Australian Wooden Boat Festival to miss out on James Craig and HM Bark Endeavour due to bad weather

THE Australian Wooden Boat Festival has had another blow, with the Endeavour unable to make it.

Replica of Captain James Cook's ship HMAS Endeavour in all it's glory under full sail. Shipping

THE Australian Wooden Boat Festival has received another blow, with the HM Bark Endeavour joining the James Craig in being turned back to Sydney.

Festival organisers today confirmed the Endeavour had aborted its trip and was now heading home to Sydney after experiencing extremely challenging conditions on its way to Hobart.

The captain of the James Craig decided to return to Sydney late on Saturday afternoon after being forced to seek shelter from strong south-easterly winds and rough seas near Jervis Bay on the New South Wales south coast.

Since leaving Sydney last week, Endeavour had encountered strong southerly winds and high swells.

Late yesterday afternoon one of Endeavour’s sprit sail yards snapped in bad weather and the decision was made by the ship’s captain John Dikkenberg to turn the ship around and return to Sydney.

James Craig. Picture: Justin Lloyd

An ill crew member was also evacuated on Saturday night with the assistance of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter in Moruya and local authorities.

Six crew members were also transferred off the ship earlier in the voyage due to severe sea sickness and an injury.

“The health and safety of our crew is our first priority,” said National Maritime Museum spokesperson Shirani Aththas said.

“We very much regret not being able to take part in this year’s Australian Wooden Boat Festival and any disappointment felt by the people of Hobart and the visitors to the Festival. We hope to visit Hobart very soon once the ship is repaired and conditions are favourable, and wish festival organisers all the very best for their event.

“Our thanks also to local authorities in Moruya and in particular the crew of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter for their assistance.”

FLOATING TRIBUTE TO SAILS OF THE CENTURIES

Originally published as Australian Wooden Boat Festival to miss out on James Craig and HM Bark Endeavour due to bad weather