Daphné Robichaud was a trainee sailor and reporter aboard our tall ship as a part of a Radio-Canada contest. She signed aboard in Sept-Iles and signed off 13 days later in Quebec City. Here's a snapshot of what she learned on board.
We were so close to where I grew up, yet it seemed like a world away. I would consider myself more of a mountain girl than a sea one. I love to be grounded, feeling my legs work to reach new peaks, to see new sights. Even though I am a proud Acadian, I had never spent more than a few hours on any type of boat. This was definitely going to take me far out of my comfort zone. I had no idea how this trip would unfold but I was ready for a new challenge.
What I discovered on the tall ship called Picton Castle was more than I ever imagined.
There was nothing I didn't love about the sea life: the community — sleeping, eating, cleaning and working together, the scenery — learning how to keep the barque safe and handle the sails and the stop overs in various ports — meeting the locals. I loved every second of it. I especially loved being outside all the time, feeling the sun and the wind on my skin, feeling alive and connected with nature.
I had to relearn every small task that I thought I could carry out in real life — making a knot, cleaning the dishes, taking a shower, even flushing the toilet. Everything is different on the ship. The work was hard, but I was happy. I forgot about everything else in life. I was truly living in the moment.
