Bora Bora – what an evocative name, no? If the soft drum beat of Bora Bora drifting murmuring past your ears does not conjure up visions of the South Pacific, what will? (Well, I’ll get to that more later when we consider Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Manihiki, Rakahanga… sweeeeeet) Bora Bora, the name and the island, may …
By Kate “Bob” Addison Last Thursday morning saw the Picton Castle sailing for Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, 500 miles away from Bora Bora, all square sails and fore-and-aft sails set as we made the most of the fair, light, trade-winds. Our last port was Bora Bora, and we upped anchor and cleared out last …
By Kate “Bob” Addison We re-join our sailors where we left them, standing on a perfect coral sand South Pacific beach, the boats secure and nothing to be done except set up a camp for the night… poor darlings. We rigged the big tarpaulins in a nice clearing between the trees for shelter just in …
By Kate “Bob” Addison “Pitcairn Island – wow!” That’s a pretty good one-line summary for someone who’s never been to Pitcairn, and “Wow!” is also the new name given to Dkembe on the island, because that was his response to so many things there… A new name is one thing you can expect to take …
By Kate “Bob” Addison January 21st, 2013 For the sixth time in her distinguished sail training career, barque Picton Castle is in sight of Pitcairn Island, which grows larger and more distinct as we draw closer. It is a perfect South Pacific afternoon, with sparkling blue seas and a bright blue sky as a backdrop …
By Kate “Bob” Addison Here in the South Pacific it is another hot blue-sky day. Winds are light. The sun has been shining brightly all morning, and there are just a few fair weather clouds low over the horizon – nothing to offer heavenly shade. The decks are foot-scorching hot so most folks are wearing …
By Kate “Bob” Addison The first Monday in January finds Picton Castle sailing merrily along in the South Pacific at 10º17’S 108º08’W. There is a steady Force 5 breeze on the port quarter which makes us all very happy, as well as driving us along at a steady 6 to 7 knots. Our compass course …
By Kate “Bob” Addison On the last day of the year, it seemed appropriate to look back at 2012 and all that it brought for the Picton Castle and her crew. I’ve had a great time today looking back through our old log books and re-reading old Captain’s logs – hope you enjoy the review …
By Kate “Bob” Addison Picton Castle and her crew had a magical, unique Christmas here in the Galapagos Islands. The ship and her crew had crossed the Equator and found themselves at anchor in Wreck Bay on the island of San Cristobal, and since we couldn’t clear in through immigration until the morning, we all …
By Kate “Bob” Addison December 23rd, 2012 Sunday at sea, the day before Christmas eve. All is peaceful aboard Picton Castle as she slips quietly through the water heading SWxS for Isla San Cristobal in the Galapagos. The breeze is a Force four and we have lots of canvas set – all fore and aft …
