THE ENDEAVOUR REPLICA

The Earl of Pembroke was a collier built in 1765 at Whitby, Yorkshire. Three years later she was bought by the Navy Board and renamed HM Bark Endeavour. Colliers were the 18th century equivalent of modern bulk carriers, solidly built, flat bottomed with ample storeroom in the hull. Endeavour was a slow but sturdy vessel, sea kindly and safe, even in rough weather, the ideal vessel to accomplish Cook's scientific expedition of 1768.

The main differences between the original vessel and the replica are in the timber and metal fittings used, and in the use of man-made materials for masts, running rigging and sails. Instead of the traditional elm, oak or spruce, the replica is built mainly from jarrah, a native Australian hardwood which will ensure the ship a long life. Old growth Oregon (Douglas Fir), especially imported from North America, has been used for the masts spars, topsides and decks.

To prevent wood rot and for crew comfort, the replica is better ventilated than the original ship and both modern and traditional preservatives have been used on the timbers. The larger masts and yards are manufactured from laminated Oregon. Iron fastenings are galvanised. The standing rigging is manila and was made on a 140-year-old rope walk to the exact specifications of the standing rigging. The sails are made of Duradon, a synthetic canvas which looks and handles like the original flax.

The members of the crew sleep in hammocks on the lower deck, sleeping flat, just as the 18th century crew did. However, they are less crowded than their predecessors - Cook sailed with over ninety people on board, the replica has a working crew of fifty-six.

Endeavour Replica specifications

Length of lower deck: 29.77m/97ft 8ins Overall length: 33.30m/109ft 3ins
Breadth (extreme): 8.89m/29ft 2ins Depth in hold: 3.45m/llft 4ins
Burthens in tons: 397 gross tonnage
Height of lower deck: 2.26m/7ft Sins Height of Marine's Quarters: 1.40m/4ft 7ins
Height of Great Cabin: 2.08m/6ft 10ins Height of gentleman's cabin: 1.70m/Sft 7ins


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