Spenser’s grandfather visited the ship while we were in Mindelo Cape Verde. While it was a nice surprise for Spenser 
he also went everywhere with a video camera.
He has posted a great video of us getting underway without using our engine. His narration is cool too.
You can check out the video here.
I’ve also added pictures from the last night at Carnival in Carriacou.
Here is a link to a page on the Picton Castle’s website with everything you ever wanted to know about the safety equipment and other details about the ship.
An overview of elements that contribute to safety at sea in the Picton Castle
In case you were worried about what I’m getting into
KJ
After many delays the final report on the tragic loss of Laura Gainey, who was washed overboard from the Picton Castle December 6, 2006 has been released.
You can read the full report here:
http://www.tsb.gc.ca/en/reports/marine/2006/m06f0024/m06f0024.asp
An interesting read and I recommend it if you want to get details of this tragedy. It also helps to put “life at sea” into some perspective.
Do the results of this report give me pause?
No, not really. There are no guarantees in life and CHOOSING to go to sea in a traditional sailing vessel (or even a modern engine powered one for that matter) has a higher risk than sitting behind a desk all day. Nobody goes on these vessels without CHOOSING to do so. Press gangs are long gone.
Like climbing Mt Everest, hang gliding or skydiving or any other edgy activity there is risk. The risk of events that cannot be foreseen giving us a smack upside the head to remind us of mortality and our fragility. Tragic events such as this, and the various reports and evaluations that always result serve as a reminder to be prepared as best we can and to always “keep one hand for yourself and one for the ship”.
Thanks for reading.
KJ