Maritime Museum announces 2010 program for Endeavour replica

3:54 AM Tue 12 Jan 2010 GMT

'Endeavour under sail' Australian National Maritime Museum Click Here to view large photo

Join a unique sailing opportunity full of history, adventure and the deep, blue sea aboard the replica of Captain Cook's Endeavour as it sets sail in 2010.

The Australian National Maritime Museum has just announced Endeavour's sailing program for the year and invites aspiring 18th century sailors to sign up for a great maritime adventure.

This year there's something for people of all abilities...

Endeavour Overnight Experience - Overnight Sails Saturday 3 April and Monday 5 April 2010
For the first time overnight Sydney Harbour sails are being offered to allow people to experience life as an 18th century crew member without the toil (and possible seasickness!) of sailing on the high seas.

Endeavour will sail past iconic structures such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. You'll watch the sunset over the water before enjoying an 18th century themed dinner.

Guest speakers will give a special presentation on Cook's voyage before everyone bunks down for the night in the 18th century mess deck hammocks.A hearty sailor's breakfast will be served the next morning, before heading back to the museum.

The overnight trips are individually themed to reflect a different aspect of Cook's voyage of discovery in 1768-71.

Places are available on:
Sat 3 April - 'Joseph Banks' adventures in botany'
- Dr Brett Summerell and botanical illustrator Catherine Wardrop from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, will look at the work of Joseph Banks and his colleagues on the voyage.

Mon 5 April - 'Voyaging in the wake of Cook'
- Dr Nigel Erskine Curator of Exploration at the museum will speak about Captain James Cook and his epic voyage.

Fares for the overnight sails are $230 per person and include overnight sailing, accommodation on board, dinner, expert talks and breakfast.

Endeavour Harbour Adventure - Day Sails Friday 9 April and Saturday 10 April 2010
If the thought of sleeping in a hammock isn't your cup of tea, why not try one of our day sails. Our Endeavour Harbour Adventure sails are the perfect school holiday activity for the whole family... 18th century sailor's dress encouraged!

The half-day sails are specifically aimed at children aged 7 yrs or over and their families and will see them learn all about Cook's voyage and 18th century sailing. Your tour guide will be Able Seaman Antonion Ponto (one of two Italians on Cook's orginal crew) who will lead children on an interactive tour of the ship above deck and below.

There are two half-day sails each day. Tickets are $80 adults, $40 children or $200 for a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) and include morning or afternoon tea. To secure your place, call 1800 720 577 or visit www.endeavourvoyages.com.au . Bookings essential.

Endeavour High Sea Adventure - Offshore Voyages 11-15 April and 25-29 April 2010
And for the more adventurous, Endeavour is again looking for paying voyage crew to hoist the sails and work the lines on its 5-day offshore voyages.

You don't have to be an expert to join the crew. This is your opportunity to live and work like an 18th century sailor and experience blue water sailing at its best. The 44-metre ship sails with 16 professional crew members and a further 36 voyage crew members who are taught 18th century sailing techniques and expected to become competent members of the ship's company.

Their daily program includes climbing aloft, setting sails, ship cleaning, sail and rope work...and they sleep in hammocks - just as Cook and his men did 240 years ago.

Berths are available on the following two voyages:
Sydney - Broken Bay - Sydney 11 April - 15 April 2010 (5-day voyage)
Heading out the heads, Endeavour will retrace Cook's progress up the stunning shores of the coast he named New South Wales. With five days voyaging there'll be opportunities to see amazing marine life and experience the wonder of a 360? horizon.

Sydney - Botany Bay 25 April - 29 April 2010 (5-day voyage)
Join in on this special voyage to commemorate the 240th anniversary of James Cook making landfall in Botany Bay. The ship will arrive in Botany Bay on the same date as the original Endeavour did more than two centuries ago. Voyage crew will also be able to attend the Meeting of Two Cultures Ceremony marking the anniversary at the original landing site.

Fares are $1380 per 5-day voyage.

Anyone interested in applying for a berth on any or all of the above voyages should call 1800 720 577 or visit www.endeavourvoyages.com.au .

by Australian National Maritime Museum Media