Voyage of the Atlantic World 2008
The Next Epic Adventure
It is the second largest body of water in the world, covering one-fifth of the earth's surface. And while some see this vast expanse as a barrier around which they must travel, for us it's the pathway to the experiences of a lifetime.
Cast off with us next May as the Barque Picton Castle sets sail on her latest epic adventure, a 12-month exploration of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a voyage with all the hallmarks of our now famous voyages around the world: exotic ports steeped in history, rich with culture; interactions with indigenous peoples that provide a more intimate experience of place; the unforgettable experience of living and working aboard a wind ship, learning timeworn skills, testing your limits; developing friendships that will last your lifetime. Best of all, this voyage, which will see you exploring nearly 20 nations on four continents, includes several of the long sea passages that will help turn you into a true square-rigged seafarer.
Itinerary for the Voyage of the Atlantic 2008–2009
| Leg | Port | Dates (Start and End) |
| Leg 1 | Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada | Starts May 5, 2008 |
| Ireland | ||
| Falmouth, UK | ||
| Denmark | ||
| Aland Islands, Finland | ||
| Bergen, Norway | Ends August 9, 2008 | |
| Leg 2 | Bergen, Norway | Starts August 10, 2008 |
| Den Helder, Netherlands | ||
| Bremerhaven, Germany | ||
| Ipswich, UK | ||
| Swansea, UK | ||
| France | ||
| La Coruna, Spain | ||
| Mallorca, Spain | Ends November 11, 2008 | |
| Leg 3 | Mallorca, Spain | Starts November 12, 2008 |
| Malaga, Spain | ||
| Gibraltar | ||
| Morocco (pending political situation) | ||
| Canary Islands | ||
| Madeira Islands | ||
| Senegal (pending political situation) | ||
| Cape Verde | ||
| Fernando de Noronha, Brazil | ||
| St. George's, Grenada | Ends February 20, 2009 | |
| Leg 4 | St. George's, Grenada | Starts February 23, 2009 |
| Carriacou | ||
| Bequia | ||
| Martinique | ||
| Dominica | ||
| Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe | ||
| Anguilla | ||
| Nevis | ||
| Jost Van Dyke, BVI | ||
| Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada | Ends May 23, 2009 |
Note: All dates and ports subject to change without notice.
Experience the Atlantic World
Your voyage begins at historic Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, the renowned Canadian seaport the Picton Castle calls home. Here you'll spend two weeks getting familiar with the ship, training and drilling in preparation for the voyage. Our officers and professional crew members will lead you and keep you safe. On board they'll help you learn the ropes—all 175 of them!—plus, join you as we all head ashore to enjoy the wonders that each new port of call offers.
Departing Lunenburg, the Picton Castle will follow the Westerlies on a crossing of the famed North Atlantic. Our first stop will be the famed green hills of Southern Ireland. From there, we'll sail to Falmouth in the United Kingdom, then it's through the Kiel Canal to Scandinavia.
From Northern Fjords to African Deserts
After a call in Denmark and a visit to the world-famous statue of the little mermaid in the Copenhagen harbour, the ship will sail into the Baltic Sea to the dramatic cliff-lined shores of the Aland Islands, off Finland. In early August, we'll arrive at Bergen, Norway—"the Fjord Capital"—for a giant Tall Ships festival. Expect to see more than 100 other tall ships, including some of the world's most impressive square-riggers, and rub shoulders with thousands of other sailors during this event.
From Bergen, Picton Castle will sail with the fleet to festivals in Den Helder, the Netherlands and Bremerhaven, Germany. Known as the largest fishing port of Europe, nearby Bremen boasts one of Germany's most beautiful market squares, as well as a statue of the "Bremer Stadtmusikanten" (Bremen Town Musicians) inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairytale of the same name.
Picton Castle will then sail south for the English Channel for a call at Ipswich, then explore Swansea, a port from the ship's early days as a North Sea trawler and Second World War minesweeper. Explorations of the "glass city" of La Coruna in Northern Spain will come next, to be followed by passage through the Strait of Gibraltar and a visit to one of history's most contested plots of land (all three rocky miles of it). Next on the itinerary is Palma de Mallorca in the Mediterranean Sea, followed by a call at Malaga on the Spanish Riviera. From there, we'll follow the scent of spices to North Africa and the colourful marketplaces of Morocco, then do some island hopping at Madeira and the Canary Islands before heading south for a call at Dakar, Senegal.
Brazilian dolphins and the enchanting Caribbean
of Fernando de Noronha
This vibrant West African city and a subsequent stop at the Cape Verde Islands will be our last calls before a stunning studdingsail passage—and equator crossing with all its inherent fanfare for the first-timers!—en route to Fernando de Noronha. Located off the East Coast of Brazil, this 21 island archipelago with its crystal clear water and abundant marine life is known for offering the best scuba diving in Brazil. Dive sites include shipwrecks, caverns, amazing volcanic rock and coral formations, wild dolphins, an array of reef sharks, turtles, schooling barracudas and all kinds of rays.
Then it's off to the enchanting islands of the Caribbean where you'll enjoy weeks of perfect sailing, exquisite anchorages and the richly engaging people and ways of the West Indies. Stops will include bustling St. George's, Grenada, an 18th century British West Indian colonial town composed of small stucco, stone and brick buildings with winding cobblestone streets climb the hillside and reflect the French and English legacy of this island. Others calls will include Anguilla, Bequia and Cariacou. We'll visit Dominica, the whale watching capital of the Caribbean, as well as Guadeloupe, Petite Martinique, Nevis, Barbados and the British Virgin Islands.
The voyage will conclude May 23rd, 2009 with the ship's triumphant return to Lunenburg.
Live the life of a square-rigged sailor
This is the real deal; not a luxury cruise ship with pools and bar, nor one of those ships where you may "help as you like." You are crew and as such, you will stand watch—four hours on duty and eight hours off—and partake of all shipboard duties. You will steer and stow sails, haul anchors and help in the galley, clean and maintain the ship. It's hard work at times but trainees agree this is also what makes our voyages so gratifying: you continuously test yourself, learn new skills and discover more abilities than you ever imagined.
Who can sail
Men and women ages 18 and over may apply as trainees. Previous sailing experience is not necessary. Applicants do require a doctor's note verifying that they are in good physical health and are capable of mildly strenuous exercise. Applicants will also be subject to a personal interview by the captain prior to acceptance.
Your investment
This truly is the voyage of a lifetime, combining awesome travel and cultural experiences; the challenges, skills building and rewards of being crew aboard a wind ship; and entry to a fraternity of people—your shipmates—that you will never, ever forget.
Prices for the voyage are as follows:
| Complete Voyage | USD $39,000 |
| Three-month Leg | USD $12,500 |
Not sure about the cost? Take a closer look at our Voyage Fees.
Apply Now!
Come sail with us! Complete the online application for the Voyage of the Atlantic World 2008. For more information contact the voyage coordinator. We would be happy to have you with us.Come Sail With Us
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Sail the Atlantic World
- Leg 1 - Lunenburg to Bergen, Norway via Ireland, UK, Denmark and the Aland Islands
- Leg 2 - Norway to Mallorca, Spain via Netherlands, Germany, UK and France
- Leg 3 - Spain to Grenada via Madeira Islands, Canary Islands, Senegal, Cape Verde and Fernando de Noronha
- Leg 4 - Grenada to Lunenburg via Carriacou, Bequia, Martinique, Dominica, Anguilla, Nevis and BVI
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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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