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Ed Falk wrote, about the BBC's intended "Endeavour" replica voyage-

>> No, afraid not. But I do have an on-shore involvement.
>
>Well, tell us about *that* then.
>
>I assume by now they've chosen a navigator.  Are lunar tables being made up?
>Has anyone researched the exact method that would have been done in those days?
>Do they have period instruments (or is that what you're scrounging for now)?
>
>        -ed falk

My response-

After their initial email enquiry, the BBC understandably wish to play down
further publicity about this voyage until nearer the time of transmission,
next year. However, it isn't a State Secret.

I am quite happy to go along with their request, but I realise that
navigation-l members have a special interest and know quite a bit about it
from that email enquiry. However, I will be somewhat reticent.

In answer to Ed's questions-

Yes, navigators have been chosen.

Yes, lunar distances have been calculated for the period of the voyage.

Yes, some research has been done. Cook's navigational methods and his
voyages in general were well recorded in great detail.

In general, period instruments will not be used. But it would be nice to
find a Vernier sextant, not of that period, in the UK. Even from a century
later, it would be a close analogue to Cook's instruments.

The original email issued was somewhat misleading when it stated that
modern instrumentation (GPS) would be locked away and the vessel would be
navigated by lunars and other astro observations throughout. This was due
to a misunderstanding. I am glad to say that the vessel will be in the
hands of its professional crew throughout, and conducted as they think
best. The "lunartics", on the other hand, will track the vessel as best
they can, following Cook's methods.

I would love to be aboard, but tropical climates do not suit me, so I
haven't even applied. My role is in the backstage planning and training.

Obviously, this is a project of great interest to list-members, and I will
be very happy to tell more when the time is ripe.

Yours, George.

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george@huxtable.u-net.com
George Huxtable, 1 Sandy Lane, Southmoor, Abingdon, Oxon OX13 5HX, UK.
Tel. 01865 820222 or (int.) +44 1865 820222.
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