Nauticalia

154 years ago, times were hard, and seven men from Cornwall decided to try their luck in the Australian gold rush. The original plan was to sell Mystery, a 37ft Mounts Bay Lugger, to pay their passage on board a larger ship. But in the end they decided to actually go on Mystery, covering the 11,800 nautical miles via the Cape of Good Hope in 116 days - an astonishing feat, especially as most had never been out of sight of land before this voyage! Inspired by the story, proud Cornishman Pete Goss - better known for his ultra-modern ocean racers - decided he wanted to recreate the voyage and has built a replica vessel, Spirit of Mystery. He and his crew will use no engine or modern navigational aids.

To raise funds for the project, Pete conceived these commemorative medals cast from Cornish-mined tin recovered from a shipwreck and presented in a box made from off cuts of oak left over from building the new Mystery. In addition to funding this historic event, Pete will donate 10% to his chosen charity 'Playing for Success'. Includes leaflet of history and provenance.