Spirit of Mystery
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- MMSI number: 235067605
- Callsign: 2BNC4
 Spirit of Mystery in Cornwall | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom | |
| Name | Spirit of Mystery |
| Builder | Chris Rees |
| Launched | 21 June 2008 |
| Identification |
|
| Status | Active |
| Notes | Replica of lugger Mystery which made a one way voyage between Penzance and Melbourne in 1854 – 1855 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 16 tons |
| Length | 37 ft (11.28 m) |
| Beam | 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Lugger |
| Complement | 4 |
Spirit of Mystery is a replica of the Mount's Bay lugger Mystery which made a voyage to Australia in 1854/55. In 1854 a discussion in the Star Inn in Newlyn led seven fishermen to set sail in the hope of finding their fortunes. 116 days later, their Cornish lugger, Mystery, a 37 ft fishing boat that had never previously been out of sight of land, arrived in Melbourne, 12,000 miles away.[1]
Spirit of Mystery was built at Millbrook by Chris Rees for Pete Goss. Construction took ten months.[2] She is a replica of Mystery, which made a one way voyage to Australia in 1854–55. Spirit of Mystery was launched on 21 June 2008. Incorporated into Spirit of Mystery is wood from Cutty Sark, and HMS Victory, with some of the rigging coming from SS Great Britain.[3]
Construction of Spirit of Mystery closely followed the design of the original luggers. The only concessions to modernity are watertight bulkheads and heavier ballast. Electrics have been fitted as it is a legal requirement to have navigation lights. An engine has been fitted but will not be used on the journey to Australia. Internally, oil lamps will be used, and navigation will be by the sun and stars, although a satellite tracking device allows the progress of Spirit of Mystery to be followed on the internet. As on the original Mystery, a coke stove is installed. However, the diet and clothing of the crew are to modern standards, and there is a toilet and gas cooker on board.[2]
