![]() At this classic palm-fringed coral atoll, we might learn something more of tropical Polynesian out-island living, and also explore the huge wreck of a full rigged iron sailing ship almost ten times the size of Picton Castle. Leaving the charms of the high, mountainous Tahiti behind for a while, we'll sail north for the atolls (low coral islands) of the Tuamotu Islands - or the "Dangerous Archipelago" as they were once called due to the currents. The curving black sand beach and bay, and the pounding surf, look much the same as in the old days. ![]() Matavai Bay, a short bus ride away, is where Captain James Cook and Captain William Bligh made anchor many times before Papeete was established as a port. Island dance performances and feasts are not to be missed, same for the botanical gardens and the excellent Gauguin museum. Pubs and clubs, island and western music is most everywhere. The venerable old 19th century town market is a short walk from the waterfront and is a must-see. Today's Tahiti is modern and bustling, with still so much to see and do. He loves running around with the kids and there is his favourite school.įrom Pitcairn we sail westward to the islands of French Polynesia. Suffice to say that Captain Moreland's 9-year old son cannot wait to get back for his third visit. There is too much to tell about Pitcairn so we will leave off here. Many Pitcairn Islanders are great friends of Picton Castle, we can expect half the gang to be taken ashore at a time in the island's big long boats for overnight stays and exploration on this 1 x 2 mile island. On we sail until the beautiful and legendary Pitcairn Island, deep in the South Pacific, rises from the haze of the horizon ahead. Home to the descendants of the mutineers from the Bounty and their island consorts since 1790, it was long abandoned by the original Polynesian settlers when rediscovered in 1767. For all of us this time under sail will be a profoundly memorable time of our lives. For many this is a favourite part of the voyage. The morning routine of scrubbing the decks just after dawn, steering at the big teak wheel on the quarterdeck, forward lookout under a canopy of stars, or a slashing rain squall. The motion of the ship in deep-sea swells, the routine of watches, helping out in the galley. On this passage we get into the rhythms of life at sea under sail. The passage from the Galapagos Islands to Pitcairn Island is a long spell in the tradewinds. There will be much to do but with sail bent, the ship stowed and crew with a good start on their training, we will set sail due south into the North Atlantic, across the Gulf Stream, bound directly for the tropics and the Panama Canal and onward into the Pacific Ocean. After a brief port call in Panama City, we'll sail for the enchanting Galapagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin's epiphanies gained there. Yes, sea lions, marine iguanas, blue footed booby birds and huge land tortoises call this place home. Here all hands join and prepare the ship (and themselves) for sea. Our voyage begins in the salty and historic seaport of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, once home to large fleets of fishing schooners and trading vessels. ![]() Set Sail From the Old Seaport of Lunenburg There is an application process we follow to put a great group of shipmates together under the leadership of Captain Moreland, the mates and staff crew. Our ship, the Picton Castle, is best known for her deep water, ocean wandering, tropical voyages of learning and adventure, to legendary ports of call in the tropics of this world. Our deep sea and tropical world is calling to us again, so we will set sail on this monumental voyage around the world starting in October 2022. You can sign on for the full year-and-a-half adventure under sail, or for a leg of a few months’ duration. You become one of the crew. No prior sailing experience is necessary as you will get plenty of experience on this voyage. ![]() Helena, Caribbean islands, and Bermuda, sailing across the broad South Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans, all while becoming increasingly accomplished seafarers and learning seamanship skills hands-on through crewing a square-rigged ship. We put into ports such as Panama, Pitcairn Island, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Bali, Cape Town, St. We'll sail 35,000 nautical miles along the traditional routes of the world's great sailing ships and explorers of old, and yes, pirates too. Sailing bluewater while learning the way of a ship is our life for about a year and a half. You can sign on and sail as trainee crew on this incredible voyage. This October we will set sail on a voyage around the world. The Barque Picton Castle is a classic Age of Sail square rigged sailing ship making deep-sea voyages. A Global Circumnavigation Voyage in the Picton Castle ![]()
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