Waipu-linked tall ship on way

Patsy Montgomery is looking forward to the arrival of Nova Scotian barque Picton Castle. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A Nova Scotian tall ship reminiscent of those used in the historic Scottish migration to Waipu is on her way to Whangarei.

The barque, called the Picton Castle, is berthed in Auckland and left for Whangarei on Saturday in an arrangement with Waipu Museum.

Museum manager Patsy Montgomery said the ship's visit was significant because of the Scottish migration to Nova Scotia then Waipu between 1817 and 1854.

"The people of Waipu established a community in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia [in between leaving Scotland and arriving in New Zealand] and lived there for over 30 years," she said.

"During those years Nova Scotia became the ship-building capital of the world. For many years the farmers in Waipu had shares in shipping - they maintained their involvement in the maritime industry."

Another significance is the fact the Picton Castle is very similar to the Ellen Lewis, one of the six tall ships used in the Scottish migration, Ms Montgomery said.

The 179ft three-masted barque has a riveted-steel hull, clear oiled-pine decks, steel masts, and wooden and steel yard, and carries 12,450sq/ft of canvas sail.

The galley is on deck, and its 1893 cook stove is similar to those used on commercial sailing ships 100 years ago. Her mission is deep-ocean sail training and long-distance education.

Her home port is in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia, but she is in New Zealand after taking part in the Sydney to Auckland Tall Ships Regatta last month.

Picton Castle staff wrote to the Waipu Museum, suggesting the visit. "They discovered the connection from Nova Scotia with Waipu from an ex-pat New Zealander," Ms Montgomery said. Upon the Picton Castle's arrival in Northland waters, she will be berthed at NorthPort at Marsden Pt for maintenance free-of-charge.

"A big thanks to Jon Moore of NorthPort, who has gone out of his way to help us," Ms Montgomery said.

Because NorthPort is a high-security site and doesn't allow visitors, the ship will then move to Port Nikau in Whangarei to allow people to see her.

While visiting dates and times are yet to be confirmed, Ms Montgomery expects they will be from 2pm to 6pm this Saturday, Sunday and Monday. There will be a nominal charge of $5 for adults and $2 for children, she said.