Our Trainee Program
The Picton Castle training program offers paying sail trainees an opportunity to sail around the world as deckhands on a traditional square-rigged ship.
Everyone on board participates in the ship's operation: handling sails, scrubbing the deck, taking a turn at the wheel, raising anchor, hauling on lines, helping in the galley, going aloft (optional), or keeping lookout. There are training classes in seamanship and navigation, plenty of opportunity to learn square-rig sailing and to explore exotic tropical ports and islands.
No sailing experience is needed.
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Who can be a Trainee
Men and women who are physically fit, cheerful, flexible in getting along with new people and situations, and above all, enthusiastic about sailing.
As you have no doubt learned from our web pages, National Geographic Adventure magazine, radio and/or television, you'll join a highly professional crew and a talented and resourceful group of sail trainees.
On our World Voyages and Longer Trips
Individual men and women age 18+ (no couples, please*). We prefer trainees under age 40, though we accept older persons who are healthy and fit. It is a strenuous life. Trainees work hard on board and live in close quarters in tropical weather, so some discomfort is to be expected.
On our Shorter Trips
Men and women ages 15+. Couples are welcome, as are parents with teens.
* Please review the Picton Castle Couples Policy for more details.
More in this Section
Voyage of the Atlantic 2020 - 2021
Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. One year. Over 10,000 nautical miles. Become part of the crew.
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