Tall Ship James Craig

Barque James Craig

Barque James Craig is rightly famous around the world. She is Sydney’s only 19th Century square rigger (or tall ship) and her incredible restoration to full sailing condition was recognised in 2003 by the World Ship Trust’s award of their prestigious Maritime Medal. Her restoration cost almost $A30 million and took nearly 40 years to complete after she was rescued from Recherche Bay in far southern Tasmania.

This beautiful ship regularly goes to sea with up to 80 passengers and is open for public inspection at her berth at 2 Murray Street Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. She is also available for charter and for functions.

Interesting facts

• There are only four 19th century barques left in the world capable of sailing. James Craig is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere and the only one which regularly carries the general public to sea.
• James Craig hoisted all of its 21 sails for the first time in nearly 80 years in 2001 and sailed through Sydney Heads. The story of its rebirth, the result of an award-winning 30-year restoration, is even more extraordinary than its earlier life.
• In 2003, it was awarded the World Ship Trusts Maritime Heritage Award for authentic restoration. In this honour it joins a select band of restored ships throughout the world, including the Vasa (Sweden 1627), USS Constitution (USA 1797) and Cutty Sark (UK 1869).
• James Craig is owned by the Sydney Heritage Fleet, a community-based, non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of Australia’s maritime heritage.