Cook was promoted to Commander, and Tobias Furnaux, in the Adventure, was placed under his command.

It was not, however, until April 1772 that they sailed.
It was originally intended that Banks should again accompany Cook, and with a view to his better accommodation a poop was added to the Resolution.

The short trip, however, from Deptford to Sheerness proved to Cook that the ship was dangerously over-weighted, and the poop was removed, with the consequence that Banks did not sail.

The alteration delayed final departure until June 22nd from Sheerness, and July 13th from Plymouth.
The naturalists on this voyage were two Forsters, Germans, father and son; and as astronomers Mr.Wales sailed in the Resolution, and Mr.
Bayley in the Adventure.

Two of Cook's former companions sailed as Lieutenants: Clerke, who was Lieutenant, and Pickersgill, who was master of the Endeavour when she reached England.