Maggie here, in Picton Castle’s shore office in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada. Looking out my window, I see that it’s overcast, windy and it looks like it might rain later today. We changed our clocks to Standard Time this past weekend so it’s now dark at the end of my work day. It’s times like these that I am most envious of the crew aboard Picton Castle, sailing in the warmth of the tropics.
As I write this, Picton Castle is at anchor in Banam Bay, off the island of Malekula in Vanuatu, in the western South Pacific. We have had an ongoing close relationship with the people of Banam Bay for years and the crew are having the time of their lives ashore, watching the kastom dans (a traditional dance), drinking fresh coconuts, and getting to know the people who live in this small village where the roads are dirt and the modest homes are made of flattened bamboo woven together.
The purpose of my writing today is to let you know that we still have a few berths left for trainee crew to sign aboard Picton Castle and join this epic expedition around the world. Leg 3 runs from December 10 in Bali, Indonesia to February 21 in Cape Town, South Africa. Leg 4 runs from February 22 in Cape Town, South Africa to July 13 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada. There are spots available on both of these legs.
You might be wondering who sails aboard Picton Castle as trainee crew? Trainees come from all over the world and range in age from 18 to 70+. You don’t need to have any sailing experience, we’ll teach you the seamanship skills you need to know (although some trainees have sailed before, and some quite a bit). It helps if you have an adventurous spirit and a willingness to participate as part of the group. Many of our crew have been dreaming of this for years and are finally realizing their once-in-a-lifetime trip. Others are keen to learn about what it takes to be a mariner and work at sea.
On this voyage, anyone who signs aboard in Bali or Cape Town will be joining an excellent crew. We’re so proud of everything this group has accomplished so far and how well they get along with one another. They also remember it wasn’t so long ago that they were new aboard, so they’re welcoming and helpful as new crew join the ship.
If you’ve been thinking about sending in your application and setting sail for a few months, this is your sign – it’s time! You can start the process by filling in the online application form here: https://picton-castle.com/voyages/the-world-voyage-2023-2024/apply-now/
