A TALL ship that began life as an Arctic trawler will be making an impressive return to Weymouth on Sunday.

The Pelican is back after completing her maiden transatlantic voyage to St Lucia in the Caribbean.

The former Arctic trawler underwent an extensive refurbishment programme in Portland prior to the trip, which took her to Spain, Portugal, Madeira and Tenerife as well Barbados.

The permanent crew included Weymouth Sailing Club members Jon Stevens and Jim Palmer among three others from Dorset who participated in an action-packed training voyage of nearly three months.

During her maiden voyage, the Pelican took part in two sea rescues and made countless whale sightings.

She will stay in Weymouth Harbour for four weeks to see the start of the Spirit of the Sea Festival, which begins Saturday, July 5.