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…

…I never really knew if I had a fear of heights, but all of my anxieties about climbing up the ratlines and working my way across the yard standing on a line quickly diminished when I looked around and saw I was surrounded by people I trusted and respected. I knew I had been properly trained by a crew who cared about me and my safety.

Courtney Centeno
Caribbean Winter Voyage, 2007

There aren't words to do justice to a voyage like this and the cliches—voyage of a lifetime, epic adventure—only begin to describe it. I learned skills, definitely, but more important, I learned more about myself personally and professionally during my time onboard than I could have in any other school or work environment. I learned how I react to different situations, how I respond to and work with different kinds of people, what is really important in life. Sure it was hard, sometimes even tedious, but I gained something every day. My time on the Picton Castle not only made me a better person, it also helped me draw an outline for the kind of person I still hope to become.

Kate Menser, age 30
Entire Voyage 2000–2002

Standing on the foc'sle head one night on watch, I realised there weren't many words to describe what I was feeling, for I was completely filled with wonderment. To look aft the sails were all set, full and glowing in the full moon's light, above me stars that I have never seen so bright, beside us dolphins swimming and ahead what seemed like an endless ocean. The sense of wonderment I felt then stayed with me through my whole trip, whether I was on the helm or standing in line for dinner. Indeed I think about my journey now and the sense of wonderment is still there. I sailed on a traditional square-rigged sailing ship for nearly 8,000 nautical miles, and not many people can say that!

Kimberly Helms, age 29
Entire Voyage, 2003–2004

I had a phenomenal experience aboard that has made me feel as strong and confident as I have ever felt in my life.

Donald Gorman, age 25
Entire Voyage, 1997–99

The adventure and romance of sailing around the world as a crew member aboard a square-rigged vessel was the primary allure for me. It's something not many people get the chance to do, especially at the end of the 20th century and beginning of the new millenium. All the exotic ports of call (Pitcairn, Vanuatu, Bali, and Zanzibar come to mind) we visited were completely amazing—something your 'average' round-the-world traveler, going by way of jumbo-jets and huge cities, never gets to see and experience. Did I learn seafaring skills? Sure, I learned so much, and now that I got my AB and am to be sailing again this summer, the things I learned aboard the Picton Castle have become even more important to me. All in all, the voyage was something almost indescribable, an incredibly unique experience of which I felt lucky to be a part. I learned as much (or more) about myself as I did about the islands we visited and the seafaring skills I acquired.

Andrew Siuda, age 24
Entire Voyage, 1997–99

I had a wonderful voyage and learned a tremendous amount. The Picton Castle is an excellent ship—everything I had hoped she would be. Those who say she is a slow sailer malign her atrociously—all she lacked to be a flyer was a fresh South African breeze. Had you seen her rolling down the East Coast and up to Cape Town from the Cape of Storms you would have taken her for a tea clipper.

Dennis Stevenson, age 45
Durban to Cape Town, South Africa, 1999

What does one say about the beautiful Barque Picton Castle and her global circumnavigations? When I made the decision to go on her 2000–2002 world voyage, it was one of the quickest choices I'd ever made, and would come to be the most significant decision in my life. My friends all believed I had gone off the deep end. They'll never know what they're missing. When at sea, the stars seem endless, especially at night, when there's no other light to challenge them. At times, the water turns to shades of blue one couldn't mix with the average painter's palette. Sunrises and sunsets, accompanied by the occasional squall, provide an unimaginably gorgeous horizon, impossible anywhere else but on the ocean. On board, the crew became the closest group I think this square-rigger had ever seen. At first, leaving my home in Canada, to pursue this dream, was difficult. But, gradually the ship became my home and the crew my family. In the end, after completing the journey, leaving my home on the ship proved to be far more difficult. I've come to realize, my life was indeed on that ship. Its wake has blessed me with a thousand fond memories of the crew and the ports we called at. It has altered my life in a way nothing else could, and perhaps never will again. I'm the person I am today, because of living on this fine vessel, while deep sea sailing, and having the indescribable privilege of getting to know my extended family—individuals I hope to call my friends forever, who are part of a life I pray I return to.

Tom Loibl, age 23
Entire voyage, 2000–2002

I like the rhythms of the sea. I like standing on the quarter deck, cup of coffee in hand, rain in the face, plunging headlong into a seaway, or riding down a following sea, stern rising and falling on great swells, G forces oscillating between near zero and two. I like the feel of a deliciously balmy trade wind on a sunny day. I like a celestial fix that's spot on. I like to make a landfall in a place I've never been—or heaving up anchor in late afternoon and sailing toward the sinking sun, the darkening land form receding in our wake. After a soggy night watch I like climbing into a warm bunk. I like the smell of bacon and pancakes wafting from the galley. I like leaning against the midship rail watching the sun go down. I like the comradeship of old friends.

Jim Salmon, age 59
Entire voyage, 2000–2002

My experience on the Picton Castle this summer couldn't have reinforced more my desire to sail next year. It was all I had hoped for and more. I had several opportunities to speak with Captain Moreland, and when we parted ways in Newport, he made me feel confident that I will be seeing you all next May for the 2005 world voyage.

Jill Herback, age 26
Summer trip, 2004

Sound Like a Great Learning Adventure?

Why not learn more about becoming a sail trainee, apply for one of our upcoming trips or our next world voyage!

Just Want to Know More About the Voyage?

Read the Captain's Log and the Crew Journals to learn about the experiences, the people met along a the way and get a different perspective of the world. You can also see where we've been, who we've met and what we do along with many other great images in the Photo Galleries.