National Parks Press Release.
Read More About Cooks Endeavour Here.
The replica of one of the most famous ships in the history of maritime exploration is being prepared for a new voyage along the North York Moors coast to Whitby.
In August 2017 a partnership led by Whitby businessman Andrew Fiddler purchased HM Bark Endeavour, one of only two full-scale replicas in the world of the ship commanded by explorer Captain James Cook for his voyage to Australia and New Zealand.
The partnership’s auction bid of £155,000 safeguarded the replica’s future as a North East visitor attraction, having beaten competing bids that could have seen the ship moved to Portsmouth, London or Dubai.
Mr Fiddler now plans to spend nearly £750,000 refurbishing and repairing the 33-metre long Teesside-built ship and then relocating it next year from its current berth at Stockton-on-Tees to Whitby, where the original Endeavour was built in 1764.
The ship will remain in Stockton over winter to undergo extensive refurbishment and much-needed repairs. This will involve the huge logistical operation of moving the vessel from its current position on the river Tees and into a dry dock to enable the refurbishment programme to be carried out.
Mr Fiddler intends re-opening HM Bark Endeavour as an historic tourist attraction and centre of learning for schools and colleges, with the aid of product development and business support from the Coastal Communities Fund project being delivered by the North York Moors National Park Authority.
The arrival of the legendary tall ship in Whitby in 2018 will coincide with the 250th anniversary when Captain Cook first set sail from Plymouth on-board Endeavour to observe the transit of Venus at Tahiti, circumnavigate and chart New Zealand and chart the East coast of Australia.
Mr Fiddler comments: “To have secured one of the most distinctive and historic maritime attractions is fantastic particularly as I’ve had a lifelong passion for the sea. Not only did I serve in the Royal Navy but I also participated in Endeavour ’90, a six-month circumnavigation of the globe which included visiting Dutch Harbour in the Aleutian Islands where Cook landed.
“Now we have to carefully work out a complex programme for sensitively refurbishing the ship so that once again HM Bark Endeavour can tell the story of life at sea in the 18th century.”
Catriona McLees, Head of Promotion and Tourism for the North York Moors National Park Authority adds: “We’re delighted to help support a project that has such a strong resonance with the National Park particularly with Cook’s early years being spent near Roseberry Topping and Great Ayton before he moved to Staithes and then onto Whitby where his maritime career began.
“The ship will be a great draw for visitors and encourage them to make their own discoveries of the wonders along our coast.”
Further Reading On HM Bark Endeavour At Whitby
- Whitby HM Bark Endeavour
- Tall Ships At Whitby
- Captain Cook Photographs
- Buy Tall Ships Photographs
HM Bark Endeavour Comments from Our Facebook Group.
Think this is amazing story. Bring in lots of visitors. I for one are thankful this ship will be proudly sitting in our Harbour. X
As always Carol, thankyou for contributing to this story. Its always a pleasure to hear from someone who loves Whitby and it’s people so much.
I think its wonderful, love seeing any of the tall ships that have passed through Whitby – so evocative.It can only good for the town.
I Fully agree Hilary, this has to be the big news story of 2018. Alongside the Captain Cook celebrations it is going to make for a great year here in town.
This will be an amazing opportunity for whitby a great tourist attraction
cannot wait to visit in july
Thankyou Andy, I hope you really enjoy your visit in July.
Fantastic, I’m looking forward to seeing this in Whitby .
I’m imagining all the great photographs in years to come. Sunrises, sunsets, fog and snow. So many different ways to capture it.
Brilliant news, perfect place for it .
Your soo right Glyn. As Cook based himself here, Whitby is the perfect place for the replica to be berthed.
Great news for the town, will be good to see it in the harbour.
Fantastic news for Whitby, looking forward to seeing her in the harbour.
Its going to be one of my photographic highlights of the year Alan.
What a wonderful thing for Whitby! I’m really looking forward to seeing her berthed in the harbour… hopefully I’ll be able to see her from my window too. I’m sure this will bring many visitors to town.
Your soo lucky to have that view Margaret. I know you really appreciate it as well 🙂
I was watching it being hoisted over the tees barrage today as I work in Stockton. I am so glad to see it is going to my favourite place Whitby! It looks strange not seeing it everyday on my way to work, but we will see it most weekends as we visit Whitby as often as poss! P.s love your work Glenn!
Do we know when it will arrive home to Whitby. Thank you for sharing the story Glenn.
Ive heard lots of things said. So far I know is there is no definite date. It will be here for the Captain Cook Celebration festival in July for sure. However i imagine it will come down the coast much sooner than that. Perhaps As early as May.
This will be brilliant for Whitby. The Endeavour belongs here. I will look forward to seeing your photos before I get up there with my family in August for the regatta. I really enjoy them.
When will this be in 2018 ?
We have just completed a trip around New Zealand and stayed in Whitianga. Nearby was Mercury bay named and found by Captain Cook.
So would love to see this event. Also visited Australia during this adventure. He is a true legend.
Hi Margaret, it is in July. If you follow the link then all the information you will need is there.
https://www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com/whitby/cook250.aspx