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EIGHTY feet in length, 40 tonnes in weight, 16 metres of mast and 13 years of persistence and passion have finally made tall ship, The Joshua C, ready for public eyes.

The product of boat builder Robin Cooke's labour of love has made a stop over at Tin Can Bay before embarking on its long-term Solomon Islands voyage.

Viewing the tall ship at the town's wharf may just help Mr Cooke and his wife Annette place the finishing touches on their new home, as the couple travels through coastal towns to raise funds to complete their project.

Tired of the "Captain Cooke" pun, this former pastor would rather be linked to the Hebrew Joshua reference as "the leader of many".

The title of Mr Cooke's ship is embodied in his plan to work with youth once the tall ship arrives in Papua New Guinea and the Solomons early next winter.

"It's always been my love to help people and I've always been interested in tall ships," Mr Cooke said.

"It'll be our first trip overseas; we're hoping to work with youth and associated groups up in the islands."

The couple has left their Sunshine Coast life behind to live the "semi-retired" sailing life, exhibiting the tall ship Mr Cooke has built from old timber, recycled materials and relentless labour.

Mr Cooke and wife Annette plan to sail along the state's coastal towns and raise money to complete the ship that has now become their home.

He has facilitated programs aimed to help youths at risk in the past, while also teaching them the core skills of ship work.

Now the former pastor has stepped away from the intensity of full-time youth work, he has scheduled a future balance of leisure and mission work.

"We're taking our time - there's no real criteria just yet," Mr Cooke said.

Mrs Cooke said the decision to retire to the sailing life was a tough one to make, as the pair had not originally planned the indefinite trip.

"We didn't plan it but we're about to start a new adventure," she said.