A full-size replica of a 17th-century Spanish tall ship is set to sail into Weymouth later today.

The Galeón Andalucía will sail into the town at around 3.30pm and will stay until 8pm on Monday, September 2.

It will be berthed at Weymouth Harbour and the public will be given a rare opportunity to climb aboard the huge ship.

Given the nature of a wind-powered vessel, an exact time of arrival can be difficult to determine.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "Currently, indications are that the vessel will arrive around 3.30pm. It might be a bit earlier, but the operator won’t give us anything more definitive at this stage."

The Spanish tall ship also visited Weymouth for two days in May last year.

The Galeon Andalucia measures 160ft in length and is a full size replica of a 17th century Spanish Galleon ship from the 1600s, used by the Spanish in maritime expeditions and trade between Spain, America and the Philippines.

Since it was first launched in November 2009, a crew of 15 to 35 people have manned her across the seas and oceans around the world.

Four masts hold six sails which measure almost 11,000 square feet. The average speed of the ship is around seven knots.

Converted into a floating museum, the vessel offers a unique space for a diversity of events, as well as an interpretive centre dedicated to galleons.