An South Pacific Odyssey. Your Adventure Awaits...
The Barque Picton Castle is a three-masted tall ship based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada and best known for our adventurous international deep sea voyages under sail. Almost anyone can become a trainee crew member, no experience required, just a desire to become part of the crew that sails the ship. With the guidance of our experienced staff crew, you’ll literally learn the ropes. Join us as a trainee crew member as she sets sail on an eight month blue-water sailing ship voyage southbound in the tropics to ride the world’s tradewinds for the South Pacific. Across the blue Caribbean Sea, transit the marvel of the Panama Canal, then head for the enchanting Galapagos, followed by a long ocean passage for the remote Pitcairn Island, and onwards to explore French Polynesia before heading home.Â
The satisfaction of knowing you are sailing the sea with no engine generating noise, looking up and all the sails are set, you can hear the water rippling past, and you know that you and your watch, together with the other two watches have heaved and set and trimmed them all by hand, the way that has been done for hundreds of years - muscle and sweat and teamwork. It's amazing.
Learn about more exciting opportunities the Picton Castle has to offer!
News from the PICTON CASTLE & BOSUN SCHOOL
It has been some time since we have posted news and updates on the Barque PICTON CASTLE. Here is some catch-up, news and an announcement.
Our wonderful ship has been berthed at the gracious wharves of ADAMS & KNICKLE Scalloping Company since our return from the last voyage around the world. Other great vessels have visited and tied up at this excellent berth in down-town Lunenburg and the heart of the working waterfront. The schooners PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II, BOWDOIN and ERNESTINA MORRISSEY have put into Lunenburg and been hosted by A&K. With the magnificent BLUENOSE II on the next wharf, it can be quite a site to see all these ships alongside.
At PICTON CASTLE we have been working on plans. This fall we are going to begin a thorough one-year overhaul of the ship from stem to stern and hold BOSUN SCHOOL to take advantage of the learning opportunities that these tasks will offer. Details to be forth coming – “watch this space!” Further announcements to follow.
Inspired by and associated with the ship PICTON CASTLE, the Bosun School is a land-based marine skills program in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, where mariners learn and sharpen hands-on skills in rigging, sailmaking, small boat repair and sailing, moving heavy objects safely, caulking and carpentry and seamanship. And do this in port while avoiding the demands of being underway at sea; as part of the program, students will use Picton Castle as a laboratory large refit set to commence this fall.
Bosun School is now recruiting students for its upcoming Fall/Winter 2026/27, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027 programs — inquire to [email protected] to learn more and apply.
The Picton Castle’s Bosun School is a land-based marine skills enrichment program for advancing mariners. The purpose of the Picton Castle’s Bosun School is to provide an opportunity to young, dedicated mariners to advance their hand skills – such as rope and rigging, sailmaking, general seamanship, working aloft and small craft handling – in a concentrated fashion without the natural demands and distractions of being underway at sea. Designed and conducted by Captain Daniel Moreland and special guest instructors, the Bosun School allows you to significantly advance your skill levels. Once signed aboard your next ship you will have that much more to offer and will be a greater contributor to helping the ship on her mission – which is, after all, what being crew is all about.
Contact us to learn more about our upcoming program!
And… has re-opened as The Boat Locker Marine Supply
Located at 174 Bluenose Drive, Lunenburg, NS.Â
Interested in learning more you can visit them online
The Captain’s Log is a collection of stories, articles, news and updates written by the Captain Daniel Moreland, crew of the Barque Picton Castle, alumni, and special guests.
Whether the Picton Castle is at port in Lunenburg, NS or travelling across the world, there are always lots of stories to be told. From ocean crossings to sandy beaches and tropical ports, from Bosun School workshops to events at The Chandlery, visit the Captain’s Log to follow the Picton Castle‘s amazing adventures!
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