July 29, 2018 By Suzanne Semanson It has been only two days since we left Pitcairn and already we are within hours of our next port, Mangareva. As Captain mentioned during our last muster, that’s hardly enough time to digest our time in Pitcairn. What I did not expect upon arriving at Pitcairn was that […]
Picton Castle – bound from Mangareva for Rarotonga. The day came in overcast, clouds parted late morning, clear blue skies, bright hot sun shining down as we shut down the main engine at 1145 and set all sails. To recap on our last port of call, the town of Rikitea on the island of Mangareva
Written by Trainee Arne Stefferud As the Picton Castle sails across the world’s oceans, each crew member spends time at night on watch sailing by starlight, and moonlight. The stars and planets viewed from horizon to horizon are amazing! We have our own “planetarium view” and are learning about constellations that are not visible to
Captain’s Log – “Sailing by Starlight and Moonlight” Read More »
Picton Castle comfortably sails along on a northwesterly course in light northeasterly winds. The ocean is resembling a calm lake, very low to no swell. The ship’s work is back into the full swing of things; the dory Sea Never Dry got another coat of paint inboard as well as the thwarts (benches), the Monomoy’s
With heavy hearts, the Picton Castle crew motored away from Pitcairn Island, our home away from home, with the island the near distance off port side. We motored as there is no useful wind for sailing. At 1300 the longboat was loaded with our bags, souvenirs and fruit, oh so much delicious fruit, at the
July 19, 2018 At 0520 Took in sail this past evening to slow the ship. We do not want to make Bounty Bay before dawn, now two hours away. Winds have backed and faired more into the east and have laid down from 25 to 20 knots. Seas are down too. Still pretty lumpy but
0530 this morning lead seaman Lars of Norway announced to his watch on the quarterdeck that Pitcairn was in sight! Two lights that the islanders left on for us could be seen off the port bow. All hands were awoken at 0715, time to wolf down some rice pudding, sweet muffins and canned pineapple. Annie,
High winds this morning carried on throughout the day. Watches huddled together staying warm. This has been Picton Castle‘s longest passage ever to Pitcairn. We sailed out of Wreck Bay at Galapagos on June 21st, 29 days ago! Today was our first glimpse of land, Henderson Island was spotted off the starboard side. Many keen
At 24-34S / 128-17W – east by north of Pitcairn Island 100 miles away – dead ahead – mid-day in the Picton Castle. Blowing hard from the SE – Force 6-7, seas large, 20-25 feet – plenty breaking white caps. Some sun and a little blue sky breaking through the low flying scudding clouds tearing
Moderately calm winds and seas before the sun was upon us this morning. As Captain predicted, through his years of sea-going experience, the seas and winds picked up around 0730 from ahead with a dark line of deep clouds. It was an amazing sight to witness, two sea swells coming in opposite directions, about three
