250 years ago in June 1771 Captain James Cook returned to Whitby almost 3 years after his first voyage of discovery on board the Whitby-built HM Bark Endeavour.
The ship’s name is partially derived from its traditional ‘bark‘ construction, whereby larch planks were meticulously steamed into shape and fastened onto a solid English oak frame.
In March 2002, Parkol built a replica of the ship using oak frames, larch planking and Douglas Fir decking. She measures nearly 14 metres in length and 4 metres in width, which is approximately 40% of the original ship‘s size.
Complete with hardwood decks throughout, there are three masts carved from Douglas Fir. These include the ‘mizzen’ at the rear, the ‘fore‘ mast at the front and the larger ‘main’ mast in the centre, which stands some 12 metres above the deck.
Bark Endeavour Whitby is powered by two 6 cylinder, 120 HP engines which enables a travelling speed of 9 knots, she is fully equipped with the latest safety aids and navigation instruments to enable a secure passage at all times.
Considerable attention to detail was given throughout the construction to ensure that the ship authentically replicated the many features of the original vessel. This included the placing of coins under the number 7 midship frames for good luck.
We’d like to think that Captain Cook would have been delighted by the accuracy of the work and the high standards of construction that were achieved here in Whitby, where his first ship was built.
The project was financed by the Jenkinson family, a local firm who have been involved in fishing for decades.
Endeavour Replica has been on our Dry Dock this week for her annual spruce up, so she’ll look bright and breezy for her sea trips.
For more information about Captain Cook and the 250th Anniversary of his return to Whitby, go to https://www.cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk.
