Earl of Pembroke (tall ship)

The Earl of Pembroke is a three-masted barque originally built in Sweden in 1945 as the Orion. It was later renamed Vega and served as a cargo carrier, primarily within the Baltic Sea. In the late 20th century, the vessel was purchased and underwent extensive reconstruction, transforming it into a replica of HMS Endeavour, the ship commanded by Captain James Cook on his first voyage of discovery.

While visually similar to HMS Endeavour, the Earl of Pembroke is not a fully accurate replica. The reconstruction was intended to create a seaworthy and functional tall ship for sail training and charter, prioritizing safety and modern requirements over strict historical accuracy.

Following its conversion, the Earl of Pembroke operated as a charter vessel, participating in tall ship races, maritime festivals, and offering sailing experiences to the public. It served as a film set, appearing in movies and television series such as Hornblower.

The Earl of Pembroke features a steel hull beneath its wooden cladding, contributing to its structural integrity and enabling it to meet modern safety standards. It has three masts, square sails on the fore and main masts, and a mizzen mast with fore-and-aft sails. The ship's rigging is complex, requiring skilled sailors to operate it effectively.

In recent years, the Earl of Pembroke has undergone periods of inactivity and has been subject to changes in ownership. Its current status and operational condition may vary. Information on its active sailing schedule and charter opportunities should be verified with reputable tall ship organizations or maritime brokers.