Spirit of Mystery
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom
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| Name: | Spirit of Mystery |
| Builder: | Chris Rees |
| Launched: | 21 June 2008 |
| Identification: |
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| Status: | Active |
| Notes: | Replica of lugger Mystery which made a one way voyage between Penzance and Melbourne in 1854 – 1855 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen: | 16 tons |
| Length: | 37 ft (11.28 m) |
| Beam: | 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m) |
| Propulsion: | Sails |
| Sail plan: | Lugger |
| Complement: | 4 |
Spirit of Mystery is a replica of the Mount's Bay lugger Mystery which made a voyage to Australia in 1854/55. In 1854 a discussion in the Star Inn in Newlyn led seven fishermen to set sail in the hope of finding their fortunes. 116 days later, their Cornish lugger, Mystery, a 37 ft fishing boat that had never previously been out of sight of land, arrived in Melbourne, 12,000 miles away.
Spirit of Mystery was built at Millbrook by Chris Rees for Pete Goss. Construction took ten months. She is a replica of Mystery, which made a one way voyage to Australia in 1854–55. Spirit of Mystery was launched on 21 June 2008. Incorporated into Spirit of Mystery is wood from Cutty Sark, and HMS Victory, with some of the rigging coming from SS Great Britain.
Construction of Spirit of Mystery closely followed the design of the original luggers. The only concessions to modernity are watertight bulkheads and heavier ballast. Electrics have been fitted as it is a legal requirement to have navigation lights. An engine has been fitted but will not be used on the journey to Australia. Internally, oil lamps will be used, and navigation will be by the sun and stars, although a satellite tracking device allows the progress of Spirit of Mystery to be followed on the internet. As on the original Mystery, a coke stove is installed. However, the diet and clothing of the crew are to modern standards, and there is a toilet and gas cooker on board.
Spirit of Mystery left Newlyn at 18:00 on 20 October 2008, bound for Cape Town, just as Mystery did in 1854. Pete Goss is reported to have been in such a hurry to leave that he left his socks and pants in a tumble dryer at a launderette.Spirit of Mystery crossed the Equator on 21 November 2008. The crew is Andy Goss, Eliot Goss, Pete Goss and Andy Maidment.Spirit of Mystery arrived in Cape Town on 25 December 2008Spirit of Mystery left Cape Town on 13 January 2009, with an estimated arrival time in Australia of the first week in March.
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