At 0430, just as the sky was turning pink at still and serene Banam Bay, all hands heaved Picton Castle‘s anchor up and set sail for the island of Espiritu Santo, 50 miles to our north. The previous evening had been our farewell gathering ashore with crew and villagers dancing to homemade string band music …
Date: 18 November 2023 Sailing from: Luganville, Vanuatu Bound towards: Bali, Indonesia Noon position: 14°55.3’S 161°42’E Course: W 1/2 S Speed: 6.1 knots Wind force and direction: Force 3 SSE Seas/swell: 1m SE Barometer: 1017 Rising Sky: 4/8 cu, ac, sunny and hot Water temperature: 80.8°F Distance made good in 24 hours: 147nm Passage log: …
WOW! So Chief Menasae and Dixon suggested that the village perform a “kastom dans” for the Picton Castle crew, preceded by a traditional meal at the meeting house on the edge of the village. The crew was excited at the prospect. When the time came on a sunny blue-sky day, we all trooped into shore, …
Date: 17 November 2023 Sailing from: Luganville, Vanuatu Bound towards: Bali, Indonesia Noon position: 15°26.4’S 164°09’E Course: WxN Speed: 3.7 knots Wind force and direction: Force 1 SSE Seas/swell: 1m SE Barometer: 1017 Rising Sky: 3/8 cu, Suuny and hot Water temperature: 79°F Distance made good in 24 hours: 89nm Passage log: 172nm Voyage log: …
Date: 16 November 2023 Sailing from: Luganville, Vanuatu Bound towards: Bali, Indonesia Noon position: 15°36.6’S 165°39.1’W Course: W1/2N Speed: 4.6 knots Wind force and direction: Force 2 SxW Seas/swell: 1-2m SSE Barometer: 1015 Steady Sky: Clear and sunny sky, 1/8 ci Water temperature: 79.3°F Distance made good in 24 hours: 83.4 nm Passage log: 83.4nm …
Picton Castle’s trading day was viewed by the villagers of Banam Bay, and a few more nearby villages besides, as a grand thing. Much excitement and anticipation on all our parts. So, what is this trading business in a remote village on a jungle island anyway? Well, its not haggling or scowling at what is …
From Fiji, Picton Castle had another fine passage under sail to Vanuatu. Truly sweet tradewinds. One could almost get used to this! We anchored off Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu after six days under sail from Suva, Fiji. As we approached the bay at dawn a big cruise ship overtook us, so we followed this ship …
We had a fine visit at Suva, Fiji. After an excellent sailing passage from Tonga with a great pilot taking us up the channel into Suva, we anchored the Picton Castle at Walu Bay which is the industrial corner of Suva Harbour. From here we were welcomed at the Royal Suva Yacht Club (RSYC) as …
Barque Picton Castle, at anchor at Walu Bay, Suva, Fiji The Picton Castle and her outstanding crew enjoyed a classic, even ideal, ocean passage from Tonga to Fiji. Four days of perfect South Pacific trade wind sailing. We all loved it. Now Wednesday morning, as dawn is breaking, the anchor watch is checking lines, slacking …
With the boats loaded up again they headed for the pass not far away. Picton Castle, with engine silent, set a staysail and drifted off to leeward, safely and serenely. Quite a sight for crew to see. She was to remain close by, not more than six miles off in the lee of Palmerston. The …
