Meet the Picton Castle Crew
Captain Daniel Moreland
Captain Daniel Moreland is one of the most respected sailing ship masters at sea today. An internationally recognized authority on square-rig and traditional sailing ships, he started his career sailing in the West Indies in island schooners, brigantines, and passenger windjammers.
He sailed around the world the first time in 1974—76 on the Brigantine Romance, under Captain Arthur Kimberly. In 1980, he signed on the famous Danish state full-rigged schoolship Danmark and served for four years training young officer cadets for the Danish merchant marine. His interest in learning, studying and teaching the value of traditional sail led him to head up the restoration of one of the last nineteenth-century Grand Banks fishing schooners, the Ernestina. For this he received the prestigious Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1987.
In 1999, following the Picton Castle’s return from its first circumnavigation, Captain Moreland received the American Sail Training Association’s “Sail Trainer of the Year” award.
Captain Moreland has since completed four additional circumnavigations (2000—2002, 2003—2004, 2005-2006, 2010-2011) in the Picton Castle, along with many shorter voyages, and a year-long voyage around the Atlantic basin. In 2011, after the completion of his fifth circumnavigation in command of Picton Castle, he was recognized worldwide, being awarded “Sail Trainer of the Year” by Sail Training International.
On Saturday January 30, 2016 in Quebec City at the joint conference of Sail Training International and Tall Ships America, Captain Moreland was presented with the STI Lifetime Achievement Award, given to an individual who has dedicated his or her life’s work to getting people to sea under sail and who has worked to preserve the traditions and skills of sail training.
Captain Moreland holds the rarest license issued to Merchant Marine officers today: Master of Steam, Motor, or Auxiliary Sail, Vessels of Any Gross Tons upon Oceans. With 30 years at sea as master or mate of topsail schooners, brigantines, brigs, and barques making numerous transatlantic voyages and five circumnavigations, few are so well qualified to lead a voyage and train apprentice sailors.
Dirk
Tammy
Dustin
Spring
Clara
Dawson
Susanna
Hometown: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Age: 50
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Providing Hospice and terminal acute supportive care to families on Oahu.
Why I joined Picton Castle: I’m not dead yet, so why not get on with living?
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Oh, to the stars of course. And the wind. And the sunshine. And my lovely shipmates. And the birds, and dolphins. And the sailing. And earning every mile 😊
I think the best thing about life aboard is: Not sure yet – can’t wait to find out!
Liam
Hometown: Northville, Michigan, USA
Age: 20
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Sailing on board a schooner on the US east coast before coming to Picton Castle’s Bosun school the summer of 2022.
Why I joined Picton Castle: What began as a sabbatical before attending university developed into a passion for the maritime industry and seamanship. Picton Castle’s world voyage is the ultimate training for all seamanship skills and is an amazing opportunity for me to build my knowledge and prepare me for a future in the maritime field.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Being at sea for weeks at a time and becoming a good small boat handler.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: Learning to live with such a diverse group of people who all share one common goal: to sail around the world.
Words to live by: Treat everyone with dignity and compassion.
Dan
Hometown: Mattapoisett, MA, USA
Age: 50
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Working in Las Vegas as an Automation Technician for Cirque Du Soleil shows such as Zumanity, The Beatles LOVE and O!.
Why I joined Picton Castle: In 1998, I read an article in a magazine about the Picton Castle’s first world voyage and I said to myself, “I want to sail around the world on THAT ship someday!” …and here I am.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Being on a nice swell with no land anywhere in sight.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: Doing work I look forward to doing while being in some of the best company of these seemingly random world travelers who have already become such a tight-knit crew that this voyage is bound to be fantastic departure from the everyday world.
Words to live by: No matter where you go, there you are.
Sophia
Name: Sophia Perry
Hometown: Canberra, Australia (Ngunawal/Ngambri Country)
Age: 21
What I was doing before joining the ship: I worked at a salvage/second hand operation at the local landfill called The Green Shed. It aims to save as much stuff as possible from being thrown out. Furniture, clothes, kitchenware, building supplies, cars, old swords, you name it and it comes through the Shed. It meant I got to drive a forklift and wear steel cap boots so I was happy.
