Welcome to the Official site for the Marco Polo Project, the only site where you can find answers to such questions as:

• What is happening with the Marco Polo?
• Why is she so important to Canadian history and Canadians in general?
• Where is she now?
• Who were her builders and travellers?
• When will we ever see her again?

   As more questions come in, well post the replies to this page, so if you have a question on or about the Marco Polo please let us know,

Just CLICK HERE to submit your Questions or Comments.

Who are the people behind the Marco Polo Project?

The Project is headed by High School teacher Barry Ogden, who has worked tirelessly for over a decade to make the dream for a new Marco Polo a reality. Scores of volunteers, from all walks of life, have joined Barry, to lend their time and talents to recreate the Marco Polo and all it symbolizes. Two of the many professionals involved with the Project are Alan Hutton and Frank Kincaid. Alan, an estimator for Saint John Shipbuilding, is in charge of the design team. He has worked on similar projects in his native England, in particular “Sir Winston Churchill” and “Malcolm Miller,” both of which are used in Britain’s sail training program. Fred is a retired assistant manager of Saint John Shipbuilding, having operated many shipyards throughout Europe. He is also a Lloyds of London surveyor.

What is the historical significance of the Marco Polo?

Author Michael Stammers, in his definitive work “The Passage Makers,” points out that “some of the Black Ball Line vessels are among the most famous in the history of the sailing ship. This comment applies especially to the Marco Polo, which really set the company above all its rivals ...” Because of her size and speed, the Marco Polo was paramount in the transport of emigrants from Great Britain; today, nearly one million Australians can trace their ancestry back to the British Isles via this great ship.

Did the Marco Polo circumnavigate as stated (in less than the 6 months) or was it on a round trip via the Horn? Did she ever circumnavigate?

Submitted by,
Michael Cobbold,
Alaska, USA

The Marco Polo left Liverpool and sailed in a general southwesterly direction, almost reaching South America. She then swung east, reaching Australia via the Cape of Good Hope. The return trip was made via Cape Horn. The resulting circumnavigation, in under six months, was made even more remarkable when you consider the ship spent over three weeks in Melbourne!

Jim Stewart

Did the MARCO POLO have a black ball showing on her fore-topsail the same as the American BLACK BALL LINE of 1817? which I believe had their ships running from New York to Liverpool, England.

Submitted by,
James A Marsh Sr.,
Saint John, NB

The Marco Polo did have the black ball which was a trade mark of the Black Ball Line which purchased her in 1852.

Barry Ogden

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