Ahoy There, Capt. Cook Fans: Your Tall Ship Has Come In

When a soft breeze fills the Endeavour’s billowing sails, you can almost imagine yourself on the wooden prow skimming the blue Pacific, Capt. Cook standing on deck, looking out to sea.

The next best thing: a rare tour, available this weekend in Newport Beach, of a replica of the tall ship in which Cook and 94 crew members--including scientists--circumnavigated the globe, charting the Australian coast, in the late 18th century.

Built according to historical specifications, the ship cost $17 million. Commissioned in April 1994, the new Endeavour left Australia on an around-the-world voyage in October 1996.

Sound and seaworthy, it will make its way up the coast of North America to Vancouver, Canada, stopping for tours along the way.

Endeavour will dock in Newport Beach through April 25.

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Endeavour Docks

The Endeavour is moored next to the Pride of Newport, the stern wheeler that houses the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, at 151 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Tours begin today and will continue through April 25. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; noon to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for children. Free parking and shuttle service will be available on tour days from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Newport Beach Country Club, 1600 E. Coast Highway. Call (949) 673-7863.