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April 11, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


Excellent response to Matthew crewing project

Public response to a request for voluntary crew members on the Matthew this summer has been overwhelming, says Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly.

"Since our announcement a week ago seeking voluntary crew members for short-term crew assignments on the Matthew, over 800 people have called for application forms," Kelly says, noting there are still two more weeks to go in the recruitment effort.

The responses stem from a public call April 2 for volunteers to serve as crew members of a replica of John Cabot's Matthew when the vessel undertakes a tour of Newfoundland and Labrador ports this summer. A core crew of professional mariners will sail the vessel during her 47- day stay in Newfoundland and Labrador waters, but Cabot 500 organizers are seeking 64 volunteers from the public. Each volunteer will serve two legs of the vessel's 16-leg circumnavigation of the province, with a call at Red Bay Labrador.

The vessel is scheduled to arrive at Bonavista on June 24th, and commece a 16 port tour of the province on June 28th.

"We were hoping there'd be great interest to share in this re- creation of history, but this early response has exceeded our expectations," the minister says. "Obviously the opportunity to sail on a 15th century-style caravel in period costume as a member of Cabot's crew has huge appeal for the people of our province."

All sailing and steering functions on the Matthew are consistent with a 15th century caravel. However, the Matthew is also fitted with modern navigation and communications equipment, along with an internal diesel engine for manoeuvering and propulsion in the event of adverse weather.

Kelly says the Matthew's Marine Advisory Committee will categorize the application forms based on the detailed information each applicant is required to provide. Prospective Matthew crew members will be rated as expert, intermediate or novice participants.

After the April 25th closing date for the applications, a draw will be conducted from each of the three categories to determine the volunteer crew members from the public who will serve with the regular crew. The advisory committee will also draw names for a reserve crew in the event selected volunteers are unable to take part. Successful applicants will be notified by mail.

Participation is open to male and female applicants, and volunteer crewmembers are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from points of departure and arrival. Shipboard accommodations are very basic.

"If all individuals who have requested Matthew forms follow through with the application process, our Matthew Marine Advisory Committee has a busy task ahead in determining the crew," Kelly said.

"The Marine Advisory Committee, like the public crew, are volunteers," she says. "This demonstration of voluntarism, in terms of organization and participation, truly underscores the spirit of our Cabot 500 anniversary celebrations, and bodes well for a fantastic tourism year in 1997."

People interested in applying as a volunteer crew member may call for an application form toll-free at 1-888-301-SAIL (7245).

Closing date is April 25th.

Contact: Doug Burgess, Manager of Communications, CABOT 500 Anniversary Celebrations, (709) 729-1997.

1997 04 11   5:05 p.m.

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