Picton Castle
The Ship
Experience deep-water, square-rigged ocean voyaging at its finest. The barque Picton Castle is renowned for the worldwide expeditions, ocean crossings, and high standard of seamanship training. At 179 feet, the ship accommodates 52 people, including 12 professional crew members and 40 trainees.
Every person on board is an essential part of the crew, standing watches, taking the helm, serving as forward lookout, handling sails, and assisting with ship maintenance.
Sailing from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, Picton Castle proudly operates with a diverse international crew. With eight world circumnavigation voyages, a year-long exploration of the Atlantic basin, and numerous trips to the Caribbean, East Coast of North America, and the Great Lakes, Picton Castle is truly a global voyager.
History
Built in 1928 with a classic medium clipper hull by Cochrane’s of Selby, Yorkshire, England, Picton Castle started as a North Sea fishing trawler and cargo carrier. During World War II, the ship was repurposed as a minesweeper and convoy escort. Years later, Captain Daniel Moreland discovered it in Norway, envisioning a square-rigged sailing ship. He brought Picton Castle to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, where skilled craftsmen transformed the vessel into the blue-water barque it is today. Since 1997, Picton Castle has completed eight global circumnavigations and many shorter voyages, sharing the traditional ways of a square-rigger with over 1,000 crew members from around the world.
Accommodation
On board the Picton Castle you will sleep in one of the cosy pilot bunks, each equipped with a privacy curtain, reading light, and moderate storage space. Eighteen trainees sleep in the main salon, with eight in the forepeak, eight in the after cabin, and ten in the foc’sle. In addition to the co-ed main salon, designated male- and female-only sleeping areas are available.
The main salon, featuring rich mahogany tables and mother-of-pearl-inlaid Balinese sea chests, serves as the heart of the ship, doubling as a bedroom, dining room, living room, and classroom.
In good weather, you can enjoy your meals on deck.
Specifications
Shipping type: Barque
Homeport: Avatiu, Cook Islands
Date built: 1928
Restored: 1955, 1997
Capacity: 52
Length: 45m
Beam: 7.21m
Draught: 4,27m
Sail: 1157m2
Height of mast: 29,57m
Engine capacity: 690hp Burmeister & Wain Alpha diesel
Displacement: 300 ton
Join a Picton Castle expedition
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Picton Castle
Lunenburg (CA) - San Cristobal, Galapagos (EC)
22 Apr 2025 - 19 Jul 2025One voyage, two oceans, and countless unforgettable experiences! Join the Picton Castle as it sails from Nova Scotia, Canada, to the iconic Galapagos Islands, with stops...
Picton Castle
Lunenburg (CA) - New Orleans (US)
22 Apr 2025 - 28 May 2026Embark on a 400-day journey of a lifetime aboard the Picton Castle, sailing from Canada down the North American coast, through the Panama Canal, and onward...
Picton Castle
San Cristobal, Galapagos (EC) - Tahiti (PF)
20 Jul 2025 - 26 Oct 2025Join the Picton Castle in the stunning Galapagos Islands and embark on a month-long voyage to Pitcairn Island. After days at sea, prepare for an extended...
Picton Castle
Tahiti (PF) - Stanley (FK)
27 Oct 2025 - 30 Dec 2025Depart from Tahiti and set course for the beautiful Polynesian island of Raivavae, then brace yourself for a challenging South Pacific crossing toward Cape Horn. This...
Picton Castle
Stanley (FK) - Saint George’s (GD)
31 Dec 2025 - 01 Apr 2026Board the Picton Castle in the South Atlantic’s Falkland Islands and set sail for the remote island of St. Helena before taking course for the Caribbean....
Picton Castle
Saint George’s (GD) - New Orleans (US)
02 Apr 2026 - 28 May 2026Experience the Caribbean aboard the tall ship Picton Castle. Embark from Grenada and discover a series of breathtaking islands, including the Tobago Cays, Bequia, Martinique, Dominica,...