As the new Picton Castle salts are nearing two months on board, the mates are encouraging them to advance their skills and knowledge. Last evening as we sailed along gracefully, the lead seamen took those who wished on a climb in the rig. They could become more accustomed to climbing and feeling their way around …
On Monday May 21, with much excitement among the crew, we arrived in Portobelo, Panama around 1000, set the starboard anchor and went in to clear in around 11am. In every port Picton Castle visits, the ship needs to “clear in”, meaning that we check in with customs and immigration officials to make our official …
Our third Sunday at sea! Work is laid to rest allowing for hand blisters and muscles to heal for a day. Engine on, full steam ahead we made headway towards Porterbelo, Panama. The ship’s cook, Donald, of Grenada, has Sundays off. To fill in for him, two trainees spend their day from 0530 – 1800 …
Picton Castle is making her way into the Gulf of Panama and we are feeling the hot muggy tropical heat for which this area is well known. It will be cooler once we get well into the South Pacific, meantime, at least we’re not shoveling snow….. Ship’s Work: This morning’s wind was light and variable, …
Day comes in warm and high overcast. Sailing around the lee of Serrano Reef with the chart showing many shipwrecks on it. Ships work: This mornings 8-12 on watch had two crew on look out, one at the top of the foremast and one on the foc’sle head. They were instructed to keep their eyes …
The day came in mostly cloudy but, while still hazy, it has cleared up. The Picton Castle is romping along in fresh tradewinds just ahead of the beam. Ships work: The Bosun and his assistants continue work on the port breezeway head. The teak door is being scraped and sanded and the hardware has been …
Roughly SW of Jamaica Picton Castle has found fresh easterly tradewinds of about twenty knots and she is romping along. We find ourselves sailing beautifully through bigger swells than what the new gang has seen so far. As the crew members’ sea legs begin to engage they learn how to walk steadily and carefully throughout …
Picton Castle is cruising along with all sails set, we would be a glorious sight for an onlooker in a passing ship. All four headsails stretched up along their stays, all five sails on the fore and main full with the wind. Alas there are no onlookers in sight, all blue ocean for the eye …
The day comes in fair and clear with light easterly winds. Blue skies and sea all around and above. Small flying fish dashing out of our way. Saw some big guns jumping early this morning. Ship’s work: After yesterday’s Sunday day of rest and recovery the ship’s work is back underway. The bosun is busy …
We were in a squall system much of last night and this morning. Now the wind is settling down to southeast and the sun is out with a blue sky growing over us as we motor to the east looking for trade winds. Ship’s work: Sundays At Sea, no ships work on Sundays beyond critical …
