Endeavour heads to Fremantle and the Perth 2011 Worlds
by Will Davies 10 Oct 2011 08:42 BST
3-18 December 2011
The majestic replica of Captain Cook’s ship HMB Endeavour is on the last leg of her voyage to Fremantle and a starring role in the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.
Endeavour is half way through a circumnavigation of Australia and will arrive in Fremantle – the historic port city where she was built - on Wednesday 12 October. Fremantle is expected to give the ship a warm welcome with a fleet of small craft and a civic reception by the Fremantle City Council.
Endeavour is presently at sea, heading south from Geraldton which she first visited on her maiden voyage in 1993. During Endeavour’s stay in Geraldton, the ship was visited by Perth 2011 Event Director John Longley, the man who was the central figure in her construction.
“Endeavour is in magnificent condition after her refit in Sydney earlier this year. She has weathered the six month journey to her birthplace remarkably well and the ship is a credit to the Australian National Maritime Museum and the crew who sail and maintain her,” Mr Longley said.
“Endeavour is going to be a striking centre piece throughout the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships. She’ll be moored in Fremantle Harbour where the Women’s Match Racing will take place and her day trips out into Gage Roads will make her a familiar sight to the racing fleets competing in a total of ten world titles and for Olympic qualification.”
On Wednesday 12 October, Endeavour’s role in the Perth 2011 Sailing Worlds will be marked by an escort of Perth 2011 race boats and Laser sailing dinghies joining a local parade of sail. The ship is expected to berth in Fremantle Inner Harbour at C Shed around 11am.
On the dock will be a number of people who worked on building Endeavour over a six year period from 1987 to 1993. Among those greeting Endeavour will be John Longley who was formerly CEO of the HM Bark Endeavour Foundation.
“Seeing Endeavour in Geraldton was truly special, but to see her again in Fremantle, where it all began will be something to savour for a very long time,” Mr Longley said.
“I encourage everyone to get down to Fremantle and experience this marvellous ship first-hand,” he said.
During the Sailing World Championships, Endeavour will also host a number of corporate cocktail parties and Great Cabin dinners. Guests will experience the 18th Century ambience and style once enjoyed by the likes of Captain James Cook and botanist Joseph Banks.
Prior to her role at Perth 2011, Endeavour will be open for inspection and will make a short visit to Bunbury before returning to Fremantle at the end of November.