Pitcarin Island

[donkey_jaw]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking on here for the past week reading everything I could. This is an amazing site. Currently I don't have a boat or live near the ocean but I love the water and love to travel.

Being a history buff and a fan of isolated places, islands like Pitcarin, Faulklands, Faroes have always interested me. Has anyone here sailed to Pitcarin? Care to describe your experience if you have?

Thanks

[Paul L]

There's an article in the current issue of Spinsheet (Chesapeake Bay mag) on a visit to Pitcairn. Available online

[donkey_jaw]

Thanks! I'll check that out

[Captain_Nick]

There is also one in "Climbing Magazine" about an expedition to Pitcairn.
And there archives are available online for free...

[woff]

I seem to remember that the Bounty crew chose Pitcarin because there are no anchorages, it's surrounded by high cliffs and changing currents. Or is that the Hollywood version.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by woff

I seem to remember that the Bounty crew chose Pitcarin because there are no anchorages, it's surrounded by high cliffs and changing currents. Or is that the Hollywood version.

I think the main reasons Pitcairn was chosen were it's isolation and incorrect positioning on the charts of the day making it difficult and unlikely that other vessels would call there.

Regarding the anchorage, pretty much what I understand from looking at charts and reports of those that have been there. It is certainly an open roadstead and protected only by the lee of the island. Wind shifts leave any vessel very exposed. Landing is by small boat only at a very exposed pier.

[pierrrre]

From Wikipedia

"Pitcairn Island does not have an airport or seaport; the islanders rely on longboats to ferry people and goods between ship and shore through Bounty Bay. The island has one small harbour and launch ramp that is used to dock and load long-boats. Because it is small and the water is shallow, only small-craft can fit."

[donkey_jaw]

I've read articles in the past about sailing there. I was wondering if anyone on this site has been.

Thanks

[DtM]

One of the many attractions of the Pacific.

From where do ships go to the island? New Zealand?

[bobconnie]

Connie and I and the kids made it once! fine folks when we were there! If ya hit the weather window right, the back shore anchorage is just ok, not really great for sure ! never tried the dock side for anchoring. Except for maybe getting some produce, and the history, theres not really much there !! The kids enjoyed meeting the other kids there, and learning that these kids were related to many of the folks in the books really got there attention!! We stayed about a week and got blown off the anchorage! Thats are total knowalge about Pitcarin.

[AiniA]

We went to Pitcairn but were not able to anchor. My wife went ashore - the surf boat was driven by Brenda Christian, who is Fletcher's direct descendant. June loved the island and the people.

The strange thing about the conditions there was that there was virtually no wind, certainly less than 5 knots, but there were three separate sets of swells one from the NE, one from the NW and one from the south. To anchor you need to get quite close to shore since the water is very deep. The shore is basically all cliffs so the waves bounced and added to the confused sea.

Last thought is that the island is quite beautiful.

[Wraith_Mac]

Here's a link to u-tube, more videos than you can poke a stick at.
Pictures worth a thousand words etc.
Cheers,
Mac
Pitcairn Island - YouTube

[donkey_jaw]

thanks for the response guys. To me that would be the ultimate sailing destination because it is so isolated. To those who have sailed there, how long did it take and where did you launch from?

Jason

[CSY Man]

Read a book about that island.
Lots of rapes and child abuse going on and no law or justice to protect the victims until the Kiwis came in with cops.
Horrible story and most of the males seemed like pigs and even the women brushed it under the carpet as it was also in their past.

Will pull the book out when I get home and post the title..

Pitcairn sexual assault trial of 2004 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[AiniA]

We went to Pitcairn from Easter Island and carried on to Mangareva in SE French Polynesia. This is an alternative to going to the Marquesas from the Galapagos.