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Pelican of London

Step aboard the Pelican of London, a magnificent Class A tall ship that combines the fierce aesthetic of an 18th-century pirate vessel with the performance of a modern ocean-crosser. Whether you're chasing the sun to the Caribbean or racing through the North Sea, this ship offers an adventure that turns passengers into a tight-knit crew. +1 From Arctic Trawler to "Pirate" Queen The Pelican has a rugged history that reads like a novel. Built in 1948 as a French Arctic trawler, she survived decades of icy northern gales before a 12-year total reconstruction transformed her into the world’s only mainmast barquentine with a unique "Xebec" rig. This specialized setup, inspired by Mediterranean pirate ships, allows her to sail closer to the wind and faster than almost any other square-rigger on the water. +1 Unmatched Onboard Amenities Unlike the rugged dormitories of smaller vessels, the Pelican of London offers a touch of "comfort at sea" without losing its authentic edge: Private Multi-Berth Cabins: Rest in spacious four- or six-berth cabins, most featuring en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and vacuum toilets—a rare luxury in sail training. The Pelican Roost: Relax in the mahogany-lined saloon, complete with a maritime library, for those rare moments of downtime between watches. Climate Controlled Comfort: Enjoy fully air-conditioned and heated living spaces, ensuring a comfortable voyage whether you’re in the tropics or the English Channel. Secure Your 2026 Voyage Now operated by the charity Seas Your Future, the Pelican is a star of the Tall Ships Races 2026. From educational "Ocean College" semesters to scientific "Darwin200" expeditions, her 2026 calendar is packed with life-changing opportunities. Ready to haul the lines? Book your spot on the Pelican of London today and experience the thrill of the only pirate-inspired barquentine on the high seas.

1948
Barquentine
45 m
Worldwide
Up to 28 passengers

Set sail with Pelican of London. Experience cruises full of excitement, relaxation and discovery

On board Pelican of London, hands-on sailing cruises await, where you'll learn to sail without prior experience – steer, navigate, dive and feel the rhythm of the ocean under sail. What makes these cruises special?

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Authentic hands-on sailing

On this historic tall ship you'll gain practical sailing lessons under the guidance of an experienced crew.

Ecological approach and closeness to nature

Cruises emphasize sustainable contact with the ocean – expect diving from Zodiacs, observing wildlife and relaxing under the stars, without mass tourism, providing deep soul renewal.

Variety of cruise types

From training to tourist – on Pelican of London you'll get a combination of adventure and luxury, like fine dining under sail or snorkeling in crystal clear waters, building unforgettable memories.

Comfort with a touch of history

Expect unique cabins with bathrooms, a library and bar on board – this distinguishes the ship, offering 'old money' elegance with a splash of salt, ideal for families, couples or groups seeking authentic maritime elegance.

Stepping aboard a tall ship can feel daunting: unfamiliar rules, a new routine and life at sea. Voyage formats vary, so start with one that matches your experience, mobility and preferred level of participation.
Many leisure and introductory voyages welcome first-time sailors, while training and expedition voyages can be more demanding. Check the operator’s age, fitness, mobility, swimming and participation requirements before booking. We help you compare the available information, and the operator confirms whether a voyage is suitable for you.
Training, leisure, expedition or a short sailing experience? Compare dates, routes, ships and operator information to choose a voyage that suits you. If anything is unclear, contact the operator before booking.
Not sure how to prepare, what to pack, how to get to the port?
Don't worry - check our FAQ, you'll find full guidance, packing lists and support before you sail. You focus on dreams of waves and stars, we take care of the rest. If you have questions, our team is here to help!
Safety at sea is a priority - we understand concerns, especially if you're sailing with loved ones or for the first time.
Certification, crew qualifications, accessibility and family suitability are specific to each ship, operator and voyage. Review the operator’s current safety information and joining requirements before booking.

Concerns we know only too well

A sailing cruise should be exciting, not stressful. And yet - we know that feeling. Doubts whether you'll cope. Chaos in offers. Questions about logistics that no one answers straight. We listen to passengers and travellers - we know what holds them back from setting sail.

Illustration of a sailing ship

Sign up before we sail away

Join our crew and let the sea itself remind you of adventure. We'll send you inspiration, new voyages and sea stories that smell of salt and freedom.