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  Adventure Travel > Sailing Vacations > Barque Picton Castle

BARQUE PICTON CASTLE

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Canada
www.picton-castle.com
Barque Picton Castle - Sailing Vacation & Sailing Cruise Worldwide!

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Overview

Sail the World
Dreaming of life before the mast, the kiss of the sun upon your face or the sweet sting of the wind as you haul lines, hoist sails and scramble aloft for a breathtaking view of tropical islands?

Make your dreams come true. Become a sail trainee aboard the award-winning Barque Picton Castle.

The Picton Castle is a sail training ship based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada but best known for her voyages around the world. She has circumnavigated the globe a total of four times and will undertake her fifth world voyage in May 2010.

This is a true working tall ship. Trainees participate fully in all aspects of ship operation: they stand watch, handle sails, hoist anchors and literally learn the ropes – all 175 of them – by doing. They also attend classes on various aspects of seamanship, from celestial navigation to sail making, and still have ample time to immerse themselves in the unique cultures of far-flung islands and exotic ports throughout the tropics.

Beginning life as a fish trawler, then pressed into service as a minesweeper during World War II, the Picton Castle was completely refitted in the mid-1990s to become the beautiful ship she is today. She is 179 feet overall, with a riveted steel hull, clear oiled-pine decks, steel masts, and wooden and steel yards. She carries 12,450 square feet of canvas sail, has a powerful 690 hp Burmeister & Wain alpha diesel engine for occasions when sailing is not feasible and meets the rigorous standards of Germanischer Lloyds for steel-hulled Cape Horners.

There are berths for 36 sail trainees. Typically, about half the trainees are men and half women. Their ages range from 18 to 60+.

No sailing experience is necessary. You will be taught you all you need to know. Trainees are required to be in good physical health, capable of moderately strenuous exercise' as there is actually more to getting accepted than having good health.

Imagine yourself standing at the helm, steering by the stars. High in the rigging as you sail a turquoise sea. Diving off the bowsprit for a refreshing swim call after completing your shipboard chores. Making friendships that will last a lifetime. Sign aboard today.

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Travel & Industry Awards

  • Sail Training Program of the Year, American Sail Training Association, 2006
  • Sail Trainer of the Year, Capt. Daniel Moreland, American Sail Training Association, 1999

Affiliations

  • American Sail Training Association

Payments Accepted

  • Personal Checks
  • Cash
  • Wire Transfer
  • Certified Check

    Reservation Policy

    All potential sail trainees must submit an application. This can be filled out online via the ship's website or sent out by fax or mail. This application must be accompanied by a monetary deposit. For World Voyage 5 it is $2000 USD. Applicants must also provide a note from their doctor verifying that they are in good health and capable of moderately strenuous exercise. All applicants must undergo a personal interview prior to their acceptance. In the case of World Voyages, these are face-to-face interviews conducted by the Captain.

    Cancellation Policy

    Please contact Barque Picton Castle for details.


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