By Chelsea McBroom January 1, 2014 In our ongoing agenda in the Picton Castle to train crew up in safety thinking and emergency duties in a real and hands-on way, the Captain figured we could use some practice in flares. As it happened, we had a good supply of just out of date flares to …
By Chelsea McBroom December 31, 2013 It was an ugly couple of days of rain as we waited out some weather before sailing away from New Zealand. We were anchored in Opua in the Bay of Islands in a small landlocked basin when the crew was woken up at 0200 with a call from Amy …
Sailing from New Zealand, Bound for Pitcairn Island Read More »
By Chelsea McBroom December 23, 2013 After getting aboard ten tons of lumber and building supplies for Pitcairn Island, and getting fueled up 9,500 litres more, making a total of 19,000 litres of diesel aboard in our tanks, it came time to sail Picton Castle away from the big city of Auckland. Sailing from our …
Barque Picton Castle – Opua, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand – December 31, 2013 After much preparation and anticipation the Picton Castle sailed from lovely Bay of Islands, New Zealand two days ago, bound for Pitcairn Island. The ship and crew are ready for sea in all respects. We waited out passage of …
Wednesday December 11, 2013 The day comes in fair and clear and calm. Not a ripple on the sea. A few nice old yachts lay at moorings between the Picton Castle and the village wharf of Russell. The early morning ferry from Paihia leaves a wake which rocks our skiff alongside as she passes. Dew …
Tuesday December 3, 2013 With all this discussion of Capt. James Cook sailing around hereabouts in small barques and anchoring where we have been anchoring here and there – and with the fine worthy Barque Lord Nelson a heaving line throw or so away anchored off to our starboard – and with something like a …
Monday December 2nd, 2013 This day comes calm with a light southerly breeze. Pale yellow sunlight streams through layered clouds in this early morning. We sailed here a day ago after anchoring up under Day Point to tuck in out of some 30 knot plus winds. Motuarohia is a small sweet island or a couple …
At Motuarohia, aka Robertson’s Island, Bay of Islands Read More »
November 28, 2013 At anchor off the old colonial village of Russell, also known as Kororareka in the Maori language. Once the capital of New Zealand, we are told. Smaller than Mahone Bay it is. We had a beautiful day here in the Bay of Islands. The day came in clear and bright with a …
A couple days ago we hoisted our boats, hove up the anchor and Picton Castle made her way from Parua Bay northward 53 miles to the famous and scenic Bay of Islands nearer the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand. By the way, although New Zealand seems to be small on the …
The Picton Castle is serenely swinging to her starboard anchor at the mouth of Parua Bay here in New Zealand. We have a lovely warm late spring morning with soft sun and a gentle westerly breeze. Surrounded by low hills, the waters are as flat as can be. Yesterday in nice breezes the gang took …
