Matthew (ship) facts for kids

A replica of The Matthew in Cardiff Bay
Quick facts for kids 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

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.