Waxing lyrical - Nik's ode to the permanent crew

Nik and Judy Wilkinson sailed Easter Is. to Pitcairn
- so they'd know all about this crew..

There’s a skipper of square rigger fame Jim Cottier, we proudly proclaim Bewhiskered and weathered He cannot be bettered In the tallships leadership game. Jim has a very fine crew To him, they are loyal and true Though a mischevious lot When put on the spot They’ll do what he tells them to do.         George is a talented mate With too many skills to relate His sextant’s a-blazing His violin’s amazing His deck streak was utterly great.         Winch is a man of great strength His engine pumps out a foul stench But his nature is sweet He only eats meat Have you seen what he does with his wrench?         Gareth’s a really good bloke He likes a bit of a joke “Droodle the peak Nadge the yard a good tweak” Anyone got something to smoke?         Purse is the lady with money So don’t try anything funny On this wild ocean cruise She’s in charge of the booze And we think she’s rather a honey!         Ali G’s our chef de cuisine When it’s rough she’s oft’n to be seen Buffetted and bruised Burnt and abused But she smiles, she’s calm and serene.         John’s medic and bosun, too So if you’re feeling a little bit blue He’ll cure you (or kill) With the appropriate pill And whip up the frayed ends of you.         Carl has a fine brain in his head Though his shirt and his beard instil dread He loves a good think And will work out in a blink The cube root of x, y and z.         Darren is rummaging again Down in his secret domain In the course of the trip He’s replaced half the ship But don’t ask him, please, to explain.         Miranda’s an absolute joy She thinks she looks like a boy But we know, don’t we chaps, With that fine pair of baps It’s only a bit of a ploy.         Emma’s a fun loving girl Multi-talented, so versatile She’s quite a hit At shedding her kit And doing a bit of a twirl.         Cath has a secret or two When it comes to a great ship’s stew Her baking’s so munchy Her hedgehogs are crunchy Please can we have seconds too?         Young Sam is amazingly fit He climbs the mast lickety-spit Six times on the trot Without getting hot And just for the sheer hell of it.         So this is the Soren’s A team Who we hold in the highest esteem Jim and his crew To give them their due Have made it all go like a dream.

Soren Larsen will be visiting these destinations again -