TALL SHIP CHRONICLES
Episode 1: Nova Scotia to Panama
The series begins in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada where the tall ship Picton Castle is being prepared to begin her 19 month voyage around the world. The Picton Castle is commanded by Captain Daniel Moreland and his crew of a dozen paid professionals and 35 paying trainees. The crew is comprised of men and women of various ages and from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. One of the trainees is a 29 year old actor named Andrew Younghusband who will also be the narrator for the series. Andrew has never spent any time at sea, let alone aboard a square rigged ship, and his ignorance of the lifestyle very quickly becomes apparent in his very first meeting with the Captain.
Andrew and his fellow shipmates begin to get to know one another and start adjusting to their new floating home. It's late October and the weather is cold and rainy, but the ship is leaving in less than two weeks so there is a great deal of work to do so everyone is put to their first test. In addition to the adjusting to living with 45 other individuals in cramped quarters, the trainees also need to learn the art of climbing high into the rigging in all conditions day and night to learn how to furl sails.
After several agonizing delays, the ship is finally ready to set sail, and the families and friends of the crew gather to wish them well. There are many tearful goodbyes and the emotions are running very high as the ship slips away from the dock and eventually disappears over the horizon.
Once at sea, the crew discover first hand what the North Atlantic in November is like and for many of the crew, it takes several days for their seasickness to subside. Gradually they get into the rhythm of the ship and people begin to become better friends with some crew more than others. The voyage started without any couples on board, but two weeks after leaving Lunenburg, one secret romance has already begun.
Episode 2: Panama to the Galapagos Islands
The Picton Castle has arrived at the Panama Canal and the crew are amazed by this engineering wonder as they pass from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Arriving on the Pacific side of the canal marks the beginning of their passage through the sultry South Pacific.
They crew are very excited about the upcoming six months and their visits to the Galapagos Islands, Pitcairn Island, and Tahiti. Some of the crew, however, are not very excited about the daily lifestyle aboard ship and one crewmember decides to end the voyage in Panama. Andrew has been having his own difficulties with an injury to his hand that he feels the doctor hasn't properly taken care of as well as several discussions with the Captain about modifying his behaviour to become a better shipmate.
As the crew set sail from Panama, it will be two weeks before they see land again, and during that time, the majority of the crew will be subject to an ancient maritime hazing ritual as they are visited by King Neptune as they sail across the equator. As they get closer to the equator, the un-initiated "pollywogs" become increasingly concerned as rumours begin to circulate about what will happen to them during the equator crossing. The newly formed couple have other issues to think about as they consider if they should be the next to jump ship.
Episode 3: The Galapagos Islands to Pitcairn Island
The Picton Castle has arrived in the famed Galapagos Islands, and the crew take full advantage of the opportunity to explore the exotic wildlife that inspired Darwin's Theory of Evolution. Several of the crew have decided they aren't interested in evolving any further, so they pack their bags and jump ship.
After several weeks of exploring the islands that time forgot, the Picton Castle and her crew embark on the 2 nd longest leg of the world voyage and spend the next month at sea enroute to Pitcairn Island.
During the passage, the crew begin to experience the emotional reality of being in one of the most isolated corners of the planet and cut off from the rest of the world for weeks on end. They begin to gain a new respect for the power of the sea and a deeper understanding of the danger of becoming complacent.
Several of the crew soar to new heights in conquering their fears while others reflect on their new lives compared to the lives they have left behind. The anticipation grows, as they get closer to Pitcairn Island and the home of the descendants of Fletcher Christian and the Mutiny of the Bounty .
Episode 4: Pitcairn Island to Tahiti
After spending almost one month at sea and having travelled 2700 miles without seeing land, the Picton Castle and her crew arrive at one of the most isolated islands in the world. This remote piece of land isn't just any island, but rather the home of the descendants of the mutineers from the HMS Bounty .
Upon arriving at Pitcairn Island the Captain and crew are immediately made to feel at home and are each "adopted" by one of the 40 plus residents and invited back to their homes where they will be fed and housed during their stay on the island. The Captain is welcomed home like a long lost son and the crew discover that he has a history with the island residents going back 25 years from when he first visited the island.