Why I joined Picton: I did a voyage on a ship back home called the Young Endeavour, and that was the beginning of the end really. I loved that voyage and I wanted to spend more time at sea and get more involved learning hands on skills. I like the idea of everyone pulling their weight and working towards such an awesome goal.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Leaving Lunenburg! Waking up in the middle of the ocean on the way somewhere. So many things, but right now I think it would have to be Cape Town. I’m excited for the time we’ll spend there and how much stuff there is to do.
I think the best thing about life on board is: I really enjoy being in the Bat Cave (aft cabin). It’s a heap of fun hanging out with a bunch of other young people who have such a wide range of skills and interests and such wonderful senses of humour.
Words to live by: Some rough patches underfoot.
Andreas
Hometown: Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A
Age: 24
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Volunteering in Europe.
Why I joined Picton Castle: To continue travelling and to challenge myself in a way I haven’t before.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Seeing the world in a way few have.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: The people and the banter.
Words to live by: This too shall pass.
George
Hometown: Harbert, Michigan
Age: 47
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Helping people fulfill their dream of becoming home owners
Why I joined Picton Castle: To sail around the world with some of the most incredible people on it.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Long stretches at sea.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: The time spent with the rest of the crew.
Words to live by: If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise don’t even start.
Nickolas
Hometown: Montreal, QC, Canada
Age: 29
What I was doing before I joined the ship: I work as a paramedic and stage technician.
Why I joined Picton Castle: I joined the Picton Castle because I wanted to cross the Equator on a tall ship.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: I am interested in experiencing life at sea, immersing myself in maritime culture, and finally learning how to tie a proper knot.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: Getting to know and learn from my shipmates.
Words to live by: The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. -Marcus Aurelius
Darryl
Hometown: China, Maine
Age:54
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Working as a veterinarian
Why I joined Picton Castle: I participated in Semester At Sea as a college student and have watched the Picton Castle since my friend went on the first World Voyage in 1997, waiting for my chance to get back out on long ocean voyages.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Being out on the ocean- far from land, the night sky, and learning what it is like and how to literally sail across the ocean. Semester at Sea was not a sailing ship. Visiting Pitcairn Island is also a highlight.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: The camaraderie of being with like-minded people on such a significant adventure.
Words to live by: Keep on dreaming and instead of saying “I wish” and waiting for it to happen, have the courage to say “I will” and make it come true. – Kcat Yarza
Leo
Hometown: Harbert, Michigan, USA
Age: 76
What was I doing before I joined Picton Castle: Grieving at the loss of my wife, Susan.
Why did I join Picton Castle: The ship is going around the world. She is going everywhere I ever wanted to go and visiting everyone I wanted to visit.
What am I looking forward to most: Pitcairn Island. (And being warm.)
Best thing about life aboard the ship: The companionship of a very fine group of people.
Words to live by: Quite frankly, I just don’t have an answer to that.
Rob
Hometown: Warrington, UK
Age: 33
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Junior Doctor in Hull Royal Infirmary
Why I joined Picton Castle: Adventure and to learn new skills in a complex, ever changing and demanding environment
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Working alongside an incredible crew
I think the best thing about life aboard is: Donald’s cooking
Words to live by: The mediator between head and hands must be the heart
Benita
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Age: 43
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Working at a desk job at a computer every day.
Why I joined Picton Castle: It sounded really interesting and different to my normal life. And the idea of learning how to sail and working on a ship is really appealing.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Not being at a desk and computer every day. Seeing and traveling the world at a slower pace. And the chance to get out of my comfort zone.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: Hmmmmm….I can’t wait to find out.
Words to live by: What’s the worst that can happen 😊
Donald
Julien
Pol
Sara
Line
Violet
Hometown: Montreal, Canada
Age: 22
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Studying race relations through Zoom during the pandemic.
