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Departure from Pitcairn
by Nate Stone - 12.5.05

The rain increased as the island’s longboat came along side. It’s bow reared up above the foredeck like a wild horse fighting to be tamed. The rough seas around Pitcairn Island making it difficult to transfer the Voyage Crew who reluctantly wait to come back on board from the open boat. The sea spray foamed off of the longboat’s bow as it dipped and rose in the seas next to Søren. Finally, the island’s men decide for the safer, but wetter, option of using our own inflatable boat to transfer the Voyage Crew back aboard from their time ashore.

One by one they come on to the rolling decks of Søren as the inflatable is secured alongside. Each has a story to make the others envious: Carol found herself stuck in a hillside cave, while Rod helped harvest breadfruit with a .22 Winchester rifle, and all the while everyone showing each other their authentic Pitcairn ”Drinking License”. As the last come aboard, Kenny and Andy make the last trip back from the tin longboat. Hundreds of bananas are tossed on deck, with freshly picked greens, passion fruit, lemons, and papaya. Kenny throws a Tuna on deck as he and Andy hold on tightly alongside in the big seas. Beneath their rain soaked smiles they transfer the last of the fresh mangoes aboard.

Everyone seems hesitant to go below as they stand in the warm rain waving their last goodbyes to the islanders on the other boat who graciously hosted them for three days. As the boat steams full ahead they pass closely alongside, then Dave Brown gives their tiller a sweeping turn back towards the lush cliffs of the island. Many eyes appear to tear up as the locals stand smiling and waving back as they head back to the safety of Bounty Bay. While their bow plows towards home, Søren’s slowly swings to the nor’west and to the warm latitudes of the tropics.

But, their is little time aboard the brigantine Søren Larsen to dwell on these friends lost. Sails do not raise themselves much like the bananas covering the deck do not stow themselves. And as the mate’s voice bellows above the freshening wind all are left to silently ponder this incredible island inwards.

The mainsail is once again hoisted and the jibs and stays’ls are ungasketed as we head towards the Marquesas. The rigging is alive again with creaks and groans and the Voyage Crew begin to climb aloft like real seamen as the ship rolls gently with the southern swell. Square sail are set and as the feet of those aloft touch the deck again, all get the feeling that we are once again at sea. The spray is tossed into the air as the rain ceases and the clouds part, letting the sun remedy the damp feeling of leaving the most hospitable islanders in the Pacific.

The sheets are trimmed and the lines are coiled as we move along towards French Polynesia. The stories of Pitcairn Island are already starting to be repeated as new ones are being made. But the warmth of such a beautiful small island will not be forgotten by any on board.

Nate.