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Yachting Developments is pleased to announce the launching of the iconic J Boat Endeavour, having completed an extensive 18 month refit at their Hobsonville yard in Auckland.  There was a long term philosophy of longevity and serviceability throughout the refit ensuring sailing yacht Endeavour will remain an historic Icon for future generations. Sailing yacht Endeavour will spend the next few months in Auckland, sailing and tuning up before commencing a busy racing schedule planned for the Caribbean and European summers.

More photos of Classic Superyacht Endeavour JK4 after 18month refit

Absolute care was taken throughout the refit of the 130′ J Class loop Endeavour sailing yacht to preserve as much of the vessel as practical while taking advantage of twenty first century sailing systems, enhanced performance and improved functionality.

The comprehensive refit of the Endeavour JK4 included the removal and replacement of the complete weather deck and all deck equipment. Steel deck framing was relocated to accommodate the new load paths of the new deck layout.

Classic Sailing yacht Endeavour JK4 after 18month refit at Yachting Developments (2)

Classic Sailing yacht Endeavour JK4 after rebuild at Yachting Developments

The Naval Architects Dykstra & Partners were instrumental in the design of the new sail plan, deck layout, and structural engineering. Her main engine, generators, hydraulic systems, winches, electrical system, electronics, bow thruster and air conditioning were replaced or upgraded. Southern Spars of Auckland built the new carbon fibre mast with carbon standing rigging.

John Munford and Adam Lay reconfigured the accommodation forward of the mast and the Endeavour yacht has a new interior, built in-house by Yachting Developments tradesmen.

Jon Barrett Associates whom have had over 25 years’ experience in this role with Endeavour was the owner’s project manager.

After her sea trials, S/Y Endeavour will tune up on Auckland harbor prior to being shipped in February to the northern hemisphere to compete in the 2012 J Class regattas timed to coincide with the Olympics.

Yachting Developments, Jon Barrett Associates, Dykstra & Partners will be attending this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat show.

Photo of Classic Superyacht Endeavour JK4 after 18month refit

History of the Classic Superyacht Endeavour JK4

Endeavour was commissioned by Sir T.O.M. Sopwith and built by Camper & Nicholson at Gosport England to challenge for the America’s Cup in 1934. Having prepared his campaign in Shamrock V, Sopwith was keen to ensure that this yacht was the most advanced design possible. With his experience designing aircraft Sopwith applied aviation technology to Endeavour’s rig and winches and spared nothing to make her the finest vessel of her day.

From launching in 1934 she continued her preparation by competing against sailing yacht Shamrock V (then owned by Sir Richard Fairey) and the newly launched Velsheda (owned by W.L Stephenson). She swept through the British racing fleet and into the hearts of yachtsmen the world around, winning many races in her first season. Like many before her, Endeavour did not win the Cup but she came closer to doing so than any other challenger.

S/Y Endeavour pioneered the development of the Quadrilateral genoa, a two clewed headsail offering immense sail area and power, and still used on J Class yachts racing today. She also had a larger and better designed spinnaker but Sopwith was let down by poor crewing. Just prior to departure for the USA, his professional crew went on strike for more money and Sopwith was forced to round up keen amateur sailors, who had the enthusiasm but not the experience. Afterwards, she returned to England to dominate the British racing scene until 1938 when she was laid up prior to the war.

Over the next 46 years, yacht Endeavour passed through many hands, her fate often hanging by a thread. Among other indignities, she was sold to a scrap merchant in 1947 only to be saved by another buyer hours before her demolition was due to begin. In the seventies, she sank in the Medina River in Cowes. Again at the eleventh hour, she was bought for ten pounds sterling by two carpenters who patched the holes in her hull with plastic bags and got her afloat again. In the early eighties, Endeavour sat in an abandoned seaplane base in southern England. She was a complete wreck, a rusting and forlorn hulk with no keel, rudder, ballast or interior.

REBUILD

In 1984 Endeavour was purchased and undertook a five year rebuild. The Endeavour yacht sailed again, on June 22, 1989, for the first time in 52 years.

Between 1989 and 1999 Endeavour cruised extensively and competed in numerous races, creating a wonderful spectacle In April 1999, history repeated itself when she was joined by S/ Y Shamrock V and Velsheda to compete in the Antigua Classics Regatta, bringing in a new era of J Class sailing a sight not seen in over 60 years