Just in came the news that the lock at Canso/ Port Hawkesbury is currently out of service due to a power cut as a result of hurricane Dorian. I am happy to say that I feel blessed to be faced with minor issues like fallen branches, trees, damaged motorcars and inoperable locks caused by power …
We took our leave from Clayton in the early morning of Sunday, downbound the upper Seaway towards Montreal. Seven more locks, somewhat faint in our memories but demanding respect nevertheless. What magnificent pieces of public infrastructure, connecting and forming an enormous highway of shipborne commerce and trade. And enabling a thriving recreational boaters’ community to …
The ship’s cat. The same cat that had been with Picton Castle since she was a kitten, having come aboard in, well, the port of Suva in Fiji, just prior to the ship’s Westward Bound voyage in 2013. The cat that had been around the globe in Picton Castle one and a half times. The …
Highlights of the summer were plentiful. The Great Lakes are a stunning stretch of water, very stunning in fact, and are lined by beautiful nature and coastal communities large and small. The area is rich in cultural heritage and history, stretching back millennia. What is not to like? Roaring down Lake Huron under full sail. …
Next stop: Buffalo, NY. Well, not quite. There was the slight issue of the Welland Canal. Exactly. As we did not intend to climb Niagara Falls, Picton Castle had to do it all over again: Transform from a sailing ship into a triced up vessel capable of negotiating another eight locks to lift us up …
We sailed from Lunenburg on June 15, a beautiful sunny day, in company of the magnificent schooners Bluenose II and Pride of Baltimore II in a spectacular departure under sail. And while all that was going on, we had our magnetic compass swung, a necessary thing to do after completing a 30,000 mile voyage spanning …
Imagine coming home from a long, successful voyage: that warm feeling of accomplishment, the looking back, the winding down and, inevitably, the parting of ways. Then, deservedly, the sitting down and stretching one’s legs in a comfy armchair. Right? Well, think again. Sailing home from World Voyage 7 in Picton Castlewas all of the above, sure. …
Last day of the event at Cleveland and we had the most visitors across our deck: 2500. What a day! Pilot booked for tomorrow morning 1000. Some early morning fresh provisioning before departure. Planning an anchorage at Port Huron. Captain’s Comments: As seems to be the theme of this summer’s voyage of tall ship celebrations …
Ship’s work: Yesterday we sent down the spanker as it needs repair, so today we bend on the new spanker to replace it. Spot painting. Captain’s Comments: More today than yesterday: 2,425 visitors crossed our decks today. Position: Alongside #30, Cleveland Weather: Sunny and cooler with a moderate Northerly breeze. Forecast light winds turning Southeast. …
Ship’s work: Send down spanker for repair Commence Sea Never Dry repairs. Sea Never Dry is a traditional (yet colourful) dory that has sailed around the world with us many times. A lovely wooden dory built by Lunenburg’s Dory Shop. Dry sail Prepare Picton Castle for the public – our first day of an open ship for …
