A-Hoy there mateys! Right enough boat talk for now, lets talk about The Matthew.

Many Bristolian’s have seen the replica of Cabot’s boat moored next to the S.S. Great Britain in the Bristol Docks, some will remember the 1997 celebrations as it re-charted it’s infamous journey, this little boat is a piece of Bristol History and now you can be a part of it by joining the crew for a delightful evening cruise around Bristol Docks.

Sailing for two hours on board The Matthew you can get an experience of what it must have been like not only a few years ago on that replica voyege but on the original ship. There is nothing like sailing (albeit under engine!) around the famous docks of Bristol and getting a completely new view of The City Centre, Clifton and the surrounding areas. The looks from passers by as you grace effortlessly pass on this famous ship are those of wonder and delight as they see this beautiful boat.

This is one of those things that you must do as a Bristolian or as a tourist, get a different view of Bristol and snoop around this infamous ship. A real gem of a treat, the perfect way to spend a summers evening.

SET SAIL ON BOARD THE MATTHEW!

'LAND lubbers' will have the chance to find out what life is like on board The Matthew - Bristol's replica of a 15th century square-rigged caravel.

The ss Great Britain Trust, which manages The Matthew, is offering a limited number of passages to join the crew, and explore the waters around the UK, and France - in a replica of the ship used by explorer John Cabot.

Passages, costing between £100 and £400, will range from one-day sailings, hugging the coast around Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead, to four-day voyages from Swansea to the Isle of Man, via a night's stop at anchor off Skomer Island - the National Nature Reserve close to the Pembrokeshire coast. Would-be sailors are also invited to join the ship in France, at Douarnenez, for the 'Festival at Brest 04', for the return voyage to Penzance.

The Matthew's full sailing programme for 2004 is Bristol to Swansea, June 1 to 3; Swansea to Isle of Man, June 5 to 9; Douarnenez to Penzance, July 17 to 19; One-day sailings from Penzance on July 21 and 22; Penzance to Portishead, July 23 to 26; Day sailings and Avon Gorge cruise from Portishead to Bristol, on July 28, 29 and 30.

Mike Cannings, Commercial Director for the ss Great Britain Trust, said: "The Matthew is putting to sail again this summer, and in response to popular demand, we are offering a few limited passages for sale. Some trips will include a night at sea, and we encourage active participation in the watch system and general running of the ship. The aim is to enjoy the sailing, and have fun, literally 'learning the ropes' as part of a crew, on board the replica of a 15th century square rigged caravel."

When The Matthew is not at sea, she is moored in Bristol's floating harbour. Visitors can go on board as part of the general entrance ticket price to the ss Great Britain, at the Great Western Dockyard.

The skipper will also be taking The Matthew on 30-minute mini cruises as part of the entrance ticket price on May 14 and October 10. The Matthew evening harbour cruise and supper will be on August 13, September 7 and October 8 (priced at £24 per person). The Matthew is also available for hire for private and corporate functions.

* For bookings and further details please call the Purser's Office on 0117 922 5737 or email svmatthew@ss-great-britain.com - details are correct at time of writing, but the skipper reserves the right to change plans, for weather and for safety reasons.

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