HMS Endeavour was a British Royal Navy ship launched in 1764. It is best known for its voyage from 1768 to 1771, during which it was commanded by Captain James Cook. The ship's primary mission was to observe the transit of Venus across the sun, but it also explored the coasts of New Zealand and Australia. The Endeavour was a bark, meaning it had three masts and was rigged for sailing. After its famous voyage, the ship was used for various purposes, including transporting troops during the American Revolutionary War. Eventually, it was scuttled in 1778 near Rhode Island.