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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. 

Since 1973
 

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 Events

  • Training Class - Introduction to the Guild @ 9:30 (FREE)
    Training Class - Introduction to the Guild @ 9:30 (FREE)
    Sat, Jan 24
    Gazela Primeiro
    Jan 24, 2026, 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
    Gazela Primeiro, 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
    We are adding winter and spring training classes so you can get a head start before we set sail for the Chesapeake!
  • Training Class - How to be a Good, Safe Shipmate @ 12:30 (FREE)
    Training Class - How to be a Good, Safe Shipmate @ 12:30 (FREE)
    Sat, Jan 24
    Gazela Primeiro
    Jan 24, 2026, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
    Gazela Primeiro, 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
    We are adding winter and spring training classes so you can get a head start before we set sail for the Chesapeake!
  • Carpentry Interest Group Potluck & Shop Tour
    Carpentry Interest Group Potluck & Shop Tour
    Sat, Jan 24
    Philadelphia
    Jan 24, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Philadelphia, Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
    We’re putting together a Carpentry Interest Group for anyone who is interested in helping with upcoming winter projects.
  • Training Class - Vessel Familiarization @ 12:30 (FREE)
    Training Class - Vessel Familiarization @ 12:30 (FREE)
    Sat, Jan 31
    Gazela Primeiro
    Jan 31, 2026, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
    Gazela Primeiro, 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
    We are adding winter and spring training classes so you can get a head start before we set sail for the Chesapeake!
a woman dressed in a pink 1920s sparkly dress, leaning over the gazela's wheel
Host a private event on board the Gazela
a woman dressed in a pink 1920's sparkly dress sitting on the bow of the gazela

 Shop PSPG Merch

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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