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Pelican of London

The Pelican of London from the UK is 21.20 metres high above the waterline and 34.60 metres long. It was built in 1948 as a Barquentine 3 Rig and has a complement of 40 crew (12 Officers and 28 Trainees).

The Pelican however is a very rare bird and the only ship of its type. Her rig is based on the Barbary Coast Xebec, the most successful pirate ship of the Mediterranean for two hundred years, which makes her the only mainmast barquentine in the world NS2975 : Pelican of London Link.

Originally French built and completed in 1948 to work in the Arctic as a double beam trawler she was named 'le Pelican'. After 20 years she was sold to Norway, converted to a coaster and renamed 'Kadett'. Now nearly 40 years on, following a complete rebuild in Portland in Dorset, UK, she sails again as 'Pelican', this time as a main mast barquentine Link.

Specifications Link

I was fortunate whilst at the Tall Ships to get the opportunity to go on board the Pelican and talk to one of the crew officers and there is clearly a lot of pride in this beautiful ship.