Places of knowledge, economic and technological development have their place in Mini-Europe. The inclusion of the Endeavour ship and its Captain provided an opportunity to look at how European nations have influenced the world and shaped the future. This ship and Captain James Cook pushed the boundaries of the known world at the time, mapping and charting the coastlines of New Zealand and Australia. He was also the first European to make contact with the people living there. Because of his historical importance and as a symbol of the Age of Enlightenment, the great discoveries and the dissemination of European civilisation, Mini-Europe wanted to honour Captain Cook and his ship, the Endeavour. His first voyage had a huge impact on the seafaring and economic development of England, Europe and the world.
To celebrate the inauguration of the model, the miniature replica of James Cook will follow his journey to the Austral seas and back to his Endeavour in the Mini-Europe park in Brussels.
The Captain of the Seatrade Blue ship will welcome the miniature replica of Captain James Cook and give him the opportunity to sail out to sea and reach Australia and New Zealand. Mini Captain Cook – accompanied by the miniature European turtle – will have the honour of staying on the bridge with the Captain of the Seatrade Blue, the freighter that will follow a similar route to that of Captain Cook many years ago. Seatrade specialises in transporting perishables and other sensitive cargo.
Using standard measurements and historical details, the Chief Model Maker designed the 3D model of James Cook’s miniature. Using contemporary and historical references, he attempted to make the figure as lifelike as possible at a scale of 1:25. He was designed to fit into his ship, at the stern of HMS Endeavour.
Visit the Polarsteps page to track his progress around the world, and see what he experiences in his new daily life.
For a live tracking of the vessel Seatrade Blue: www.vesselfinder.com