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April 2, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Wanted - Stout-hearted sailors with good sea legs to guide a 15th century caravel on a voyage through the New World.

While that may have been a recruitment poster of 1497, it is in fact a crew call of 1997 as the Cabot 500 Celebrations extends an unprecedented sailing opportunity to Newfoundland and Labradorians.

When the Matthew replica arrives at Bonavista on June 24, she will be turned over to the Newfoundland and Labrador crew which will take her on a tour throughout 17 ports of call in the province. While the Matthew's core crew will be in place to receive the vessel, 64 temporary volunteer crew members are being sought for the province-wide tour.

"This is without a doubt the ultimate interactive experience of our 500th Anniversary Celebrations," says tourism minister Sandra Kelly, adding the project is a chance for people from throughout the province to be John Cabot for a day.

"The opportunity to sail a 15th century ship into a port of cheering people will have to be the voyage of a lifetime for any Newfoundland or Labrador mariner," Kelly adds.

Participation is voluntary for the project, which is open to male or female sailors 19 years of age and older, with some or a great deal of sailing experience. Successful candidates would be required to arrange their own transportation to their respective ports of departure and arrival. It is anticipated volunteer crew will cover two legs each of the 16-leg Matthew tour.

"History will come to life for those who take part in each of these brief but exciting trips," Kelly says, adding that the volunteer crews will be determined through a selection process conducted by the Marine Advisory Committee for the Matthew.

"There's no doubt, our corporate sponsors and thousands of volunteers are enabling us to bring 500th Anniversary celebrations to many areas of the province," Kelly says. "The beauty of the Matthew crewing project is that it will enable Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to bring the Matthew to each other."

Information on the Matthew Crew project is available from the Cabot Celebrations office by calling 1 (888) 301-SAIL (7245), or (709) 729- 4583. All applications must be received by mail April 25, 1997.

Contact: Doug Burgess, Manager of Communications and Co-ordination, (709) 729-4247.