02/05/2026
This weekend marks the 29th anniversary of the modern Matthew setting sail for Newfoundland to celebrate and recreate John Cabot's epic voyage of exploration across the Atlantic 500 years earlier.
The ship was built between 1994–1996 on Redcliffe Quay in Bristol by a team of local shipwrights for the 1997 voyage, and has since enjoyed many voyages and trips, featured in a number of films and television programmes, and has been welcomed at maritime festivals across Europe.
Still going strong today, The Matthew is a much-loved part of Bristol’s maritime heritage, based at Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour with a permanent mooring on Princes Wharf. Now owned by The Matthew of Bristol Trust, and with skipper Rick Wakeham at the helm, ably assisted by his crew of dedicated volunteers, we operate a busy schedule of public and private boat trips, film and festival work, and corporate and celebratory events.
The Matthew is also open to the public when not out on trips. It's free of charge to visit and we'll be open across the bank holiday weekend, so come on down to Bristol Harbour, climb aboard, explore the ship and learn more about its history from our knowledgeable volunteers!
Find out more about The Matthew and John Cabot here: https://matthew.co.uk/past-present-and-future
