Invitation to sail on Endeavour replicas crew

by Shirani Aththas on 14 Nov 2006 Opportunities exist for adventure-seekers to join the crew of the magnificent replica HM Bark Endeavour on coastal voyages from Sydney to Hobart and back in February and March next year.

The ship, now owned and operated by the Australian National Maritime Museum, will be visiting Hobart for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.

Berthed outside Victoria Dock, Sullivans Cove, it will be open for inspection daily from 10 to 14 February, 10 am to 6 pm (admission charges apply).

The vessel will then sail for Devonport for a 4 day visit before returning to Sydney.

Built in Fremantle WA in the early 1990s, Endeavour is widely hailed as one of the most accurate historical ship replicas in the world.

The 44-metre ship will sail with 16 professional crew members and a further 36 places exist for voyage crew members who will be taught 18th century sailing techniques and be expected to become competent members of the ship’s company.

Voyage crew members will sleep in hammocks, just as 18th century sailors did. Their daily program will include climbing aloft, setting sails, ship cleaning, sail and rope work… just as Cook and his men did more than 230 years ago.

There will also be four places on the ship for supernumeraries… people who prefer not to undertake all the demanding activities like going aloft. They will also occupy the gentlemen’s single cabins and relax in the Great Cabin.

Three voyage sections are available to voyage crew and supernumeraries: (1) Sydney to Hobart (29 Jan – 9 Feb); (2) Hobart to Devonport (24 Feb – 2 Mar); and (3) Devonport to Sydney (8 – 18 Mar).

But if you prefer being on land than at sea, the Australian National Maritime Museum is also seeking the assistance of volunteer guides to show visitors through Endeavour and assist with shipkeeping duties during the Hobart and Devonport visits. All volunteers will receive full training.

For all inquiries about becoming a volunteer guide, phone contact Volunteering Tasmania Inc on (03) 6231 5550.

For more information or to register your interest in joining the crew of Endeavour on its sea voyages, please contact the Endeavour office on (02) 9298 3859 or email endeavour@anmm.gov.au.