The magnificent “Picton Castle” photographed on her approach to St. Martin. (Jean Jarreau photo)
MARIGOT--Non-profit association Caribbean Sail Training (CST) has announced the visit of famous square-rigged barquentine “Picton Castle” at the commercial port in Galisbay, Marigot, this coming Sunday, June 16.
The visit is special as it marks the captain’s eighth consecutive around-the-world voyage before the ship sails back to their home port Lunenburg harbour in Nova Scotia, Canada.
The ship, a long-time CST member vessel, will be hosted by the Port of Marigot and CST in cooperation with the vessel for an “Open Ship Day” to the public. She will be docked at the commercial pier in Galisbay where the general public can visit the vessel from 10:30am until 5:00pm.
A private reception for the port authorities, government officials, press, VIPs, invited guests and CST members is scheduled at 6:00pm after the ship’s open-door event. Sunday also coincides with the annual Fete de La Mer in Grand Case.
“Picton Castle” is a completely-refitted barque that observes the rigorous standards of Germanischer Lloyds for steel-hulled Cape Horners. She is 179 feet overall, with riveted steel hull, clear oiled-pine decks, steel masts, and wooden and steel yards. She carries 12,450 square feet of canvas sail.
The ship also has a powerful 690hp Burmeister & Wain alpha diesel engine for occasions when sailing is not feasible. The galley is on deck, and its 1893 cooking stove is similar to those used on commercial sailing ships 100 years ago.
There are berths for 40 sail trainees and 12 professional crew members. Usually about half of the trainees are men and half women. Their ages range from 18 to 60-plus, with the majority under 35. Sleeping accommodations are bunk-room style, in two tiers of pilot bunks. Bunks have curtains for privacy and individual reading lights.
Captain Daniel Moreland is one of the most respected sailing ship masters at sea today. An internationally recognised authority on square-rig and traditional sailing ships, he started his career sailing in the West Indies in island schooners, brigantines, and passenger windjammers.
CST’s mission is to provide education and sail training for young people of all nationalities, cultures, religions and social backgrounds, and especially for people living in the Caribbean. CST arranges sail training voyages on board tall ships and yachts that are provided at no cost to the trainees.
Eventual expenses such as airline tickets, hotel stays, etc. for the youth are also paid by the association. Information is available on Caribbean Sail Training’s website:
www.CaribbeanSailTraining.com.
