James Craig Tall Ship - 2025 Hobart to Sydney Voyage - Episode 1

What an amazing experience.

Sailing the 1874 built Barque Tall Ship, the "James Craig".

She was built in Sunderland, England and launched on the 18th of February 1874 as the "Clan MacLeod"

She sailed the high seas carrying cargo around the world and rounded Cape Horn 23 times.

She almost ended her days down at Recherche Bay, southern Tasmania until a dedicated team from the Sydney Heritage Fleet rescued her, and after 30 years of hard work, they have brought her back to life.

She is now 1 of only 4 Barque Tall Ships, still actively sailing in the world today.

Come with me on a voyage of a lifetime, sailing her from Hobart back to Sydney, Australia.

Words cannot describe the amazing experience that I enjoyed.

[th.burggraf]

Now, that's a beauty right there !
Can't wait to see the next part of the voyage...
Many thanks for uploading this. 👍🏻

[gailmatthew]

This is an awsome site covering the James Craig adventures.... bought back magical memories of when my hubby & I were volunteers on this beautiful ship many years ago . May she continue to sail with like minded crew. Smooth sailing old

[Chris-befo]

Thanks for uploading this video. It brought back memories for me because I used to crew on the James Craig for three years from 2007. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those good people who spent years restoring the James Craig, but never got to sail on her.

[moriflapan]

I really enjoyed the video. Great footage of the voyage so far and I liked the presenter's enthusiasm. As one of the many people who were involved in the restoration, there is a lot of satisfaction seeing the vessel revelling in her element again, together with the team that sail and maintain her so well. Not only has the ship been restored, but also many of the skills that are essential to sail and preserve her. I look forward to the next installment.

[irenevanekris]

Glen, this is an absolute treasure. Thank you for your skill and enthusiasm in making this video account of the Hobart to Sydney voyage of the James Craig. It conveys all the challenges, beauty and joy that was experienced by those of us who were on the ship. Many thanks from Irene (galley crew).

[geoffb]

I sailed on the james craig outside sydney heads. That day they failed an attempt to tack. They said she is much harder to tack now because she now has huge propellor which seriously reduces the hulls momentum . We sailed back through the heads in huge thunderstorm.
It was wonderful experience

[damage]

What a piece of maritime history. My ancestors cut the timber, milled the planks, built the ships, rigged them, and sometimes sailed them. Abraham Young was one of the more prolific builders. He built here in Southwest Nova Scotia, Annapolis County, on the river, in the mid to late 1800s. The vessels ranged in size and rigging. For example The Cyprus, 1787- 1392tonnes, 2 decks, 3 mast Bark. At 200 feet long she was the biggest and fastest of her class built on the river. It's said that in her first 12 months of service she made 9 trans-atlantic passages. Sadly, like all the others, she is long gone. It's so great to see this beauty in action. It would have been so cool if the drone could have been flown during the tack! Sub'd, thanks so much for sharing!

[flyingkah]

Great recount. Love the clarity of the footage. Looking forward to following episodes.

[CRAIGMCLEAN-ANDERSON]

Very much looking forward to following this journey!

[megharry]

really enjoyed this mate. looking forward to the rest. great stuff!

[Graham-dq]

My 5 x Great Grandfather was a tall ship's Master and took timber back from New Zealand in the 1800's to the UK to make ships spars. What a voyage ?

[jamesfohare]

I was on her trial voyage after the rebuild some twenty odd years ago may be more, they took her into some heavy seas a few miles of Sydney heads. She handled well and she didn't sink Thanks for the video,

[stephenrivera]

Thank you for uploading this wonderful video! What is the beautiful acoustic music that starts at 2:30?

[josephoneill]

Thanks. I met the master Matty at the Whaler and talked with him for quite some time.

[cutway]

I had no idea a tall ship had to go into irons and drift backwards in order to tack. I understand how it works in this instance. There seems to be not enough forward momentum to carry it through head to wind onto the other tack. Perhaps stronger winds would make a difference?

[stevewiles]

Is this a regular voyage or an annual thing?

[jamesraymond]

I love tall ships but this doesn't look real because everyone is chubby and wearing clothes that no sailor would wear.

[steveblanchard]

Anyone know the music in the beginning of the video???