'Pelican' is an interesting ship, and certainly an interesting rig! Known as a 'Poleacre-rig,' this was commonly used by not only 18th and 19th century Mediterranean merchantmen, but also the infamous Barbary Corsairs from time to time, because of its ease of use, and windward performance.... The combination of fore and aft sails on the fore and mizzen masts, with square sails on the mainmast make 'Pelican not only fast off the wind, but can point within forty degrees of the eye of the wind as well; an unheard-of performance for a standard 'square-rigger!'
'Pelican' was completely refurbished, reconstructed and re-rigged over a period of 12 years and completed in 2007, and her unusual rig was determined and proved after a series of model tests in open water, completely verifying the ideas and hopes of her designers, Phillip Goode and Graham Nielson. The original plans for this ship were for a circumnavigation as part of the various Millenium celebrations, but delays and funding issues prevented the planned trip, although subsequent to her completeion in 2007, 'Pelican' has sailed from the UK to Spain and on to the Caribbean.
Certified for world-wide operation for up to 40 people (MCA Code of Practice for the Safety of Large Commercial Sailing Vessels over 24M With Bureau Veritas attestation), ordinarily 'Pelican' sails with 28 passengers and six to eight permanent crew in fine style, and an examination of the photos and full specifications will give you a better idea of this outstanding Tall Ship! More photos of the interior are due from the owners, and will be posted as soon as available.