Fundraising Campaign launched to secure the future of the matthew
CUMBERLAND BASIN LOCK GATE REPAIRS THREATEN OPERATIONS OF ICONIC HISTORIC SHIP
Photo credit: @lea_m1986
Bristol, UK. Feb 2026 –The Matthew of Bristol Trust has announced that the unplanned essential repair works to the harbour lock gates, which started in June 2025, requiring prolonged closure of the north gate and significant disruption to harbour operations, now threaten the commercial viability of The Matthew of Bristol, the much-loved historic vessel that attracts thousands of visitors to the city every year.
FAILURE TO INVEST IN CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE HITS HARD
The Trust has expressed grave concern at Bristol City Council’s lack of proactive investment in essential harbour infrastructure, which contributed directly to the failure of the lock gates in 2025 and has resulted in £25,000 in lost revenue for the Trust’s commercial subsidiary – revenue that is vital to the ship’s ongoing maintenance and operation. Despite the Trust and its commercial subsidiary's best efforts to maintain operations within the confines of the Floating Harbour for the remainder of 2025, the subsidiary could only break even, and there is no guarantee that this year will be any better.
Richard Sandwell, Chair of The Matthew of Bristol Trust, said: “The Matthew is not just a ship; it is a living piece of Bristol’s maritime heritage. The consequences of infrastructure failure, if not addressed, will impact not only our charity but the wider harbour economy and visitor community.”
FINANCIAL STRAIN ON CHARITY OPERATIONS
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust’s financial reserves have depleted by £120,000, including the repayment of a pandemic loan. These reserves, once used to buffer against maintenance and revenue cycles, have now reached critically low levels.
With no assurance of future commercial profit to cover essential maintenance costs, the Trust says it will have to rethink its operating and financial model to safeguard the ship for future generations.
FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO SECURE THE FUTURE
To address these challenges and protect the ship’s continued presence as an educational and cultural asset for Bristol, The Matthew of Bristol Trust is launching a £200,000 fundraising campaign to:
Rebuild cash reserves to pre-pandemic levels
Fund future maintenance needs, including major repairs and ongoing conservation
All funds raised will be directed to maintaining and preserving the ship so that people can continue to visit, sail on, and learn from this unique piece of history. The Trust does not receive any public funding and relies on donations, commercial activity and volunteer support to fulfil these aims.
STRENGTHENING GOVERNANCE AND FUNDRAISING CAPABILITY
In support of this effort, the Trust plans to recruit two new volunteer trustees with key expertise: a Fundraiser and a Treasurer. These appointments will strengthen strategic oversight and help secure the long-term sustainability of The Matthew for the benefit of Bristol and its visitors.
Mark Boulton, Vice-Chair of The Matthew of Bristol Trust, said, “We are committed to navigating this challenge and ensuring The Matthew continues to educate, inspire, and contribute to Bristol for many years to come.”
Visit matthew.co.uk/volunteer-trustee-positions for more information about the Trustee positions available and how to apply.
About The Matthew
The Matthew of Bristol is a modern reconstruction of the ship sailed by John Cabot in 1497 and was built between 1994 and 1996 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his historic voyage to North America. The ship celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2027.
The Matthew of Bristol is a cherished landmark on Bristol’s Floating Harbour, offering public boat trips, educational programmes, private hire events, and a living link to maritime history.
The Matthew of Bristol is owned and maintained by The Matthew of Bristol Trust, a registered charity dedicated to preserving this unique piece of maritime heritage and providing educational and cultural opportunities for visitors of all ages.
The Matthew of Bristol is a major contributor to Bristol Harbourside’s economy, bringing thousands of visitors to the area, who generate a huge boost to Bristol. The Trust spends around £25,000 annually on maintenance using local boat builders and the Patent Slip at Underfall Yard, as well as an average of £16,000 spent with local harbourside caterers.
An active team of volunteers and trustees supports The Matthew of Bristol Trust. The team have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
