Gazela facts for kids

Gazela docked in Philadelphia in April 2012
Quick facts for kids History
Portugal
Name	Gazela
Namesake	Gazelle (in Portuguese)
Port of registry	Lisbon
Builder	J. M. Mendes yards in Setúbal, Portugal
Completed	1901
Out of service	Retired from fishing, 1969
Fate	Sold and transferred to the Philadelphia Maritime Museum, 1971
United States
Name	Gazela
Owner	Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild
Acquired	1971
Identification	IMO number: 5126885
Status	Museum Ship/Training ship
General characteristics
Tonnage	652 deadweight, 299 gross
Length	177 ft (54 m). overall, 140 ft (43 m). on deck, 133 ft (41 m). on the waterline
Beam	26 ft (7.9 m). at maximum beam
Height	94 ft (29 m). from the deck
Draft	approx. 17 ft (5.2 m).
Installed power	Diesel - CAT 3406 540 HP
Sail plan	Barquentine 8,910 square feet (828 m2)
Notes	wooden hull

The Gazela is a beautiful wooden tall ship. She was built in 1901 and her home port is Philadelphia. For over sixty years, she worked as a commercial fishing boat. Today, she represents the City of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. She also represents the Ports of Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey. Gazela has appeared in movies and taken part in big events, like OpSail 2000.

Ship's Early Life and Purpose

The Gazela Primeiro (which means Gazelle the First in Portuguese) was built in 1901. Her construction happened at the J. M. Mendes shipyard in Setúbal, Portugal. She was designed to take fishermen to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. This area is famous for its rich fishing grounds.

Fishing Voyages and Crew

Every spring, Gazela would leave Lisbon, Portugal. She carried about 35 small boats called dories stacked on her deck. Her crew included 40 men, mostly fishermen and sailors. The ship's cargo hold was filled with salt. This salt was used to preserve the fish they caught, like cod and halibut. This way, the fish stayed fresh for the long journey back home. Gazela could hold over 350 tons of salted fish.

Adding an Engine

For many years, Gazela relied only on her sails. In 1938, a diesel engine was added to the ship. This was important because cod fish became harder to find in the Grand Banks. Ships had to travel to the Davis Strait, a colder area between Greenland and Canada. This area had strong winds and many icebergs. An engine made it much easier for ships to navigate these difficult waters. To fit the engine's propeller, parts of the ship were changed. Her back end was made longer by about 10 to 12 feet. Gazela's last trip as a commercial fishing ship was in 1969.

Gazela in Philadelphia

In 1971, a kind person named William Wikoff Smith bought Gazela. He bought her for the Philadelphia Maritime Museum. The ship sailed to Philadelphia on May 24, 1971. She followed a route similar to Columbus's journey. This route went past the Canary Islands and San Juan, Puerto Rico. On July 8, she arrived in Philadelphia for the first time.

Current Role and Care

In 1985, Gazela was given to the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild. This is a group that works to keep the ship in good condition. They are a non-profit organization. Volunteers and donations help them maintain and operate the vessel. Gazela now travels as Philadelphia's tall ship to events along the eastern coast of the U.S. During spring and summer, she sails on the Delaware River and the Atlantic Coast. In winter, volunteers from the Guild work hard to keep her well-maintained.

Gallery

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  Diorama shot of Gazela docked at Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA

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  A small wooden dory used for bringing fish back to the Gazela

Gazela in Movies and Books

Gazela has been featured in several creative works:

• Civil War Gold: A documentary from National Geographic about the history of a Civil War steamship. (2003)
• The Widow of Saint-Pierre: A French film that was nominated for an award. (2000)
• The Irish In America: A PBS documentary about the history of Irish immigrants in the United States. (1998)
• Interview With A Vampire: A dramatic movie starring famous actors. (1994)
• The Quest of the Schooner Argus: A book by Alan Villiers. It includes pictures and stories about Gazela. (1951)