James Cook sailed on many voyages during his life.
His most famous ones are the three Pacific voyages (1768-1771, 1772-1775, 1776-1779) when he was an officer in the Royal Navy.
He learnt how to be a sailor when he was living at Whitby (1746-1755), in colliers from Newcastle to London, and vessels across to Norway and elsewhere.
After joining the Navy he went on patrol off Ireland, Scotland and in the English Channel (1755-1757).
He commanded a cutter and a captured French ship.
During 1758 and 1759 he was present at the important battles with the French at Louisbourg and Quebec.
From 1762 to 1768 he was active in and around Newfoundland, surveying the coasts.