Celebrate 237th anniversary of Cook’s landing
by Shirani Aththas on 12 Mar 2007
Endeavour at sea Australian National Maritime Museum
http://www.anmm.gov.au
Sunday 29 April this year marks the 237th anniversary of the day Lt. James Cook and his men first stepped on Australian soil… and the National Maritime Museum is offering an adventurous opportunity to mark this significant moment in Australian history.
You can sign on as voyage crew on board the HMB Endeavour replica on its five-day voyage (26-30 April) from Sydney to Botany Bay and back, and step ashore at Kurnell the same day…but 237 years after…Cook and his crew did.
Leaving Sydney on 26 April, you will arrive during the 'Festival of Kurnell' with the opportunity to go ashore and attend the festival and visit the Captain Cook memorial.
But you don’t have to be an expert to join…..voyage crew members are taught 18th century sailing techniques and sleep in hammocks, just as 18th century sailors did. And if experiencing 18th-century privilege is more your style, supernumerary (non sailor) berths are also available.
Half-day sails onboard Endeavour
But if the idea of spending a few days at sea makes your tummy turn cartwheels… half-day sails on the calm waters of Sydney Harbour may suit you better.
The museum is offering morning and afternoon tea cruises for visitors wanting to experience sailing on board the historic replica…without the 18th century sleeping accommodations!
Cruises are being offered on Thursday 22 March and Saturday 24 March (10 am to 1pm) and on Thursday 22 March, Friday 23 March and Saturday 24 March (2pm to 5pm) – bookings essential.
Tickets are $85 per adult,and $65 per child. A family ticket is also available for $250. For more information or to register for one of these cruises please contact the Endeavour Office on (02) 9298 3777 or email endeavour@anmm.gov.au.
The museum is offering several short voyages on Endeavour in April….
Sydney – Jervis Bay 2 April – 7 April 2007 (5 days)
• Sail through the heads of Sydney Harbour and down the south coast of New South Wales, passing Botany Bay. This five day voyage will give you a taste of 18th century square rig sailing.
• Cost – Voyage Crew: $1200, Supernumerary: $2400.
Jervis Bay – Sydney 9 April – 14 April 2007 (5 days)
• Sail in the wake of Captain James Cook, as we travel up the spectacular Illawarra coastline, passing towering sandstone cliffs and white sandy beaches.
• Cost – Voyage Crew: $1200, Supernumerary: $2400.
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