Features / Bristol
Getting The Matthew back to being shipshape and Bristol fashion
It’s a cold and foggy morning when The Matthew is launched back into the Floating Harbour.
The crew, which today consists of Ray, Steve, Jerry and Captain Rick are cheerful despite the frosty conditions and early start. Rick has been captain since 2011 and the rest of the team have all been volunteering for a few years.
The volunteer crew; Ray, Jerry and Steve
The Matthew, a replica of the caravel that John Cabot sailed on to Newfoundland in 1497, was out of the water this week having its annual service at Underfall Yard.
is needed now More than ever
Raised up high the ship is an impressive site, but with their friendly dispositions and impressive knowledge it’s the crew that really make the Matthew that extra bit special and a much-loved part of Bristol’s docks.
Ray and Steve are in agreement on what’s the best bit of being part of the crew is. “It’s quite a privilege to be able to do it,” Ray says. “It’s a very special ship and it’s a part of Bristol’s history.”
What’s Captain Rick’s favourite part of the job? “Being captain,” he smiles.
“I don’t say it very often,” Rick adds. “But it’s been an eye-opener and a privilege to work with this team (of volunteers).”
The Matthew in dry dock at Underfall Yard
There is a team of around 40 unpaid volunteers who work hard every year to keep the Matthew ship shape and Bristol fashion, in service and running up and down the Floating Harbour and further afield.
“We pressure washed the bottom, primed it and coated it in anti-fouling,” Steve says, explaining the work that goes into getting the Matthew ready which took place this week from Monday to Thursday, with the ship launched out of dry dock back onto the water on Friday morning.
The volunteers don’t necessarily need to have any nautical knowledge, just the ability and desire to get stuck in – and a taste for flaming sambuca, somewhat of a tradition when the crew are in celebratory mood.
All hands on deck
For more information about the Matthew and to find out how you can become a volunteer, visit www.matthew.co.uk
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