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WELCOME ABOARD 

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 this 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 HAPPENINGS

  • Crew Work Day @ 9:00 am
    Crew Work Day @ 9:00 am
    Sat, May 16
    May 16, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
    Gazela Primeiro, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
    Come volunteer on-board the Gazela, no membership or experience required! Some days may be in Chester, watch our Weekly Update for the most updated information.
  • Aloft Training 12:30pm (L2 Intermediate Course)
    Aloft Training 12:30pm (L2 Intermediate Course)
    Sat, May 16
    May 16, 2026, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
    Gazela Primeiro, 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
    While not a Sailing Requirement, this course is an introduction to the safety principles of climbing aloft.
  • Line Handling & Emergency Response - (L1 Required Sailing Training)
    Line Handling & Emergency Response - (L1 Required Sailing Training)
    Sun, May 17
    May 17, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    Gazela Primeiro, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
    Fulfill your Sailing Requirement classes before the summer season! This session combines two of the necessary courses to qualify as a crew member on our Chesapeake voyage for America 250 festivals.
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