The HM Bark Endeavour, a replica of Captain James Cookâs famous ship, is considered to be the most accurate replica sailing ship in the world. In 1987 the Trustees of the Australian National Maritime Museum put forward the idea of building a full scale museum replica of Endeavour as the centerpiece of their floating collection. The plan was to construct an authentic replica of the 18 th century vessel with the support of a number of corporate sponsors. Bond Corporation  of Australia offered to take on the project as a bicentennial gift to the Australian people, and a specially designed shipyard with a gallery overlooking the building dock was erected in Fremantle Western Australia. Work began on the replica in January 1988 and the keel was laid in October of that year. After financial difficulties the Yoshiya Corporation of Japan took over for five months then also had to withdraw. Eventually the HM Bark Endeavour Foundation, a charitable trust, was established in August, 1991 with the support of the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich to complete the project. Endeavour was launched on December 9, 1993 and commissioned on April 16, 1994.

The original HM Bark Endeavour, built in 1764, was a three masted collier bark, or coal carrier, named the Earl of Pembroke. Since she was a slow but sturdy vessel which was seakindly and safe even in rough weather she was converted to accommodate a scientific expedition. She was 110 ft. long, 30 ft. on the beam and displaced about 550 tons. During Cookâs 1768 ö 1771 scientific voyage of discovery and exploration he was first to accurately chart a substantial part of the coastline of Australia. His explorations were followed up within a few years by a British expedition to settle the Înewâ continent making Cook a major figure in Australian history. During Cooks voyage he made great contributions to the worlds knowledge of seamanship and navigation as well as geography and is considered to be one of the greatest explorers ranked with Vasco de Gama and Columbus.

The primary concern in constructing the Endeavour replica was to achieve historical authenticity ö a replica as close to exact as possible. Where differences exist these are to meet modern safety standards and ensure that the vessel will have as long a life afloat as possible. Instead of the traditional Elm, Oak or Spruce the replica was built mainly from Jarrah, an Australian hardwood which will ensure a long life for the ship. The Sails are made of Duradon, a light synthetic canvas which looks and handles the same as flax canvas. Some concessions to the 20^th century have been necessary, such as auxilliary engines, generators, an electric galley, and modern communications equipment.

Cook sailed with upwards of 90 people while the replica has a working crew of 52 under the command of Captain Chris Blake. Endeavour is a ship rigged Bark that displaces 550 tons. Her extreme length is 143.5â from the end of her bowsprit to the back of her stern and she carries 27 sails ( 9 square, 8 fore and aft, and 10 studding sails ).

Endeavour, whose home port is Sydney, has been recreated to exacting standards and has already sailed on her own voyage around the world. She has visited ports in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Britain, both East and West Coasts of North America and Canada. Research photographs taken by the artist of the Endeavour leaving Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1998 during her world tour were used by Kendall to create his scene of this outstanding ship ãEndeavourä.