World Voyage 5
Sail Around the World
The adventure of a lifetime awaits you! Step aboard for Picton Castle's Fifth World Voyage, a 14-month circumnavigation of the globe, sailing westward through the tropics.
World circumnavigation voyages are what Picton Castle does best. We've sailed four times around the world since 1997, all under the command of Captain Daniel Moreland. World Voyage 5 is expected to be the last circumnavigation voyage under Captain Moreland's command. Recipient of the American Sail Training Association's Sail Trainer of the Year award in 1999, Captain Moreland is one of the most highly regarded sailing ship masters at sea today.
Test Your Mettle as a Sail Trainee
As a trainee crew member, you will help sail the ship around the world. Our highly trained and qualified professional crew will be there to show you the ropes (literally - there are 175 lines that come down to deck for sail handling), to help keep you safe and to guide you as your seamanship skills develop. Our sturdy barque, built in 1928 and converted to sail in 1997, will be your home for this 14-month odyssey around the world.
To sail around the world is an accomplishment like no other. To do it on board Picton Castle means that you have earned your way there. Visit remote islands, sail across the South Pacific, enjoy long ocean passages through the tradewinds, round the Cape of Good Hope, sail across the Atlantic and close the circle 14 months later. Learn the skills of a seafarer, develop a stronger sense of yourself and forge relationships with your shipmates that will last a lifetime.
Enjoy a taste of our World Voyage adventures by viewing this new video prepared by WV4 crew member Ollie Campbell.
Itinerary for World Voyage 5, 2010-2011
| Leg | Location | Port Date |
|---|---|---|
| Leg 1 | Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada | April 12, 2010 |
| Panama | ||
| Galapagos Islands, Ecuador | ||
| Pitcairn Island | ||
| Gambier Islands, French Polynesia | ||
| Tahiti | ||
| Rarotonga, Cook Islands | August 15, 2010 | |
| Leg 2 | Rarotonga, Cook Islands | August 16, 2010 |
| Palmerston Atoll, Cook Islands | ||
| Vava'u, Tonga | ||
| Suva, Fiji | ||
| Vanuatu | ||
| Bali, Indonesia | November 12, 2010 | |
| Leg 3 | Bali, Indonesia | November 13, 2010 |
| Reunion | ||
| Cape Town, South Africa | February 3 2011 | |
| Leg 4 | Cape Town, South Africa | February 4, 2011 |
| Namibia | ||
| St. Helena | ||
| Fernando de Noronha, Brazil | ||
| Lesser Antilles | ||
| Bermuda | ||
| Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada | June 18, 2011 |
Note: All dates and ports subject to change without notice.
Sign Aboard in April 2010
Join the voyage in our North American home base, the historic seaport of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada. Under the guidance of our professional crew, you will become familiar with the ship and its workings, with special attention paid to safety orientation and drills before departure. Then sail south, away from the cool northern climate, across the Gulf Stream and on into tropical warmth through the Caribbean Sea to Panama. Transit the Panama Canal, the shortcut to the Pacific.
Sail on to Galapagos, the islands which inspired Darwin with their desolate landscape full of an amazing variety of life. A long ocean crossing leads you to Pitcairn, one of the most remote islands of the Pacific, inhabited by a small population, most of whom are descendants of the Bounty mutineers. Stay ashore with local families and experience South Pacific hospitality, which is unlike any other in the world. Continue under sail to the Gambier Islands where the ship will anchor in a stunning lagoon surrounded by coral reefs and pearl farms. Tahiti will be the next port of call, where French Polynesian culture can be truly experienced in the bustling markets, cafes and nightlife.
Enjoy a South Pacific Welcome
Rarotonga marks the end of the first leg and a return to the ship's port of registry. Although most of the crew will never have been there before, the ship and her complement will be welcomed home. Watch local school children dance on the cargo hatch amidships and wander through the weekly market wearing fresh flower 'eis on your head or around your neck. While in the Cook Islands, sail to Palmerston Atoll, a perfect tropical paradise that is one big white sand beach surrounded by stunning turquoise water.
