The replica of HMB Endeavour is one of the world's most accurate maritime replica vessels and is hoisting the sails for two voyages this February!
- Follow the Wind Voyage, 5 – 9 February 2024
- POSTPONED - Lord Howe Island Voyage of Discovery
Our team of highly trained tall ship sailors and enthusiastic voyage crew are heading out to sea for the experience of a lifetime. Use this page to track their journey and check out our social media for regular updates.
Voyage Update
The Australian National Maritime Museum advises that voyage of the Endeavour replica to Lowe Howe Island that was planned for the 15-29 February has been postponed.
The vessel returned a day early from a 5 day voyage after enduring a strong southerly system off the NSW coast with wave heights in excess of 7 metres and winds in excess of 35 knots.
The postponement is due to a mechanical issue.
The museum is in the process of notifying all parties and will advise a new sail date as soon as possible.
The Master of the replica Endeavour has provided an update.
The vessel’s main port engine has had an undiagnosed issue causing it to overheat for several years which we understood to have been rectified. However, due to the loading that it received in the conditions experienced in the recent voyage, it became apparent that it hasn’t been solved. We are currently working to address this.
Below images from Follow the Wind Voyage courtesy of Brian Quinn.
Click here to read more updates from the most recent voyage.
History of the Bark Endeavour Replica
Bark Endeavour is an accurate replica of the 18th-century tall ship used by Captain James Cook on his epic 1768-71 voyage. Every aspect of the ship has been meticulously researched to be as close to the original as possible. When coming aboard, you will effectively be stepping back into the 18th century, as 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).
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. These years of hard work and passion produced what is recognised worldwide as one of the best replica sailing ships in existence.
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.
More about HMB Endeavour
The full story of HMB Endeavour
The tale of how a little coal-carrying ship, originally called the Earl of Pembroke, but better known as His Majesty's Bark Endeavour, travelled around the world under the command of Lieutenant James Cook before ending up at the bottom of Newport Harbour, Rhode Island.
This animation was commissioned by the Australian National Maritime Museum Education Team and produced by Roar Film.