With deck brushes in hand, the bright eyed and bushy tailed 4-8 watch enjoyed a pleasant sunrise this morning as they scrubbed the ship’s decks. From an outsider’s perspective one would think they’re practicing for the next winter Olympics as the Cook Islands curling team. The 8-12 watch took the deck, relieving the 4-8 from …
As the new Picton Castle salts are nearing two months on board, the mates are encouraging them to advance their skills and knowledge. Last evening as we sailed along gracefully, the lead seamen took those who wished on a climb in the rig. They could become more accustomed to climbing and feeling their way around …
Bound from Panama towards the South Pacific Since we left Panama two days ago a flock of booby birds are hitching a ride on our yardarms. Resulting in white wet pellets falling from aloft onto a crew member passing underneath or coating the ship’s deck in white droplets beginning the war on the boobies. We …
Once through the Panama Canal we moored the Picton Castle off the Balboa Yacht Club just as dark descended (as it does so swiftly in the tropics, almost like switching out a light) and torrential rains drenched us. Few went ashore that night, but some did after a short discussion on wisdom and personal safety. …
The Panama Canal is a very big deal. Transiting through this techno marvel is even more so. Transiting this wonder of the man made world is a long hot day steaming through the tropical jungle of Panama 85’ above sea level. But what is one day compared to the alternatives? Say, the 9 or 10,000 …
Photos by Tammy Moreland On Wednesday May 31, 2018, the sail training ship Picton Castle transited the Panama Canal from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The crew awoke before dawn to await the arrival of the Panama Canal pilot, then heaved up the anchor shortly after sunrise. Entering the first lock, one of …
After sailing the 18 miles from enchanting and ancient Portobelo the Picton Castle came to anchor yesterday after swinging ship and adjusting compass at the entrance to the Panama Canal area. Then we did the work (below) resulting in being prepared for Canal transit. The gang did an excellent job in the heat. Early this …
Anchorage Area F, Port of Colon, Panama – May 29, 2018 Read More »
Quietly at anchor the Picton Castle is surrounded by still waters and the dense jungles of the Isthmus of Panama. Thick abiding jungle. Early this morning while enjoying a cup of yesterday’s (and most excellent) coffee sitting by the teak wheel box all the way aft on the quarterdeck in the cool dawn, all was …
The day came in surprisingly clear. Mists hung over the jungles either side of the Picton Castle, weaving in among the trees like living things. The lapping of tiny waves along the waterline is about the only sound breaking the tropical early morning silence. A man in his dugout canoe came by selling bunches of …
On Monday May 21, with much excitement among the crew, we arrived in Portobelo, Panama around 1000, set the starboard anchor and went in to clear in around 11am. In every port Picton Castle visits, the ship needs to “clear in”, meaning that we check in with customs and immigration officials to make our official …
