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Bringing people to the water


 

The Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild serves the community by preserving its living classrooms, Gazela, Jupiter, and Poplar. We are best at teaching maritime trade skills, putting on public events, and connecting Philly with its maritime heritage. 

square and triangular sails from below at full sail

Meet the ships

Meet Philadelphia's official Tall Ship Gazela Primeiro, Philadelphia's oldest tugboat, Jupiter, and our floating workshop Barge Poplar.

a girl sawing a plank in a workshop

Support our mission

As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the PSPG puts donors’ support to work by furthering our educational programs. Our mission is pretty simple: to bring people to the water.

two blonde girls and an older gentleman pulling on a rope on the gazela

Join us

Pitch in by becoming part of our crew! We have been volunteer ran since 1973. You don't need any experience, we welcome all people at PSPG. 

Celebrate with us next summer!

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In 2026, Gazela Primeiro will sail to the Chesapeake Bay as part of Gazela’s 125th, and the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th, anniversary.

For decades, Gazela has been a place where people have gathered to create a community on board mainly through volunteer work. PSPG has evolved to foster that community through a spectrum of programs including internships, a pre-apprenticeship, summer camps, field trips, group tours, and water-front events. PSPG is seeking funding to support the continuing growth of its maritime education, workforce development initiatives, and participation in the historic America250 and Tall Ship Festival.

UpComing Public Events

  • Work Day - Emphasis on Chester!
    Work Day - Emphasis on Chester!
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Apr 25
    Apr 25, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
    Gazela Primeiro, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
    In Chester, we'll need hands preparing spars for their reunion with Gazela the following weekend (May 1-2). There will be free Po-boy sandwiches on home-made hoagie rolls for all who turn out! RSVP so the cook can plan ahead (signup below) Gazela will also still need work at Penn's Landing.
  • Gazela: Philly -> Chester - 1500 Muster Time
    Gazela: Philly -> Chester - 1500 Muster Time
    Fri, May 01
    May 01, 2026, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Gazela Primeiro, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
    Time to move Gazela down to Chester (i.e. Sparlandia) to get her spars back. Muster at Penn's Landing at 1500 (3:00pm) for a 1600 (4:00pm) departure. Stay aboard overnight, or don't! Lunch and dinner will be served - bring your $5 for each meal as usual.
  • Watchkeeping & Boatcheck: Combo Training
    Watchkeeping & Boatcheck: Combo Training
    Sun, May 03
    May 03, 2026, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
    Gazela Primeiro, 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
    1230-1530: Join us for a combined session of two trainings that are required to sail with us this summer.

Find us at Penn's Landing

The Barkentine Gazela is located at Penn’s Landing south of Independence Seaport Museum  (211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd) along the Penn's Landing Quay.

 

The Tugboat Jupiter is located just south of Gazela.

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Our barge Poplar is further north (next to Penn’s Landing Dog Park).

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