SPIRIT of Mystery, the heroic little boat which carried Pete Goss and his crew safely to Australia last year, is currently steaming across the Pacific Ocean on her way home to Cornwall.

The 32ft wooden lugger, which was built to recreate the pioneering voyage of seven Newlyn fishermen in 1854, has been placed aboard a container ship for her return trip. Looking more like a model boat than a tough, seagoing survivor, Spirit of Mystery was hoisted aboard a freighter in Port Kembla last week. She will pass through the Panama Canal before heading for Holland.

Pete, who will be giving a talk about his experience aboard Spirit of Mystery at St Ives Guildhall this Friday, said he is looking forward to having the boat back.

"I have to say I have wrestled with the decision as to whether I should sail her home or ship her ever since we arrived in Melbourne," he said. "My heart wanted to sail her but looking at the commitments I have in the pipeline it was apparent that I didn't have the time slot.

"If I did it would have been a few years before I had the time and it would have done her no good at all to sit drying out her timbers in the Australian heat as she waited.

"I've been missing her recently and I'm delighted she's coming home – because Cornwall is where she belongs."

Pete's brother Andy, who accompanied him on the voyage, has been keeping the lugger active, sailing her to a number of events during the past year.

"He's been cruising her up and down the coast and visiting various places," said Pete. "There's been tremendous interest in her and she's been seen by thousands because she is as important to Australians as she is to the Cornish. All the Cornish associations have been fantastic."

Pete, who plans to rejoin the vessel in Holland before sailing her back to Cornwall, says he intends to tie up at Newlyn harbour for the West Cornwall port's fish festival at the end of August.

"That's where the original crew set sail from and that's where we set sail from, so it feels right to be closing the circle in Newlyn," he added.

Many people across the South West and the world who followed the six-month maritime adventure via the Internet will this week have a rare opportunity to hear all about the voyage first-hand. On Friday, Pete will be giving an illustrated talk on the subject at The Guildhall in St Ives to help raise funds to build a jumbo, another type of traditional fishing vessel. The aim of St Ives Lugger Association is to eventually construct a fleet of jumbos – a smaller version of the better-known lugger – in North Devon, to be sailed in St Ives Bay.

Jonny Nance, the driving force behind the project, says he is very grateful to Pete for agreeing to appear in person.

"We are unbelievably fortunate to have Pete to champion our cause," said Jonny, who is originally from St Ives but now lives in North Devon, where he is building a jumbo which will be launched in St Ives on June 12. "Quite simply there is no-one on the planet better qualified to do so. We're thrilled he is prepared to give up his time to help us, whilst also bringing some maritime prestige back to St Ives."

Pete said he was looking forward to reliving the Spirit of Mystery story, adding: "The jumbo project is really worthwhile and Jonny and his team really deserve support because we would all like to see a fleet of jumbos developing."

All proceeds from Pete's talk will go to St Ives Jumbo Association. Cornwall Community Foundation last week gave £8,390 towards the cost of safety equipment and accessories for both jumbos.

Pete Goss will talk about Spirit of Mystery at St Ives Guildhall on Friday, April 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available by calling 01736 796297.