Continue your South Pacific island-hopping in Tonga, the only remaining monarchy in the South Pacific. Sail alongside whales to Suva, the capital city of Fiji. In Vanuatu, visit small islands where we still ask permission of the village chief to go ashore and meet the inhabitants who live in dwellings with bamboo walls and thatched roofs. Make a long passage from the Pacific Ocean into the Indian Ocean, through the Torres Strait, the Arafura Sea and the Timor Sea to Bali. Be awed and amazed by the opulence of Balinese culture and be humbled by the genuine friendliness of the Balinese people. Haggle for intricately made handicrafts in bustling marketplaces and enjoy the serenity of rice paddies and temples.
Set the Stuns'ls on a Major Passage
Crossing the Indian Ocean will be one of the longest passages of the whole voyage, giving ample time for learning more about the ship and the skills required to sail her. Participate in almost daily seamanship workshops, start and finish big projects, rig and set studding sails and advance your skills on this significant ocean crossing. The French territory of Reunion, with its beautiful and active volcanic landscape awaits exploration after this passage. Sail on, rounding the infamous Cape of Good Hope. Then Table Mountain will rise above Cape Town's landscape, guiding the ship into port.
Experience the Magic of Africa and the Caribbean
Explore the richness of African culture, go on a safari, taste wine in the nearby vineyards of the Western Cape and interact with students from one of the most inspiring schools you can imagine. From Cape Town, South Africa, sail up the African coast to Namibia to see sand dunes and a ghost town left behind by the diamond mining industry. Pick up the tradewinds again and set sail for St. Helena, a giant rock island rising out of the South Atlantic where Napoleon was exiled. After a brief stop, continue across the Atlantic to Fernando de Noronha, a small island off the coast of Brazil, with amazingly beautiful beaches, almost empty except for our crew.
Sail into the historic port of St. George's, Grenada and try the local cuisine prepared with spices grown on the island. Continue to sail past islands of the Eastern Caribbean, stopping to call at one or two along the way. Anchor in Great Harbour and head ashore to Foxy's, the famous beach bar on Jost Van Dyke, BVI. Prepare for a North Atlantic passage back to Lunenburg, broken up by one last sunny stop in Bermuda before sailing triumphantly home into Lunenburg harbour, closing the circle of this epic voyage around the world.
Life On Board
Everyone on board is a working crew member. You will stand watch at sea and in port. At sea, watches are usually four hours on and eight hours off, around the clock. You will be one of the crew who steers the ship, stands lookout, hauls on lines, climbs aloft to handle sail (going aloft is optional), sands, paints, varnishes, scrubs the decks, works in the rigging, plots our position, coils lines, assists the cook, hauls up the anchor and is involved in all aspects of keeping the ship sailing. It's hard work at times, but the pride you will take in your ship, your shipmates and your accomplishments make it all worthwhile.
Most of your education under sail will occur in the natural day-to-day routine of life aboard. Under the guidance of our carefully selected professional crew, you will develop the skills required to sail the ship. Workshops and other formal training sessions are offered on a variety of subjects.
Who Can Sail
This epic voyage is open to men and women, ages 18+. No sailing experience is required, just the desire to challenge yourself. Ideal for someone on a gap year from school or career, or someone who dreams of an adventure different from anything they have done before, the voyage depends on the passion and dedication of the crew to the ship and to each other. We will require a note from your doctor that says you are in good health and can participate in moderate to strenuous physical activity. A valid passport will be required. All applicants will be subject to a personal interview before being accepted.
Your Investment
As the last Picton Castle world circumnavigation voyage under the command of Captain Dan Moreland, this is truly the moment to make your voyage. Former trainees have called this experience life-altering, the adventure of a lifetime and a fulfillment of dreams. Don't miss out!
Prices for the voyage are as follows:
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Voyage | $46,000 USD |
| Each Leg | $14,000 USD |
Uncertain about the cost? Look more closely at our voyage fees.
Apply Now
Step aboard for this adventurous journey around the world. Start by filling out the online trainee application form. For more information, contact the voyage coordinator. We look forward to receiving your application.
Come Sail With Us
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World Voyage 5
Step aboard for an epic journey around the world as Picton Castle circumnavigates the globe under sail for a fifth time.
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From the Voyages
