NSW: Endeavour arrives in Sydney

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2005
NSW: Endeavour arrives in Sydney

By Tamara McLean

SYDNEY, April 17 AAP - She might have been late but the replica of Captain Cook's famous
Endeavour still sailed into Sydney Harbour to cheers and whistles tonight.

The majestic tall ship was due to arrive in Port Jackson at 1pm (AEST) today but was
stranded on a sandbar at Botany Bay on the last day of its five-month voyage.

It was stuck for four hours within view of the monument celebrating Lieutenant James
Cook's visit to Kurnell on April 29, 1770.

Federal Arts and Sport Minister Rod Kemp, who spent the day on board, said it was fitting
that the crew enjoyed a perfect viewing of the landing place.

"Kurnell was a special place for Cook and the boat stuck on the sandbank in full view
of the memorial, so there you go," Senator Kemp quipped.

"Fortunately the boat was able to get clear water and she's still completely seaworthy."

The boat set sail from the United Kingdom in November to retrace the voyage of the
original Endeavour when it discovered Australia more than 200 years ago.

It followed Cook's route, travelling to South America, down through Tahiti, the Pacific
Islands and New Zealand before touching Australia's east coast.

While the boat missed firing broadsides from her cannon in a welcome-home parade, hundreds
of people still waited dockside for her arrival at the Australian Maritime Museum.

"Most were friends and family of crew members but there were plenty of other people
who had just come to welcome the vessel home," Senator Kemp said.

"It's a beautiful boat and it's very special to have it home."

He today announced the government would contribute $750,000 a year to allow Endeavour
to operate tours from its base outside the museum in Darling Harbour.

"Hopefully, it will also have a chance to make longer trips around Australia," the minister said.

"Over the next few years I hope hundreds of thousands of people will get a chance to
see it and climb aboard."

Endeavour will be open to the public on Wednesday, April 20.

AAP tam/pb/de

KEYWORD: ENDEAVOUR NIGHTLEAD (PIX AVAILABLE)

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