Summer Voyage 2009
Sail This Summer
Set sail this summer on an adventure beyond comparison. Experience life as a seafarer as you participate fully in taking the ship from port to port. Climb aloft to handle the hand-sewn canvas sails (optional), learn to haul and ease the right combination of lines to set and take in sail, take your turn at the helm and join in with the daily work it takes to keep the ship sailing.
Join the Barque Picton Castle for a voyage on the East coast of North America. Share in the sea-going spirit and legendary hospitality of Atlantic Canadian ports as you become part of the maritime tradition. Sail in a part of the world well-known for its history of fishing and trading under sail and forge new relationships with coastal communities.
Come aboard for three, six or nine weeks to get a taste of life at sea.
Itinerary for the Summer Voyage 2009
| Leg | Port | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Leg 1 | Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada | Starts June 27, 2009 |
| Boston, Massachusetts, USA | ||
| Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada | Ends July 18, 2009 | |
| Leg 2 | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada | Starts July 18, 2009 |
| other Nova Scotia ports, Canada | ||
| Gaspe, Quebec, Canada | ||
| Iles de la Madeleine, Quebec, Canada | ||
| Summerside, PEI, Canada | Ends August 8, 2009 | |
| Leg 3 | Summerside, PEI, Canada | Starts August 8, 2009 |
| Newfoundland, Canada | ||
| St. Pierre and Miquelon, France | ||
| Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada | Ends August 29, 2009 |
Note: All dates and ports subject to change without notice.
Start in the Home of Bluenose
Lunenburg, Picton Castle's base of operations, is where the first leg will begin. As a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its history as a fishing town, Lunenburg is the ideal place to start the journey. Sail across the Gulf of Maine to Boston, where you will meet up with an impressive fleet of tall ships from around the world for a giant celebration. Sail in company with those same ships to Halifax for another opportunity to mingle with crew from other ships and other nations, as well as to share your ship and your experience as a crew member with the public.
Explore the Canadian Maritimes
As part of the international fleet set out to cross the Atlantic, Picton Castle will continue in company with other ships to visit smaller ports in Nova Scotia. From there you will sail across the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to Gaspe, where the ship and crew will be part of the celebration of the 475th anniversary of Jacques Cartier's arrival in North America. Iles de la Madeleine, an archipelago of rocky islands connected by long sand dunes in the middle of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, will be our next stop. Expereince the beauty and culture of these islands which are part of Quebec but mostly self-sustaining. Sail into the Northumberland Strait to Summerside, the second largest town on Prince Edward Island where you can dig for clams and the famous island potatoes in the same day.
Experience Newfoundland Hospitality
Sail across the Cabot Strait to the West coast of Newfoundland. Whales, seals, sea birds and other marine life will be our companions as we explore the breathtaking scenery along the West and South coasts of the island of Newfoundland. We'll add some international flavour to the voyage with a visit to Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French territory just off the coast of Newfoundland, before making a long North Atlantic passage back to Lunenburg.
Challenge Yourself
As a trainee on Picton Castle you become a working crew member. Under the guidance of our professional crew, you will stand watches of four hours on and eight hours off and partake in all shipboard duties. This is not a luxury cruise where helping the crew is optional - you are the crew. Daily duties include setting sails, scrubbing the deck, steering the ship, sanding, painting and varnishing, doing lookout, household chores, helping in the galley, coiling lines and lots more.
Safety is our first priority and our experienced crew will instruct you in the use of safety equipment and guide you through emergency drills. At times the work can be hard, but the reward of sunrises and sunsets at sea, the satisfaction of contributing to the daily working of the ship and the lessons you learn about yourself and your abilities make the effort worthwhile.
Who Can Sail
Men and women, ages 16 and up, can apply to sail as trainees. Perhaps you have always wanted to sail on a tall ship and this will be your adventure of a lifetime. If you're thinking of signing on for a year-long voyage with us, why not sail on this shorter summer voyage as a taste test? We require a note from your doctor that says you are in good health and physically fit to perform some moderately strenuous activity. A valid passport is required. All applicants will be subject to a phone interview before being accepted.
Prices for the voyage, which include all taxes, are as follows:
- One leg (three weeks): US$2,995
- Whole voyage (nine weeks): US$8,500
How to Apply
Sail with us! Complete the online Application for Summer Voyage 2009. For more information, contact the Voyage Coordinator info@picton-castle.com.
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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