Why I joined Picton Castle: I was working for Ships2Shores during the pandemic and doing outread for Canadian tall ships. Picton Castle stood out to me and I subsequently took part in its Bosun School, and have been affiliated ever since!
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: I am especially interested in colonial history and ethnic relations, and would like to learn more about these dynamics in the ports of call.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: The crew! The bond on a tall ship is very special.
Words to live by: You cannot swim for new horizons until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.
Eden
Hometown: Evergreen, Colorado, USA
Age: 29
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Working as a freelance graphic designer & screen printer.
Why I joined Picton Castle: After losing my job in 2020 due to Covid, I was looking to do something completely different with my life and found this! I’ve always had an interest in tall ships but no access to them living in a landlocked place – I soon discovered this opportunity and figured now was a great time to do it.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: All of it! But especially all the unique and interesting things we’ll get to experience during the long ocean passages – like seeing the night sky in the middle of the ocean.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: All the incredible new people I’ve met & gotten to know 😊
Words to live by: “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”
Rachel
Hometown: Dartmouth, NS, Canada
Age: 17
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Playing piano.
Why I joined Picton Castle: Sailing and sailmaking experience.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Sailmaking.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: The people.
Words to live by: Try, fail, try again.
Curtis
Hometown: Sherwood Park (Edmonton), Alberta
Age: 48
What I was doing before I joined the ship: I was a stay at home dog dad, new home sales expert, and substitute teacher (after teaching full time for the last few years).
Why I joined Picton Castle: I really wanted to be part of an amazing adventure, learn some new skills and visit places that most people never get to see and in a way that most people will never experience.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: The voyage! Sailing to new destinations and island hopping through the South Pacific.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: My shipmates! The diverse group of crew and trainees from around the world are awesome!!
Words to live by: If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of. – Bruce Lee and remember, you can’t be both smart and good looking, it’s pretty obvious which one I chose.
Nate
Hometown: Lander, Wyoming, U.S.A.
Age: 35
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Working as a cartography surveyor in the western United States.
Why I joined Picton Castle: To improve my sailing skills and go on an adventure!
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Island hopping.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: No connection to the outside.
Words to live by: I’m not done yet.
Sara
Hometown: Vernon, CT
Age: 32
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Sailing.
Why I joined Picton Castle: To sail around the world and learn more seamanship.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: The long ocean passages and Pitcairn.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: The community and sailing.
Edmund (aka Figs)
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Biochemistry in a drug discovery R&D lab.
Why I joined Picton Castle: To follow my own definition of happiness and make up for missed opportunities.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Stars and sunsets at sea, community, different cultures, food, and beaches.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: The community, endless learning, direct and unambiguous communication.
Words to live by: Life is confusing.
Toad
Hometown: Milford, CT
Age: 57
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Wondering if I should retire.
Why I joined Picton Castle: Because I decided I could retire.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Practicing and learning seamanship on long passages, visiting unique locations.
I think the best thing about life aboard is: Sunsets at sea and bright stars overnight. Donald’s cooking.
Words to live by: From the poem Sea Fever, by John Masefield – I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by; And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking, And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
Diane
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale FL
Age: 64
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Playing bridge, water aerobics, visiting family.
Why I joined Picton Castle: To travel on a working sailing ship.
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: Sailing to exotic places and learning celestial navigation.
Stew
Hometown: Millington, New Jersey
What I was doing before I joined the ship: Working for a pension fund in New York City
Why I joined Picton Castle: To reorient my view of the world as I start a new phase of life
What I am looking forward to most on the voyage: experiencing a long ocean passage as part of the crew of a sailing ship
I think the best thing about life aboard is: learning everything and the rhythm of life at sea
Words to live by: Don’t worry …. Be happy
Kate
More Picton Castle Crew
- Samantha
- Jeremie
- Julian
- Tove
- Lyra
- Lisa
- Amelia
- Zoe
- Olivier
- David
- Christiane
- Ben
- Marie-Hélène
- Bob
- Jonathan
- Rosalie
- Ryan
- Tahlia
- Simon
- Michael
- Danielle
- Ashleigh