The crew are more than happy spend 10 carefree days exploring this new paradise and experiencing the freedom that Fletcher Christian and his crewmates risked their lives for. Soon it is time to bid their new adopted families farewell and set sail for the next fantasy destination.
After many tearful goodbyes, the crew are on their way towards French Polynesia and they pass the time by having their own talent show. Everyone gets involved, and not even the Captain is exempt from the humorous skits as the crew poke fun at each other. This festive mood sets the scene for the arrival in Tahiti, one of the most seductive islands in the world that the crew are about to experience first hand.
Episode 5: Tahiti to the Cook Islands
Having sailed nearly 8,000 miles in less than four months, the crew of the Picton Castle arrive in Tahiti, the heart of French Polynesia. This is the beginning of many months of island hopping through the South Pacific and the part of the voyage many of the crew were looking forward to the most.
Another thing many of the crew were looking forward to was the opportunity of getting a permanent memento of their voyage in the form of a traditional Polynesian tattoo. Other crewmembers are captivated by the seductive and hypnotic rhythm of Tahitian music and dancing.
The Picton Castle experiences another change of crew members as several people decide to return home and are replaced by crew that have signed on for only a few months. These "newbies" have a great deal to learn about crewing aboard a Tall Ship, including the challenges of day to day life at sea.
The crew barely have the chance to settle into their new island hopping pace of life when they are faced with a potentially fatal mosquito borne tropical disease epidemic. They assess their level of risk and decide to continue to explore several of the islands, but for one unlucky crewmember, their worst fear is realized.
Episode 6: The Cook Islands to Samoa
The crew of the Picton Castle are now deep in the heart of the picture prefect South Pacific Ocean. They have now left French Polynesia and are once again able to communicate with the locals in English.
The visit to the Cook Islands holds a special significance for the Picton Castle and the Captain because the ship is registered here and flies the Cook Islands flag. The locals warmly greet the crew and before you know it, they are putting their newly acquired Polynesian dance skills to the test.
For trainee Jim, this stop represents a long awaited chance to have his family come for a visit having not seen them in 10 months since the ship left Canada. For Christa, however, this port of call is less joyous as she prepares to say goodbye to her shipmates and return to Canada. This port also represents a special challenge for Phil as he begins his search for another job aboard a cargo ship in the event that his position isn't renewed aboard the Picton Castle.
After 10 days in Rarotonga, the Picton Castle sets sail for Palmerston Island, which is another favourite destination for the Captain. Upon the ships' arrival, each of the crew are "adopted" by a local family and quickly become part of the community, which inadvertently results in them also becoming the focus of the latest controversy amongst the islanders.
Episode 7: Samoa to Fiji
As the Picton Castle continues its island hopping through the South Pacific, all is not well in paradise. Hygiene problems, infection and bad water have got crew morale at an all-time low. As the ship approaches the island of Puka Puka the crew is understandably tense. This remote island has not seen this many visitors since 1974 and the islanders have absolutely no idea they're coming.
The next stop can be summed up in two words: Boar's Tooth. This traditional form of tattooing is unique to Samoa and the crew certainly get 'bitten' by the boar's tooth tattoo bug. One truth is soon made clear.this procedure is not for the faint of heart!
The arrival in Tonga is marked by the departure of two shipmates: Kelly and Mac. Mac may have come in like a lamb, but he's going out like a lion. Lauren does her best to keep the peace as Mac and the Captain express their 'true feelings' for each other over dinner.
Beautiful Fiji is the sight of more sad good-byes as the Picton Castle bids farewell to two of its most beloved members, first mate Billy and the youngest crewmember, Sloane. Fiji is also the place where cooks Laurie and Dennis speak up for the first time about their conflict in the galley - a conflict that leads to insults, threats and ultimately Dennis' departure from the ship.
As the Picton Castle prepares to leave Fiji the crew must come to terms with two facts: they no longer have a cook and must take turns in the galley, and not everyone who started this world voyage will finish. The big question is who will be next?
Episode 8: Fiji to Vanuatu
The Picton Castle's visit to Fiji represents another emotional turning point for everyone aboard as they say a painful goodbye to several long time crewmembers who are leaving the ship and welcome a new first mate, a new engineer and a new third mate.
