Goss plans historic Aussie voyage

LONDON, England -- Pete Goss has announced a new epic project that is centuries apart from his previous voyages.

The adventurer, who in 2000 launched the futuristic $8 million Team Philips catamaran in an unsuccessful bid to sail non-stop around the world, now hopes to replicate a boat and a journey undertaken 153 years ago.

Goss said he aims to build a boat to follow in the wake of the Mystery, a 37ft open Mounts Bay Lugger crewed by seven Cornishmen who left the small fishing port of Newlyn to sail to Australia for the Gold Rush in 1854.

They covered about 11,800 nautical miles in 116 days before arriving in Melbourne on March 14, 1855.

It is understood the only break in the voyage was a week in Cape Town for repairs and to take on supplies before heading into the Southern Ocean.

Goss is building Spirit Of Mystery to celebrate their amazing achievement. The vessel will be as true to the original Mystery as possible and, although there will be concessions to safety, there will be no engine, toilet or modern electrical and navigational systems.

The sailor said that he is enjoying building the boat and is looking forward to navigating by the stars.

"I have always wanted to build a wooden boat and relish the challenge and adventure of sailing such a small vessel to Australia," he said.

"Here we are on the brink of another exciting adventure that has the added element of history, which I find I am really enjoying.

"Life is for living and this, for me, is life at its best." Spirit of Mystery is due to be launched on Saturday June 21 and to set sail in mid-October. E-mail to a friend