May 7, 2018
We are having a fine passage to the Caribbean Sea from New Orleans here in the Picton Castle. The ship is at 26-37N and 087-40W and about 250 miles SE of that enchanting city. We have a good warm NNW wind abeam to port. A good fair wind it is indeed. Strong southeasterly winds are common in the Gulf of Mexico, making for headwinds for this barque. But no, we have fair winds and just the right amount too at Force 4. Small seas. Clear and starry nights this far. We saw our first flying fish yesterday too. “Flying fish” sailors that we are, this is a proper omen. The gang is practicing sail handling and working diligently to learn the ship and her ways, a keen gang indeed with great promise. The cats are making some tentative steps to get along but they both agree that small birds are fair game. Ship’s cook Donald is turning out fine meal after excellent meal in his galley as always.
Now that the winter North Atlantic and the frenzy of Tall Ships events are in our wake the Bosun and Mate are planning nice projects for the ship; painting, tarring, rigging, small carpentry projects in the works. Of course, nothing like a few days at sea in nice weather to scrub off the grime and grit of land. Lots of studying of the crew handbook going on to learn to box the compass and learn terms in greater detail. People are picking up steering at the big teak wheel quickly. Forward look out, ship check and other daily and hourly duties are rapidly being assimilated. After a hiatus ashore Tammy, Dawson and I are settling back into the ship like we were never gone. Making a fine passage to the Yucatan in our very fine ship.