Lauren finally has a chance to learn more about Andrew's life prior to joining the Picton Castle when they watch a tape of Andrew performing in earlier television shows. He's nervous about how she'll react to the side of his life she's never been exposed to.
While several of the crew decide to take a trip to Thailand, the Tall Ship Chronicles cameraman, Wade decides to return to Nova Scotia for a well-earned break, and the assistant cook, Laurie decides to leave just before the Picton Castle sets sail, leaving the ship and crew without a cook. Emily and Jen who step up to the stove and cook their first meal for the crew quickly fill the unexpected vacancy in the galley. They give it their best shot but are disappointed with their culinary results; however, they redeem themselves the next morning with an amazing breakfast.
The ship finally sets sail and three days out of Fiji, the crew receives information that a tropical depression has unexpectedly developed into a full-blown storm and is heading directly for them. The ship is several days from their nearest port and has no way to outrun the storm which means the only option is to batten down the hatches and prepare to face the worst. They don't have long to wait before they're dealing with gale force winds, gigantic seas and blinding rain. All hands are on deck and are reminded that when you're at sea, Mother Nature is in control.
Episode 9: Vanuatu
As the Picton Castle arrives at the exotically rugged Vanuatu Islands on the fringe of the South Pacific, the crew comes face to face with a culture that was historically feared for its cannibalism. The Picton Castle and her crew fascinate the local inhabitants, and two of the local islanders even join the ship as it visits the surrounding islands.
In exchange for the their hospitality, the crew help the locals with small repair jobs and daily chores and soon realize how difficult their daily lives are. The ship decides to host what begins as a small party for the village, but turns into a gathering of several hundred people from all of the surrounding villages.
During a Sunday night of kava drinking on shore, the crew are struck by the irony of the differences between the religious beliefs of the islanders and themselves and worry about the lingering negative effect it might have on the island population after they leave.
While visiting a nearby island, several crew explore an active volcano, while others explore the trading opportunities and begin to appreciate the cultural difference between items the locals value and items they consider valuable. Andrew discovers that even on these remote islands, cash is king, and he is challenged with rounding up enough cash to buy a large wooden statue. The crew also discover that their local crew members, Ezekial and Jake, fear the tribe on the island might use their reputed power of black magic to cast a spell on them since they come from a different island.
While swimming in a lagoon, Maria gets stung by a poisonous jellyfish and has an extremely violent reaction. The crew take turns staying by her side through the night, while Jill must rely on her medical training with the help of a remote medical service to decide on a course of treatment. As Maria's condition worsens, the Captain and crew are faced with an extremely difficult decision and a huge challenge that puts everyone on edge.
Episode 10: Vanuatu to Bali
This episode finds the crew of the Picton Castle on the southern edge of Polynesia in the heart of the ruggedly exotic Vanuatu Islands. After several weeks of exploring these rarely visited islands, Andrew and the crew have not only gained an insight into the local culture, but have also welcomed two locals named Jack and Ezekial as their newest trainee shipmates.
During a visit to the wreck of a WWII bomber plane, the human costs of warfare begin to take on a new significance for Kate as she is reminded of a family member that was killed during WWII. The crew doesn't realize it at the time, but Kate's experience is a prelude to the shock they will all have to deal with in the weeks to come.
After nearly one full year on board the Picton Castle, Captain Dan recognizes that the group of novice trainees he started the voyage with are now competent sailors. In recognition of their achievement, Andrew and several of the trainee crew are offered the opportunity to "call" the sail changes. They soon realize there is always more to learn.
As the ship and crew sail away from Vanuatu, they officially leave the South Pacific and make their way to Australia via the treacherous Torres Straits. Several days after arriving in Darwin, they are struck with the news of the September 11 attacks in New York. As they deal with the shock and anxiety of being half way around the world from their friends and family, they begin to consider what effect the attacks might have on them. They hold their own memorial service and many of the crew gain a new perspective on the voyage and what they truly consider important. After many long hours of consideration, some of the crew decide to return to their home countries and the Captain even considers ending the world voyage. Eventually the decision is made to proceed with caution to the next scheduled port of call, which happens to be the largest Muslim country on the planet.
