Saga Holidays big cruise ship Saga Rose dwarfs the small Pitcairn longboat O'Leary lying alongside the ship deck during the vessel's call at Pitcairn Island in 1998.
Airline mileage from Pitcairn to –
| Anchorage, Alaska, from Pitcairn Island | 6,042.68 miles |
| Auckland, New Zealand from Pitcairn Island | 3,444 miles |
| Bangkok, Thailand, from Pitcairn Island | 9,192.15 miles |
| Beijing, China, from Pitcairn Island | 8,595.55 miles |
| Bergen, Norway, from Pitcairn Island | 9,132.25 miles |
| Berlin, Germany, from Pitcairn Island | 9,663.10 miles |
| Cairo, Egypt, from Pitcairn Island | 11,135.87 miles |
| Capetown, South Africa, from Pitcairn Island | 7,863.64 miles |
| Ducie Island, from Pitcairn Island | 223.52 miles |
| Easter Island, from Pitcairn Island | 1,196,05 miles |
| Galapagos Islands, from Pitcairn Island | 2,977.77 miles |
| Hawaii, from Pitcairn Island | 3,615.93 miles |
| Houston, Texas, from Pitcairn Island | 4,337.12 miles |
| Jakarta, Indonesia, from Pitcairn Island | 8,176.03 miles |
| Karachi, Pakistan, from Pitcairn Island | 11,486.40 miles |
| London, England, from Pitcairn Island | 9,154.48 miles |
| Los Angeles, California, from Pitcairn Island | 4,095.54 miles |
| Manila, The Philippines, from Pitcairn Island | 7,923.47 miles |
| Mexico City, Mexico, from Pitcairn Island | 3,612.46 miles |
| Moscow, Russia, from Pitcairn Island | 10,168.05 miles |
| Mumbai, India, from Pitcairn Island | 11,041.62 miles |
| New York City, New York, from Pitcairn Island | 5,694.72 miles |
| Norfolk Island, from Pitcairn Island | 3,903.45 miles |
| Panama, from Pitcairn Island | 3,932.62 miles |
| San Francisco, California, from Pitcairn Island | 4,316 miles |
| Santiago, Chile, from Pitcairn Island | 3,503.24 miles |
| Sao Paulo, Brazil, from Pitcairn Island | 5,077.59 miles |
| Seattle, Washington, from Pitcairn Island | 4,993.09 miles |
| Seoul, Korea, from Pitcairn Island | 8,008.10 miles |
| Shanghai, China, from Pitcairn Island | 8,222.94 miles |
| Sydney, Australia, from Pitcairn Island | 4,785.90 miles |
| Tahiti, from Pitcairn Island | 1,437 miles |
| Tel Aviv, Israel, from Pitcairn Island | 11,293.32 miles |
| Tokyo, Japan, from Pitcairn Island | 7,294.06 miles |
| Wellington, New Zealand, from Pitcairn Island | 3,441.33 miles |
There is no air service to Pitcairn Island. The closest one can get to Pitcairn by air is an airstrip on the island of Mangareva in the Gambier Islands group, which is located some 900 miles southeast of Tahiti and more than 300 miles from Pitcairn.
In the mid-to-late 1900s, about the only way one could get to Pitcairn Island, save by private boat or yacht, was to find a commercial ship from either Wellington or Auckland in New Zealand whose captain was willing to drop his passenger off at Pitcairn Island. For several decades the personnel of the Pitcairn Commissioner's office in Auckland were most helpful in finding such shipping for those desiring to visit the Island.
Not long after the 21st century began, a ship of the Stoney Creek Shipping Company (of New Zealand) began ferrying people on an irregular basis from the airstrip at Mangareva to Pitcairn. Before the end of the first decade of the new century at least one other vessel was making irregular passenger voyages to the Island.
Today, there is a regularly scheduled shipping service to Pitcairn from the airstrip at Mangareva. The passenger-cargo ship Silver Supporter originates a schedule each quarter that begins in the vessel's home port of Tauranga, New Zealand and voyages to Pitcairn Island with both passengers and cargo for the Island. Then through the quarter Silver Supporter voyages back and forth from Pitcairn to Mangareva, picking up passengers at Mangareva for Pitcairn. At the end of the quarter Silver Supporter travels back to New Zealand to receive new cargo for Pitcairn, and then begins its quarterly voyaging schedule again.
