Aboard Endeavour

This vessel is an accurate replica of the 18th-century tall ship used by Lieutenant James Cook on his epic 1768-71 voyage. 

Built in Fremantle, Western Australia, this remarkable ship took six years and $17 million to complete – from the laying of the keel in 1988 to her launch in 1993 and commissioning in 1994. Funding came from various sources; corporate, government and private, with an incalculable contribution of voluntary labour, goods and services. 

The ship still utilises the same sailing techniques Cook and his men used over 250 years ago – there are no modern conveniences such as winches nor are there colour-coded lines to aid in setting the 10,000 square feet of sails. Of course, the 21st century still has a part to play – by law, Endeavour employs technology such as GPS, satellite phones, engines, modern galley and showers in order for the ship to operate. In fact, Endeavour is a Registered Australian Ship and, as such, complies with the high survey requirements dictated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Endeavour was launched and operated by the non-profit HM Bark Endeavour Foundation until 2005, when she was acquired by the Australian Government. Since her commissioning, Endeavour has sailed thousands of nautical miles and has circumnavigated the world twice. Endeavour is now operated by the Australian National Maritime Museum.