While the Picton Castle is preparing to leave Australia, Andrew and Lauren are preparing to stay in Australia for a few weeks so Andrew can revisit the place he was born and lived for seven years. They rent a camper van to drive across the country and discover as much about themselves as they do about the Australian outback.
During the passage to Indonesia, the Picton Castle crew have a great deal to reflect upon, including the possibility of being attacked by modern-day pirates. The crew learn how to defend themselves against a potential pirate attack and very soon have a chance to test their new knowledge.
Episode 11: Bali to the Seychelle Islands
The Picton Castle and her crew have arrived in the exotic island of Bali, Indonesia. The US terrorist attacks are still very much on everyone's mind, especially since they have just arrived in a country with a Muslim population of 300 million people. As the crew adjusts to their new post September 11 reality, Andrew is preparing to deal with the reality of meeting Lauren's parents for the first time.
Capt. Dan takes advantage of the fact that Bali is a mecca for all things handmade such as carvings, clothing, and furniture and goes on a shopping spree for trading goods. Andrew also goes shopping, but ends up with a ton of items and a serious challenge of getting permission to bring them aboard the ship.
Before leaving Bali to cross the Indian Ocean, the Picton Castle takes on eight new trainee crew or "newbies". This passage will be the longest yet of the entire world voyage and will take at least five weeks to complete. Given the uncertain global political situation however, they leave Bali without knowing what their next port of call will be.
Several weeks after leaving Bali, the crew celebrate a monumental milestone of being one full year at sea since leaving Lunenburg Nova Scotia. The crew reflect on everything that has happening during the past year and how they have grown and changed. Capt. Dan decides on their next port of call, but five days before arriving in the Seychelle Islands, Sven hurts his back and is totally immobilized. The crew do everything possible to make him comfortable as they race to get to the nearest port. Upon arriving in the Seychelles, Sven is sent to South Africa by air ambulance and Lauren decides to go with him, which means she may not see Andrew or the ship again for several months.
Episode 12: The Seychelle Islands to South Africa
After spending five weeks crossing the Indian Ocean, the Picton Castle and her crew are in the Seychelle Islands. Jim decides to pursue his life long dream of attempting to climb the highest peak in Africa and is joined by Andrew and several of the crew. The adventure turns out to be more difficult than they had expected and they face the possibility that they may not succeed in reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Back in the Seychelle Islands, the Picton Castle welcomes several newbies, as well as former crew member Charlie who left the ship seven months earlier. They receive encouraging news that Sven is recovering from his back injury and hopes to return to the ship in South Africa.
Andrew and Lauren are reunited after several weeks apart and the ship heads for Madagascar. The crew spend their second Christmas together at sea and are reminded that the ship has become their home and their crew mates have become their family.
After celebrating New Year's Eve in Hellville, the ship sets sail for South Africa via the Comoros Islands where Andrew searches for hand carved items for his house in Canada. As they approach the notoriously stormy Cape of Good Hope, the crew work together to prepare for the worst, but end up establishing a new speed record for the Picton Castle. With South Africa only days away, Lauren finally makes a big decision that could spell the end of her relationship with Andrew.
Episode 13: South Africa
The Picton Castle arrives in Cape Town, South Africa to a dock filled with cheering family and friends. Lauren officially completes her circumnavigation and signs off the ship after nearly three years aboard.
The ship goes into dry-dock for a 35,000-mile check-up and the crew are able to take some time off. Dr. Dave and Chief Mate Michael go on a Harley road trip and explore the wine country. Emily goes off in search of her host family from a previous visit and is reminded of the impact that Aids is having in Africa. Ezekiel experiences his first ever train ride while Andrew enjoys time together with his brother and Lauren's family. Kate delivers thousands of much needed text books to local schools and receives an overwhelming response. Jenny visits the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years and discovers the impact that North Americans had on ending Apartheid.
The ship's departure date is delayed several times while Capt. Dan waits for the new steel yards to be completed. Lauren begins to settle back into her life in Cape Town as she gets a new job and buys a car. Once the ship is finally ready to leave, Lauren and Andrew come face to face with a moment they have been dreading for months.