Bermuda's shores are to be invaded by a pirate ship which is expected to arrive next week from the Caribbean, in what is being described as a blast from the past.

Tall Ships Bermuda said when the ship, Pelican of London, arrives in St. George's, the Island will see "a defining moment in Bermuda's maritime history", relating to the refitted tall ship.

At last check, the ship was en route from the Caribbean on the final stage of her return maiden voyage to England, via the Azores.

She will be in Bermuda waters from next Thursday to the following Tuesday.

Pelican of London's three-masted rig reaches back in time to the Barbary Coast (Morocco) pirate ships which were fast and able to sail quite close to the wind.

Although designed primarily for sail training, Pelican of London is described as being extremely versatile with many modern comforts such as en suite cabins which can accommodate a maximum crew of 38.

The Pelican will have a few berths available for anyone interested in joining the ship.

Applications can be made through the website www.adventureundersail.com or directly with the ship when she arrives in Bermuda.

The cost of the five-week journey across the Atlantic will be approximately $1,000.

The remodelling of the ship was completed in September 2007 and she has been sailing throughout the Caribbean since last December.

It is expected that the ship will make a repeat transatlantic voyage again next year.