Celebrating Gazela at 125

Surely no one witnessing her launch in Portugal in 1901 would have imagined that in 2026 Gazela would be afloat and operational in Philadelphia. She was commonplace in her day, part of a fleet of vessels that would feed millions of people and support a whole economy. While wooden ships of her era were only expected to last 20-30 years, she is still sailing 125 years later.

Milestones like these are worth celebrating.

Gazela has existed on this earth for half the life of our Republic. Launched two years before the Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawk, her dorymen were still hand lining for cod when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon. She survived through two World Wars working the harsh North Atlantic. After the decline of the Grand Banks fishery she found a new life across the Atlantic thanks to the vision of philanthropist William Wikoff Smith.

For 50+ years she has trained volunteers and engaged the public. She has taken part in every major Tall Ship celebration on the East Coast since 1976. Dozens of maritime professionals have started their careers aboard Gazela. For the thousands of people who have sailed her and the hundreds of thousand who have walked her decks, she is a tangible link to a world long past. 

Follow along with us this year as we explore Gazela’s past with our Oral History Project, sail to Chesapeake this summer and move forward with our larger goals.

Keep an eye out for more details on Gazela’s 125th birthday celebration, which will take place this fall! We look forward to marking the occasion properly.