May 10, 2018 The day comes in fair and mild. Small seas. Light force 3 breezes out of the ESE. Yards against the backstays on the port tack, all canvas set and drawing. Helmsman sailing by-the-wind and making about south by half east (175). A small flying fish has landed aboard the Picton Castle during …
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 …
April 29, 2018 There is an age old tradition of “signing on the ship”. In days gone by a mariner would sign his name into the ships log (or make his ‘mark’ next to his name if he ‘weren’t no scholar’) to indicate that was crew in the ship. Until not that long ago, my …
May 3, 2018 The day comes in fair and clear on the Picton Castle, a cool northeasterly breeze. Big ships and tugs and barges making their way up and down this big river at New Orleans. Big currents swirling about. A chicory coffee in the early morning light of dawn is pleasant enough way to …
New Orleans, LA, USA – alongside at the French Quarter – Preparing to set off on a voyage – April 27, 2018 Tammy, 5 year old Dawson and I rejoined our ship a week ago here in New Orleans. Under the able command of Captain Sam Sikkema the Picton Castle and crew had sailed from …
Monday June 7, 2010 After the Seamanship Derby yesterday, the crew were rewarded with a power shower, cold juice and popcorn, Donald had been saving some ice in the freezer. It has been surprisingly hot and muggy since we arrived in the Caribbean Sea, hotter than any of us remember it being before. Hotter than …
Sunday June 6, 2010 Late last week, a mysterious posting appeared on the door to the salon, something about the 512th annual seamanship competition. All hands were warned to study up on their knots, steering, ship nomenclature and general seamanship skills in anticipation. Watches held secret meetings and study sessions, planning not only their compass …
