Answer
Sir Francis Drake and Captain James Cook, prominent figures in maritime history, serve as inspirations for William Dampier's unique blend of piracy and scientific pursuits. Dampier, an acclaimed buccaneer and an inquisitive naturalist, combined the intrepid spirit of Drake, known for his bold navigation and raiding in the late 16th century, with Cook's insatiable thirst for scientific knowledge and exploration, exemplified by his renowned voyages in the 18th century.