Passenger ship service schedule to Pitcairn Island
To book a voyage to Pitcairn Island, Google "Pitcairn Island Tourism"
| Voyage 68 – 8th November 2022 | Voyage 69 – 15th November 2022 |
| Depart Mangareva Tuesday, 8th Nov | Depart Mangareva Tuesday, 15th Nov |
| Arrive Pitcairn Thursday, 10th Nov | Arrive New Zealand Sunday, 27th Nov |
| Depart Pitcairn Sunday, 13th Nov | Depart New Zealand Friday, 2nd Dec |
| Arrive Mangareva Tuesday, 15th Nov | Arrive Mangareva Tuesday, 27th Dec |
| Voyage 70 – 13th December 2022 | Voyage 71 – 20th December 2022 |
| Depart Mangareva Tuesday, 13th Dec | Depart Mangareva Tuesday, 20th Dec |
| Arrive Pitcairn Thursday, 15th Dec | Arrive New Zealand Sunday, 1st Jan |
| Depart Pitcairn Sunday, 18th Dec | Depart New Zealand Tuesday, 5th Jan |
| Arrive Mangareva Tuesday, 20th Dec | Arrive Mangareva Tuesday, 17th Jan |
| Voyage 72 – 17th January 2023 | Voyage 73 – 24th January 2023 |
| Depart Mangareva Tuesday, 17th Jan | Depart Mangareva Tuesday, 24th Jan |
| Arrive Pitcairn Thursday, 19th Jan | Arrive Pitcairn Thursday, 26th Jan |
| Depart Pitcairn Sunday, 22nd Jan | Depart Pitcairn Sunday, 29th Jan |
| Arrive Mangareva Tuesday, 24th Jan | Arrive Mangareva Tuesday, 31st Jan |
| Voyage 74 – 31st January 2023 | Voyage 75 – 21st February 2023 |
| Depart Mangareva Tuesday, 31st Jan | Depart Mangareva Tuesday, 21st Feb |
| Arrive Pitcairn Thursday, 2nd Feb | Arrive New Zealand Sunday, 5th Mar |
| Depart Pitcairn Sunday, 19th Feb | Depart New Zealand Thursday, 6th Apr |
| Arrive Mangareva Tuesday, 21st Feb | Arrive Mangareva Tuesday, 18th Apr |
| Voyage 76 – 18th April 2023 | Voyage 77 – 25th April 2023 |
| Depart Mangareva Tuesday, 18th Apr | Depart Mangareva Tuesday, 26th Apr |
| Arrive Pitcairn Thursday, 20th Apr | Arrive New Zealand Sunday, 7th May |
| Depart Pitcairn Sunday, 23rd Apr | |
| Arrive Mangareva Tuesday, 26th Apr |
Disclaimer: MV Claymore II - At time of publication these schedules are correct. However, they are subject to change so please contact Pitcairn Island Tourism before making bookings.
An additional travel service, Pitcairn Travel, offers voyages to the Island. The current schedule of this service may be seen at www.pitcairntravel.pn.
Places to Stay on Pitcairn
Check out these friendly places to stay by Googling “Pitcairn Tourism.”
In addition, many people visit Pitcairn Island, usually for a few hours rather than for days or weeks. This is by way of a number of large cruise ships that call at the Island during what is known locally as “cruise ship season.”
Cruise Ship Schedule
Here is a listing of cruise ships that are scheduled to call at Pitcairn Island in the future:
Updated: November 7, 2022
MV Seven Seas Mariner
January 27th, 2023
Passengers: 700
Crew: 445
Length 709 feet – 216 meters
Tonnage: 48,075 GRT
Launched: 2001
MS Amadea
January 29th, 2023
Passengers: 624
Crew: 292
Length: 623 feet – 192 meters
Tonnage: 28,856 GRT
Launched: 1991
MS Seabourn Sojourn
February 2nd, 2023
Passengers: 450
Crew: 355
Length: 649 ft - 198 meters
Tonnage: 32,346 GRT
Launched: 2010
MV Aranui 5
February 23rd + February 24th, 2023
Passengers: 230
Crew: 64
Length: 413 feet – 126 meters
Tonnage: 7,500 GRT
Launched: 2015
MV MSC Magnifica
February 24th, 2023
Passengers: 2,250
Crew: 1,027
Length: 964 feet – 293 meters
Tonnage: 95,128 GRT
Launched: 2009
MS Hanseatic Nature
March 10th, 2023
Passengers: 230
Crew: 175
Length: 452 ft - 138 meters
Tonnage: 15,650 GRT
Launched: 2019
MV Silver Explorer
April 2nd, 2023
Passengers: 132
Crew: 115
Length: 354 feet – 108 meters
Tonnage: 1905 GRT
Launched: 1989
MV National Geographic Orion
April 15th, 2023
Passengers: 106
Crew: 75
Length: 337 ft – 102 meters
Tonnage: 3984 GRT
Launched: 2002
MV Coral Princess
September 6th, 2023
Passengers: 1,970
Crew: 900
Length: 964 ft - 294 meters
Tonnage: 91,627 GRT
Launched: 2002
MV Aranui 5
October 12th + October 13th, 2023
Passengers: 230
Crew: 64
Length: 413 ft - 126 meters
Tonnage: 7500 GRT
Launched: 2015
MV Le Boreal
November 3rd, 2023
Passengers: 264
Crew: 136
Length: 466 ft – 142 meters
Tonnage: 10,944 GRT
Launched: 2010
MV Silver Explorer
November 5th, 2023
Passengers: 132
Crew: 115
Length: 354 ft - 108 meters
Tonnage: 1905 GRT
Launched: 1989
MV Costa Deliziosa
February 18th, 2024
Passengers: 2,828
Crew: 934
Length: 964 feet – 294 meters
Tonnage: 92,720 GRT
Launched: 2009
MS Amera
April 3rd, 2024
Passengers: 835
Crew: 440
Length: 672 ft - 205 meters
Tonnage: 38,848 GRT
Launched: 1998
MS National Geographic Orion
April 24th, 2024
Passengers: 106
Crew: 75
Length: 337 ft - 102 meters
Tonnage: 1,984 GRT
Launched: 2002
MV Coral Princess
August 4th, 2024
Passengers: 1,970
Crew: 900
Length: 964 ft - 294 meters
Tonnage: 91,627 GRT
Launched: 2002
MV Silver Cloud
October 24th + October 25th, 2024
Passengers: 296
