Matthew (ship)

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. 

Category:Sailing ships
Category:1497