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.
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.
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.
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