The Picton Castle is alongside in the fine protected basin, part of the harbour of the commercial port near St Denis, Reunion Island in the western south Indian Ocean. We had a fine five day passage from Rodrigues. The entrance to the basin is a tight hairpin turn and then a channel about 60 feet …
How lucky we are to have a Sunday at Sea during our four-day passage from Rodrigues to Reunion! Sundays are sacred for sailors, a day to catch up on personal projects, reading, as well as sleep. With all ship’s work ceased, the ship’s decks have a pleasant calm washed over them. This morning’s breakfast was …
As we steadily sail along today between 5 – 6 knots, crew members are taking advantage of the lovely sunny weather with the perfect sea breeze whisking through our rigging and stays, cooling our sun-warmed faces. This morning a few work tasks were completed before our half day off work this Saturday afternoon could commence. …
First day back out to sea. It always feels good to be back to our regular schedule. Away from the hustle and bustle of port, back out in the open ocean air. Ship’s work resumed as usual. Rhyanne, of South Carolina, was given the task of touching up our ship’s emblem; a castle turret with …
Rodrigues was delightfully relaxing port. After a busy yet amazing stay in Bali and a wonderful 30 day ocean passage, a sleepy French speaking Mauritius island was just the best. Very friendly people, easy town to stroll around in. Popping in and out of shops or relaxing beach side as the sun was setting, enjoying …
The stars aligned for us, we’ve been granted another Sunday at Sea! The swells rise 2-3 meters on our stern as we head North by West. Being that we’re 60 nautical miles off the coast of Rodrigues, we sail along at 4 knots in the home stretch. Intending on arriving at the small island that’s …
A productive Saturday morning aboard the Picton Castle! To start the day off, as the bright golden sun rose on our stern, the on duty watch tacked the ship at 0545, putting us on a starboard tack. The work day rolled out as like any other day. Tyler, of Ontario, spruced up our three-step ladder …
Sunny, sunny, hot day on board Picton Castle. As we sway from port to starboard, the swells have increased slightly, resulting in more water washing over the deck. With a rather calm passage, 26 days to be exact since we left Bali, and suddenly we’re on a starboard tack. It’s as if our world has …
Beautiful rainbow sunrise off our stern this morning. As the sun rose the winds changed veering from South East by East to South East by South. At 0800 we braced square and passed the head sails, putting us on a starboard tack. Helm was rather fun this morning, the helmsman had to be, like always, …
Last night we retarded our ship’s clock an hour, which means we gain an extra hour of sleep! Weather is blissfully perfect, clear blue skies, a fresh cool breeze and radiant sun beaming down on us as we sail west with a steady fair wind and current. The fantastic weather and the steady sailing have …
