The Bonavista Matthew is a full-sale replica of Caboto’s 1497 vessel, a 15^th century Caravel. It was built in 1997-98 by a team of seven shipwrights and four carpenters from the local area, under the direction of a Master Builder. Its construction marked the 500^th Anniversary of Giovanni Caboto’s voyage celebrated in 1997. Today, the vessel serves as a lasting reminder of the voyage and discovery that changed the course of history. It is a conduit to our past, connecting us to the first European discovery of the New World that found a reason to return, sparking settlement in North America.

The vessel is currently undergoing repairs to help see the wind in her sails once again.