It’s been a while since a tall sailing ship visited London, thanks to you know what, but one will be in London next week for a few days.
The appropriately named Pelican of London is unique among Square Riggers. Her hull form was derived from the elite French clippers of the late 19th century, with a length to breadth ratio of 5:1, a flared bow, fine entry and run.
She is principally used as a sail training ship, and will be in London to collect her next crew of young trainees as part of a charity project.
She will arrive in London and is due to pass through Tower Bridge on Tuesday 10th August at 3:45pm, and will be based next to HMS Belfast for a few days.
She is currently due to leave through Tower Bridge on Saturday 14th August at 5:15pm, although that might be delayed by a day.
She then spends a few days at South Quay in Canary Wharf until departing on Tuesday 17th August.
Unfortunately, due to covid restrictions, there’s no opportunity to onboard, as sometimes happens when a tall ship visits, but as most of us haven’t seen a tall sailing ship in well over a year, here’s a chance to remind ourselves of what we’ve missed.
To be a square rigger she would need to have square sails on at least 2 masts. She is square on only one and as she has three she is a barquentine.
Do we know if she will sail through tower bridge or not have her sails raised?
Tall ships are not allowed to travel under sail on the Thames they have to use engine power
Is this vessels still.at.london.bridge or on way to canary wharf??