July 2009 Archives
The Picton Castle is sailing north once more, after very successful 'Tall Ships Nova Scotia 2009' events in both Boston and Halifax. I am currently in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, enjoying the excellent facilities at the Civic Centre. Everyone is very friendly here.
The barque Europa under full sail
The images that follow are some taken during the last few weeks on board the 'Picton Castle'. We are currently on a 6 hours on, 6 hours off watch system; so not a lot of time to compose Blogs, but I thought you might like to see these latest pictures from my life aboard a square-rigged tallship. More later - keep watching this space!
Courtesy ride on the Liberty tugboat
Tugboat bridge with some Picton Castle crew
Evening function on the Picton Castle
Maggie the Purser entertains guests in Boston
Sailing in Boston harbor
Signal flags on the Bluenose II
Quarterdeck and the early morning Boston skyline
Picton Castle moored at Charlestown wharf
St Francis in his garden
Paul Revere on horseback
Ships in Boston harbor
Ships - old and new
Russian cadets cleaning the Kruzenshtern
Mainmast and yards of the Kruzenshtern
Cadets of the Kruzenshtern enjoying a break
Boston policeman
Navigation cadet from the Kruzenshtern
Bracing winches of the Kruzenshtern
Kruzenshtern mooring line with tracer
My homemade canvas sheath for marlin-spike and knife
Sailing in Boston harbor
Boston daysail - Mike the Mate
Picton Castle under sail
Frank on lookout duty
Antoine and the Sagres
Sagres and Antoine
Midships on the Picton Castle
Clouds and sky
Focsle head
On lookout duty
Under sail - 1
Under sail - 2
Alex on the helm
Buddy in the port breezeway
Blocks and rope
Under sail on the Picton Castle
Evening light at sea - 1
Evening light at sea - 2
Evening light at sea - 3
Buddy sail-making on the quarterdeck
John sail-making on the quarterdeck
Sails on the foremast
Peter on lookout duty
Here's a few photos taken on the latest voyage of the Barque 'Picton Castle', on her voyage from Lunenberg, Nova Scotia, to Gloucester and Boston, in Massachusetts, USA.
Chibley, ships cat
Ben the Bosun
Randy and Jackie play the bagpipes
In case you are wondering why everyone is wearing red, it was for our Canada Day party, which also happened to be Ben's birthday too. The sun came out right on cue, which was a very welcome surprise.
Ratlines and rescue boat
Donald, our ships cook
David at the wheel
This is all a very new experience for me, and a lot of hard, physical work, but I'm enjoying it very much. Thanks to my time on Charlotte's farm beforehand, I'm a lot fitter than I might have been. That's improving all the time, too. When my hands are as tough as my shoes, I'll know that I've really got there.
Ships Dory made in Lunenberg
Ropes on the pin rail
We had a great time in Gloucester at the 'Sail Gloucester' event, and were made to feel very welcome by everyone there. There was even free food for the crew at Jalapeno's Mexican Restaurant - thanks so much, guys, it was wonderful. We also had a special breakfast at the Yacht Club, and were treated royally.
Ships wheel in early morning sun
Ships boat and reflection
Ships cannon - not fired yet
Breakfast blood-oranges
The 'Picton Castle' was the only tall-ship at the event, so we were given pride of place, and received many visitors whom we were pleased to show around the ship. New friends made, and thanks to Randy, the skirl of the bagpipes echoing out over the docks brought others to enjoy his impromptu performance.
Water through hawse hole
Ratlines and yard
Chibley, ships cat
US stars and stripes for the 4th of July
Manila rope
Paul, 2nd mate, in foul weather gear
The weather across was very foggy, with two lookouts on alert for much of the time, and the gentle blast of the foghorn to lull us to sleep at night. I'm currently on the 8-12 watch, which means that I work from 0800-1200, and 2000-0000. Sleep comes hurriedly after that!
Crew amidships
Sarah, deckhand
Julie and David, handling ropes
Peter, sail trainee
Sunset behind the wheel
Life at sea has its very special moments. Great views over the ocean, long chats with new friends, new skills acquired, and a lot of ropes to pull. The food is good, the bunks roomy, and despite what it says in the packing list, there's plenty of storage space for everyone.
Approaching Boston
Sailing past the Tall Ships
We got to Boston safely - more about that another time. I'm currently in Halifax, Nova Scotia, using a wireless connection with compliments of the very nice people at the Marriot Hotel here. Love to all, from Travelling Tim.
Picton Castle docked in Boston
