Matthew is a fully decked vessel with a main weather deck, a forecastle deck and a poop deck over the after section of the ship. Below, it is divided into three sections: the forepeak, which contains bosun’s stores and equipment; the main accommodation saloon, which includes the main propulsion engine, and the galley, which contains modern catering equipment and seated dining area. The after bulkhead between the accommodation and the galley area contains a watertight door.
As a replica of a medieval caravel, The Matthew is rigged as a three-masted sailing vessel with square sails on the sprit, foremast and mainmast, and a lateen sail on the mizzenmast. It is also possible to rig modern fore and aft sails to aid upwind performance. A large amount of rope work leads to various areas of the deck and is made off on pin rails.
The ship’s modern equipment is powered by the main engine and a variety of battery banks. Powered equipment includes electronic navigational aids, bilge and fire pumps, lighting, plumbing, and a modern galley. The ship has accommodation for 20 persons below, and under its Class V passenger licence is permitted to carry up to 40 passengers and 10 crew on the main deck whilst underway.
Facts and Stats
Owners
2012 to present: The Matthew of Bristol Trust
The ship today is owned by the Trust, managed by The Matthew (Ventures) Ltd and operated by Wakeham Marine Ltd.
2006 to 2012: SS Great Britain Trust
Owned by the trust, managed and operated under licence by Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion Ltd.
2002 to 2006: SS Great Britain Trust
Owned, managed and operated by the Trust.
1996 to 2002: John Cabot’s Matthew Trust
Owned, managed and operated by the Trust
1990 to 1996: Bristol Cabot 500 Celebrations (1997) Ltd
Skippers
2013 to present: Rick Wakeham
2006 to 2012: Rob Salvidge
2000 to 2005: Nigel Ottley
1998 to 1999: Mark Chislett (Shore Captain)
1995 to 1998: David Alan-Williams
The Matthew in Numbers
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Our History
Find out more about the history of both the original and modern Matthews.
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Our Crew
The Matthew is largely run and maintained by a dedicated crew of volunteers.
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Visit us
The Matthew is an ideal place to start your exploration of Bristol's harbourside.