At 0730 this morning a blue whale visited close by, entertaining the sunrise 4-8 watch. We’re sailing along beautifully due southwest, light rain showers came and went causing a rainbow to form. We sailed underneath the colours, our white bow piercing through the South Pacific ocean salt waters – we were the treasure at the …
Sailing full and by the wind, occasional squalls, some with a bit of wind in them. Many miles to sail… Our first Sunday at Sea for this passage, the ‘Sunday Funday’ flag is flying high on the foremast and the relief galley team is vigorously chopping and prepping today’s meals – which thus far have …
Sailing along ‘full and by’ the wind. Still cool and overcast but sailing well. Seas building to the breeze – all very comfortable. Sailmaking workshop today. Our day started off great with Donald’s tasty, sticky, gooey cinnamon raisin buns for breakfast, or as Dawson, age 5 and 1/2, refers to them as “raisin burgers” – …
The Galapagos Islands fade astern. Big long South Pacific swells roll in from the south. Frigate birds perch on the spanker gaff span. Yesterday the new watch bill was posted, crew members scrambled to see the page to find out which watch they are now on. Last night we enjoyed a beautiful calm sail under …
Yesterday at 0900 we sailed across the Equator! We hosted a formal visit from His Majesty King Neptune and His royal court. A momentous occasion for all on board, for the pollywogs are now grown into shellbacks like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. As well it was a healthy reminder that we are in fact …
A gorgeous Sunday at sea here on the Picton Castle, sailing full and by, close hauled on the port tack under the warmth of the sun. We are just one degree above the equator as a cool breeze runs through the ship. It’s been a peaceful morning on deck, no sounds of tools running or …
We are currently sailing along under full sail, steering full and by (about SxW), a degree and a quarter north of the equator, parallel to the line at 086 degrees W. We are about 227 nautical miles from the island of Isla San Cristobal. Skies are mostly blue with a few scattered, fluffy clouds and …
The Picton Castle lay in the stream off the Balboa Yacht Club right next to the channel for the Panama Canal for some time as we prepared to head out for the South Pacific Ocean. Rain every day, often in torrents, sometimes with thunder and lightning. Drying sails was hard but had to be done …
We are sailing along a degree and a half north of the Equator and parallel to it. Skies are blue again, seas are a bit lumpy. Plenty of booby birds all around. Ship’s Work: It’s been a fantastic sailing day at sea aboard the Picton Castle. This morning’s watches were rather exciting; wind making up …
Our ship has caught a bug, leaving a few hands with tummy trouble. Nevertheless on we sail in pretty good conditions and work continues as per usual. At 0800 we were sailing full and by – this relies heavily on a steady helmsman, as they must sail according to the wind and not by the …
