Train With Us
Our Trainee Program
Liz doing rope work.
The Picton Castle training program offers paying sail trainees an opportunity to sail around the world as deckhands on a traditional square-rigged ship.
Everyone on board participates in the ship's operation: handling sails, scrubbing the deck, taking a turn at the wheel, raising anchor, hauling on lines, helping in the galley, going aloft (optional), or keeping lookout. There are training classes in seamanship and navigation, plenty of opportunity to learn square-rig sailing and to explore exotic tropical ports and islands.
No sailing experience is needed.
Watch the Promotional Video
Who Can Be A Trainee
Rowing the Monomy.
Men and women who are physically fit, cheerful, flexible in getting along with new people and situations, and above all, enthusiastic about sailing.
As you have no doubt learned from our web pages, National Geographic Adventure magazine, radio and/or television, you'll join a highly professional crew and a talented and resourceful group of sail trainees.
On Our World Voyages and Longer Trips
Individual men and women age 18+ (no couples, please*). We prefer trainees under age 40, though we accept older persons who are healthy and fit. It is a strenuous life. Trainees work hard on board and live in close quarters in tropical weather, so some discomfort is to be expected.
On Our Shorter Trips
Men and women ages 15+. Couples are welcome, as are parents with teens.
Students Learn at Sea
A group of 13 students from Mount Holyoke College took to the sea with Picton Castle for January term, 2007. Visit their blog for first-hand accounts of life and travel on a square-rigged ship.
Prices
- Voyage of the Atlantic World May 2008–May 2009
Complete Voyage USD $39,000 Three-month Leg USD $12,500
Not sure about the cost? Take a closer look at our Voyage Fees.
* Please review the Picton Castle Couples Policy for more details.
Come Sail With Us
Sail the Atlantic World
Sail the Caribbean from February to May 2009! Limited space available on Leg 4.
Summer Voyage 2009
Sail the East coast of the US and Canada for three, six or nine weeks.
From the Voyages
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Train With Us
Find your favorite place, experience the world and learn to sail aboard the Picton Castle. Become a Sail Trainee.
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Trainee Testimonials
Although my initial goal was to learn to sail a tall ship, my expereince has reached far beyond my expectations. There is much more to tall ships than just sailing.
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