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The Pitcairn islanders speak a dialect that is a hybrid of Tahitian and eighteenth-century English. We hope to stay several days anchored off Adamstown, depending on prevailing conditions, enjoy the islanders hospitality and thoroughly explore the island, visiting the Lookout Peak and Fletcher's Hideout cave.
From Pitcairn we sail northwards into French Polynesia and the spectacular Marquesas islands. The soaring volanic peaks covered in lush rainforest are as spectacular now as they were 100 years ago when Paul Gauguin lived and was buried here. Vivid green clings to cliffs that plunge vertically to bays and anchorages and here local Polynesian culture survives in this least visited part of French Polynesia. It is 900 miles westwards to Tahiti which will navigate through via the idyllic Tuamotu archipelago.
How long we spend at each landfall will depend on our passage time from Easter Island and the Captain will decide this en passage with reference to wind and chart, just as tallship navigators have done since Cook and Bougainville first explored these waters.
Sighting Otaheite (or Tahiti as it is now known), on the horizon will signal the completion of our unique journey. To arrive in the Society Islands of Polynesia by square rigger, after a great sea journey, is to experience the sense of wonder as the first European explorers here. Our final destination will be the capital Papeete.
On arriving onboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the morning will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works.
During a ocean passage the ship is sailing 24 hours a day and as voyage crew you will stand deck watches and participate within a normal 4 hours on / 8 hours off watch system. While on watch the voyage crew are under the care and instruction of the watch officer and other permanent crew. Everyone stands a trick (a turn) on the helm, takes lookout on bow watch, helps fill in the ship's deck log and helps handle sail as required.
Today we have the benefit of modern electronic navigational aids but you might want to try your hand at using a sextant and see the principles of traditional navigation demonstrated in an authentic ocean setting.
The true joy of ocean sailing is to experience the unique sense of escape and freedom that comes with having an uninterrupted horizon and knowing that land may lie hundreds of miles away in any direction. At sea each day is unique and the dynamic of the ocean and beauty of the skies leaves a profound impression on those who have not experienced it before.
If you have a particular interest in traditional tallship sailing there is plenty of time to master the brigantine rig or become adept at working aloft in the rigging. Going up the mast is certainly not compulsory (nor is any other activity that you are not comfortable with) however it is an experience that is not available to any other type of sailing and is considered by many as one not to be missed.
The camaraderie of a crew that sail many miles together is very special and friendships that are made aboard a sailing ship can last a lifetime. It is a prominent part of ocean sailing and the bonds that are made between those that share such a voyage are beyond measure.
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