WEALTHY history buffs could set sail on the maiden voyage of the replica Mayflower Ship for the grand price of £250,000 – or smash champagne on the bow at the ceremonial launch for £1million.

The unique experiences are just part of an ambitious new fundraising effort by Mayflower Project bosses, who are recreating the famous pilgrim ship which hailed from Harwich and sailed to America in 1620.

But with the cost of finishing the build estimated at about £2.5million, committee members have come up with a new way to raise cash by selling one-off experiences of a lifetime, as well as tours and merchandise.

Everything from T-shirts to brass plaques in the captain’s cabin are up for grabs, with price tags ranging for £5 to £1million.

The Mayflower fundraising page on crowdfunder.co.uk is expected to go live today, Friday January 31.