Header trainee

Join a sailing adventure on a Tall Ship and set course for new horizons!

Saint George’s (GD) - Martinique (MQ) - New Orleans (US)

02 April - 28 May 2026

56 days, Picton Castle

From € 8785,-

Book this journey

Expedition Sail Training

Regular: € 8785,-

Book this journey

Picton Castle:
Saint George’s (GD) - Martinique (MQ) - New Orleans (US)

02 April - 28 May 2026

Experience 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, and Anguilla (or others – depending on sailing conditions). Sailing through the Caribbean feels like a true paradise – with a day or two at sea between stops, you’ll alternate between ship duties at anchor in tropical blue waters and exploring the vibrant life ashore. The journey’s final leg leads to New Orleans, where Picton Castle will join the international fleet of Tall Ships for the USA’s 250th birthday celebrations
Open for all Windseekers, minimum age 18 years.
The journey price has been converted to EUR to provide an approximate total. The final price is 9,500 USD.

About this Voyage

This expedition will be made in true Picton Castle style. Adventures at sea and on land, amazing, storied ports to visit, a variety of sailing conditions, and incredible hands-on learning opportunities will be the hallmarks of this voyage. You will learn seamanship, steering a tall ship at sea, small boat handling, sailmaking, rigging, celestial navigation, carpentry, ropework... The ports, your shipmates, and yourself.

You can now apply to be part of this epic voyage! Picton Castle sails with a combination of professional and trainee crew. The crew are qualified mariners with significant experience at sea, ready to teach you the ropes. Trainees are folks like you – curious, adventurous, inspired by a challenge, fit, from a variety of nationalities and backgrounds, wanting to go to sea and see the world from the unique perspective that only being crew on a voyage can offer – and ready for a challenge!

This is a voyage for adventurous souls. People ages 18 and up of all genders and all nationalities are welcome to apply. As a trainee you will participate in all aspects of sailing the ship: you’ll stand watches, take your turn at the wheel and as lookout, you’ll handle lines and sails, scrub decks, help the cook in the galley, assist with ship’s maintenance, and learn authentic seamanship skills as was the time-honoured way of the wind ships in the Age of Sail, and still is in Picton Castle.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, to travel the world, to travel sustainably by wind power, learn new skills, to challenge yourself personally, to gain teamwork skills, to be part of a close-knit community aboard, to do something amazing with your gap year or big overseas adventure, to check an item off your bucket list, to lay a foundation for a career at sea, to accomplish the dream of a lifetime, or simply to experience the portion of our planet covered by water, you’re welcome to apply.

Ports

Saint George’s is the capital of the Caribbean island-state of Grenada. Visit Fort George for a dose of history and great views and then relax on a nearby beach. If you take your chocolate seriously you should stop by the House of Chocolate, and if you like diving you can't miss the Underwater Sculptures!

New Orleans is in one of the two USA's regions located below the sea level. The city is birthplace of jazz and is well-known for its rich multicultural scene. Take a look at the European architecture in The French Quarter. Go to the Uptown, the city's most historic district. Check out the beautiful sculptures and tombs in one of 42 famous cemeteries. Take part in festivals, visit the museums and music events full of historic heritage.

  • New Orleans (US)

Key points

  • Dates: 2 April 2026 - 28 May 2026
  • For Windseekers of all ages, minimum age 18 years
  • Windseekers joining: maximum 40
  • No sailing experience required!
  • Official language on board: English
  • Price includes: accommodation and meals, excludes drinks at the bar
  • Price excludes transportation costs to-and from the ports. Our travel counsellor can advise you and book your transfers
  • Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
  • Need to take with you on board: sleeping bags and towels
  • "I liked to be offline for a few days."

    Maria (19), Germany

You sail on the Picton Castle

Picton Castle sailing all sails
Shipping type: Barque
Homeport: Avatiu, Cook Islands
Date built: 1928
Trainees: 40
Length: 45m
Height of mast: 29,57m
Sail: 1157m2

Deep water, square rigger, ocean voyaging at its best. The barque Picton Castle is known for her international voyages, crossing oceans and a high standard of seamanship training. This 179-foot sailing ship accommodates 52 people, including 12 professional crew members …

Read more

Windseeker logs

  • The Sustainability of Sailing

    Windseeker, 23 February 2023

    – by Anna Gudarowska

    While sailing isn't immune to environmental impacts, we're setting a course for eco-conscious practices on board. In this exploration, we dive into the reasons why sailing and sustainability are intricately intertwined. From harnessing the wind's renewable energy to cultivating a …

    Read log
  • Meaning something is caring about people

    Statsraad Lehmkuhl

    Antwerp-Lisbon

    – by Trainee Aurélie (16), Belgium

    I wrote this before my 'after-breakfast-nap' on the last day of sailing: "It's the last day of sailing at the Statsraad Lehmkuhl, The Tall Ships Races. We are coming closer to the finishing line and I am finally writing something. I'm …

    Read log

Photos

  • Trainee
  • Sørlandet
  • Sørlandet

OTHER JOURNEYS YOU MIGHT LIKE

This Journey is not covered by the STO Garant guarantee.