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The finely crafted wooden ship (built in Fremantle) will leave Sydney on 15 April 2011 and arrive back in Western Australia's busiest port on 20 November, 2011 in time to play a major role at the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships (3-18 December 2011). The vessel will add to the atmosphere of the exhilarating sporting and sailing spectacular.

Perth 2011 Event Director and former Chief Executive Officer of the HM Bark Endeavour Foundation John Longley explained that Perth 2011 had assisted to initiate the voyage, which would ensure that the nation is aware of the excitement of one of the biggest sailing events to reach Australian shores.

"This event forms part of Perth 2011's unique marketing campaign of 'inclusion and engagement'. We would like people of all walks of life and from all parts of Australia and around the world to be a part of the Sailing World Championships and the Endeavour's circumnavigation provides an opportunity for people to become involved in a tangible way," Mr Longley said.

He added that Fremantle was one of 15 Australian ports where the ship would be open to the public and that people would be able to enjoy short sailing trips as part of the Endeavour's stay in the port city.

"The Endeavour allows people to 'travel back in time' to Captain Cook's days, over 200 years ago. Visitors on board the replica will gain a clear insight into what life would have been like for the crew of an 18th century sailing vessel," he explained.

According to Perth 2011 Director of Commercial Operations Darren Beazley, the ship's visit also provides a 'unique corporate offering'.

"The ship will provide the perfect venue for cocktail parties and corporate functions with a 'real point of difference'. The public and corporations alike will be able to participate in the exciting Perth 2011 Corporate Entertainment Programme from 1 October, 2010 and should contact Perth 2011 for more details on the Endeavour packages," Mr Beazley said.

Mr Longley added that the Endeavour's visit would greatly enrich visitors' onshore experiences at the Sailing World Championships, in December 2011. He said that those stepping onto the ship at Perth 2011 or around Australia would feel like they were in a 'virtual museum' or on an 'exact replica'.

The ship will showcase the magnificent state of Western Australia, visiting major ports in Broome, Geraldton, Bunbury and Albany as part of its voyage.

During the circumnavigation, the Endeavour will be sailed by a professional crew and 40 adventurous voyagers who will pay for their place aboard to enjoy 'a once-in-a-lifetime-journey' and to learn to sail.

The ship is expected back at her home berth at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, on Monday 21 May, 2012.

Please visit www.perth2011.com , www.endeavourvoyages.com.au or www.anmm.gov.au for more details.

Facebook link: www.facebook.com/perth2011