Description

HMS Endeavour Ship Model

Origin: English

Year: 1768

The space shuttle Endeavour is named after her.

A replica of Endeavour is berthed in Sydney Harbour.

HMS Endeavour was purchased by the British Navy in 1768 for the very famous scientific mission to the Pacific Ocean under the command of Lieutenant James Cook.

Originally built as a merchant collier, her flat-bottom design made her well-suited to sailing in shallow waters for loading/unloading of cargo and ease of basic maintenance that didn’t require a dry dock.

Under the command of Lieutenant James Cook she went on a three year scientific mission to the Pacific Ocean.

After her epic voyage with Cook, HMS Endeavour shipped Navy stores to the Falkland Islands, was then renamed then sold privately in 1775 and finally returned to naval service as troops transport during the American Revolutionary War and was wrecked in Rhode Island in 1778.

HMS Endeavour

Cook reached New Zealand in 1770 and drew a map of both north and south islands coasts. He then sailed westward and reached Australia where he landed at Botany Bay. Cook subsequently drew the coast map between Victoria and Queensland, located the continent in relationship to known oceans, and claimed the eastern part of the continent for the British Crown. His explorations took him next to Cap York, Jakarta, and Indonesia. Cook thus became the best explorer of all times.

Due to his extensive input into maritime development, maritime navigation and geography, Cook’s voyage on board of the HMS Endeavour have an exceptional historical value.

Cook is a key figure of Australian modern history. Many areas in Australia and New Zealand wear his name and that of his ship. Cook also gave their names to countless places such as Cape Tribulation, Botany Bay, and Whitsunday Islands…

This ship figures on the New Zealand fifty cent coin in recognition of its place in their national history.

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