MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Captain Cook's historic voyage re-visited

A multi-national crew of 54 qualified personnel and many non-sailors are currently sailing around the world in the majestic ship ?Endeavor', a replica of the original ship in which Captain Cook sailed on his voyage to discover Australia.

The new ?Endeavor', a 3-masted bark like its predecessor, stopped off in Port Stanley for 2 days, just as the original vessel did back in the 18th century, bringing stores from Britain to the small British settlement which then existed on the Falklands.

Captain Cook's ship was a Royal Naval vessel, known officially as H.M. (His Majesty's) ?Endeavor', and the bark reportedly made 3 visits to the Falklands in those early days.

The present-day vessel is re-tracing the route taken by Captain Cook, and the next stop after leaving the Falklands will be Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The ?Endeavor' will end her voyage in Whitby in the northeast of England, exactly where Captain Cook ended his voyage hundreds of years previously.

Such was the demand from enthusiasts to join the historic voyage, no less than thirty-four of those on board were more than happy to pay thousands of dollars for the privilege of working on board. The remaining 20 make up the permanent crew for the entire voyage.

One third of the crew is made up by females while the youngest crew member is an 18 year old girl, and the eldest a 72 year old man!

Hundreds of Islanders took the opportunity to visit the bark while it was berthed in Stanley, while Governor and Mrs. Lamont were officially welcomed on board. A reception was also given for the crew in Stanley's recently opened tourist center.