At 0400 (that’s 4 AM) the moon has set allowing the stars of the Milky Way to shine sharply against the black night sky. No moon, and no city light pollution out here. The wind backs and veers a point now and then having the watch officer to adjust course to keep these breezes fine on the starboard quarter. Seas are small and few white-caps in this Force 3 hauling us along at 4 knots. Wind strength also comes and goes, as is typical in tradewinds, giving us sometimes five and a half knots. In the dark of an early morning a light goes on at about 0530 in Donald’s galley, the galley pump is heard clanking and gushing as a pot is filled to make a fresh coffee, and a new day begins in the Barque Picton Castle.
In days gone by, and still today in Picton Castle, a sailing ship day begins at 0600. But as it is yet dark here at 0600 near 13.5 South latitude and 008 West longitude, the watch waits for the sun to begin the days duties of getting the decks washed down. The 4-8 watch has already sweated up the halyards and taken a tug on the braces to make sure they are taught. Twice a day the 4-8 gang “renews the nip” on some of the running rigging. This reduces or spreads out the wear but also makes sure that the sails are set properly. But for other sailor jobs the rule here is “the day starts at six or when it is light, whichever comes second, and ends at six or in darkness, whichever comes first.” Actually we wrap deck work up long before six, but that was the standard a few generations ago under sail. The watch gets a cup of coffee or tea and then turns to to look after this ship, which does such a great job of looking after us. With enough daylight, deck wash begins. Followed by soogee, scrubbing off fingerprints or dirt that mysteriously accumulates overnight on paint work. The Bosun comes up with coffee and has a chat with the Captain about the plans for the day and sometimes for the week, and even for the next time at anchor. All this as the sun, orange as can be, breaks through the clouds low to the east.
The fore topmast staysail has all its grommets sewn in now. Roping next. Topmasts and sundry wires, hinges to this and that, various grease receptacles all got a dose of grease this Saturday morning, as is also a long standing sailing ship custom. We are in fine weather indeed just now. Force 4 SE tradewinds, seas have built some but still small, no more than 4-5 feet. Blue skies and popcorn clouds as far as we can see. Winds picking up a bit but sailing under royals nicely. Steering just fine.
Sunday came and went in a fine day under sail headed NNW. Marlinspike punch and popcorn in the afternoon. Charades led by Amelia was good fun. The crew dressed up for the event.
Monday – the day came in cloudy with building winds. Perfect sailing. Seas still not too big. The seawater is warm at 82F, 26C. At noon, wore ship around to the port tack. Making WNW now and 6 knots. Sent down the spanker gaff for overhaul and repair. Still very strong but needs a dutchman and a new gaff vang. Flying jib sent for some roping repair, all done now. Hatch cover almost finished. Workshop today in more exotic knots. Stuns’l halyard bend, sheepshank, rolling hitch, anchor bend, buntline hitch, timber hitch, bowline on a bight…. more to come. Does anyone ever use a sheepshank?
