The Ship

★ 6 · 2002 · Documentary

The Ship: Retracing Cook's Endeavour Voyage is a documentary film about a 21st-century voluntary crew on a six-week journey from the east coast of Australia to Jakarta, Indonesia retracing the famous voyage of Lieutenant James Cook aboard a replica of HM Bark Endeavour. The 55 men and women on board - among them the director, producer & cameraman Chris Terrill - came from several different countries and nationalities. The crew traced Cook's footsteps from one historical landmark to another. All of the volunteers lived and worked as 18th century sailors, but were not required to wear period costumes. The Ship had some modern conveniences: a satellite phone for emergencies, and a flush toilet in the lower deck for use while sailing in the Great Barrier Reef. The show originally aired on the BBC from 20 August to 24 September 2002. The trip was filmed a year earlier and the episode where the crew were informed of the 9/11 attacks was shown on 10 September 2002.

Episodes

▶1. Heading Out50m · An 18th-century voyage gets a 21st-century twist in a six-part series where Royal Navy sailors, medics, scientists and historians team up in an attempt to replicate Captain Cook's expedition on the Endeavour from Australia to Indonesia. In north-eastern Australia, the volunteer recruits try to cope with the cramped conditions on board the Endeavour as they join the permanent crew.▶2. Grief on the Reef50m · Series in which Royal Navy sailors, medics, historians and scientists team up in an attempt to replicate Captain Cook's expedition on the Endeavour from Australia to Indonesia. Seafaring skills are put to the test as the crew sail out of the Great Barrier Reef. Can they navigate a narrow path through razor-sharp coral and pounding surf?▶3. Escape to Nowhere50m · Ten days into the voyage, Shane's physical condition is becoming increasingly serious in the third instalment of the nautical adventure. As Endeavour heads towards the northernmost tip of Australia, negotiating hostile waters on the way, there's also bad news for academic Andrew, historian lain, Micky and Wilhelmina the goat.▶4. Time Travellers50m · As the Endeavour heads towards Jakarta, the navigating team face their biggest challenge to date when they take over the ship using only Captain Cook's charts and instruments. The crew's joy at catching a fish proves short-lived on 11 September when, over satellite telephone, news breaks of terrorist atrocities in America.▶5. Still Waters50m · The shock of 11 September's terrorist attacks on America is felt profoundly by the crew, and restlessness sets in as the Endeavour sits becalmed on the Timor Sea. But the luck changes when a passing Indonesian vessel supplies a break from the dull diet, the wind suddenly picks up, and the boat lands at a remote and exotic island.▶6. Homeward Bound50m · Demonstrations in Indonesia, a "line race", a serious foot injury, a chicken casserole and a fear-conquering climb bring to a close the eventful voyage of the Endeavour. For the crew it's time to reflect, many coming to the conclusion that they will miss the sense of togetherness and adventure offered by life on board a tall ship. Last in the series.

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