Kaskelot and the Earl of Pembroke from the fleet of tall ships based at Charlestown Harbour in Cornwall, will arrive in Weymouth Harbour tomorrow and will be welcomed by canon fire from the Nothe Fort.

Square Sail, the company that own and operate the ships, are testing the waters in hope of making it an annual event. The company specialises in traditional sailing vessels for the charter and film industries and have the only fleet of square-rigged sailing ships in the world.

Robin Davies, Managing Director, Square Sail, said: “Square Sail is delighted to be bringing our two largest tall ships to Weymouth. We consider Weymouth to be a vibrant and exciting town and are sure that our vessels will receive a warm welcome. We are sure the visit will be a great success and will certainly consider this becoming an annual event.”

The ships will be berthed at Custom House Quay for two weeks from 1-14 July inclusive.

The Kaskelot, a 153ft loa, 450 ton period three-masted barque, is one of the largest wooden ships left in commission. Since 1981 she has featured in major film and television productions in numerous guises, including Return to Treasure Island and Jason and the Argonauts. She will be open every day for the public to look around, chat to the crew and view an exhibition of the vessel’s film work.

The Earl of Pembroke, star of the Hornblower series and Disney’s Count of Monte Cristo, is a 145ft loa, 350 ton, three-masted barque. She will sail from the quay each day, offering three and six hour cruises to the public.