Crew: 222
Length: 514 ft - 157 meters
Tonnage: 16,800 GRT
Launched: 1993
The Ships That Call at Pitcairn
With each vessel that calls at Pitcairn Island, whether it be a huge, multi-decked “ro-ro” (roll-on, roll-off) ship carrying hundreds of automobiles, a small sailing yacht, or a thousand-passenger cruise ship, there is always interest, even excitement among the Pitcairn people about it – a visitor has come! And the questions begin: “What port or country is this ship coming from?” “What is its cargo?” “Who is the captain or skipper?” “What place is she bound for?” “Is there a chance we can offer island crafts and products for sale on board the ship?” “Will the captain allow his passengers to come ashore for an island visit?” “Are there surplus products for sale on board the ship?” “Is this the first of a number of calls the ship will be making at Pitcairn, or is this a ‘one-time-only’ call?” . . . the questions are many and the answer to each one is important to the survival of Pitcairn Island.
Pitcairn Shipping List
A Pitcairn longboat braves rough seas to make contact with a ship calling at the island.
Except for cruise ships, few of the vessels that call at Pitcairn Island are known to the Pitcairners for more than a few hours (by radio) before their appearance off Bounty Bay, the landing place of the Island. The calling ships may be from almost any country of the world, and are of almost every type vessel that floats: sailing yachts, container ships, sea-going tugs, tramp steamers, French naval vessels, roll-on roll-of auto carriers, banana boats, bulk carriers, heavy-lift ships, fishing boats … In years past a careful record of each ship calling at Pitcairn was kept on the Island. Today all ship calls at Pitcairn are still faithfully recorded and made may be found in the columns of the Pitcairn Miscellany, the Island’s monthly newspaper. Two books listing all ship calls at Pitcairn, going back to the arrival of the Bounty mutineers there in 1790, are available from the Pitcairn Islands Study Center: “Pitcairn – Port of Call” (calls from 1790 to 1990), and “Pitcairn Island as a Port of Call” (calls from 1790 to 2010).
Year 2018
January 26
Oceania Cruises’ 66,000-ton, 238-metre-long cruise ship MS Marina, calls at Pitcairn Island on this date with about 1,200 passengers and a crew of 780. Pitcairn’s newsletter Pitcairn Miscellany reports on the ship’s visit: “The weather was not ideal for boarding (the ship from the Pitcairn longboats), but after some skillful positioning, both longboat and cruise ship came together to allow embarkation. All but a few Pitcairners stayed ashore, as most boarded the Marina. Along with baskets of curios for sale, and freshly caught fish requested from the Marina all was successfully transferred onboard. After a few hours on board, having set up a craft market, and having entertained the guests, it was time to say goodbye to new and old friends and head home. Any thanks to the Marina for another wonderful visit.”
February 9
With just two days notification of its intention to call at the Island, the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’, United Kingdom-based, 28,613-ton cruise ship Black Watch showed hers sleek lines off Bounty Bay on this day. “With over 500 passengers (primarily British) they cruised up to Pitcairn and kindly invited us on board,” reports the Island newsletter Pitcairn Miscellany. “Thirty community members took up the invitation to come on board, and set up a local craft market for the cruise ship passengers. We boarded at 4 p.m., on a day when the ocean was beautifully calm. By 5 p.m., we were set up and ready for the passengers, who were patiently waiting for the craft market to open. Following some brisk trading, and getting to know each other, we packed up at 6:30 p.m., and departed (the ship) by 7 p.m. Though it is fairly unusual to have an un-scheduled cruise ship arrive at Pitcairn, we always welcome such visits. We quickly prepare and provide a Pitcairn welcome experience that is both positive and memorable for all.”
February 17
The 980-ton French Naval Patrol Vessel Arago (P675), Captain Benoit Renie, from Tahiti, begins a two-day friendship visit with the Pitcairn people on this date. The two- day visit featured a co-hosted, evening barbecue on the first night, ad a fish fry meal with the Pitcairn community before the departure of the ship on the second night.
March 15
Claymore II, Pitcairn’s scheduled passenger-cargo ship calls on this date.
March 22
Calling at the Island on this date, Pitcairn’s scheduled passenger-cargo ship Claymore II brings visitors and quarterly supplies to Pitcairn from New Zealand.
March 24
The 62-foot sailing catamaran Elcie arrives at the Island on this date.
March 1
Making its final rotation arrival, Pitcairn’s scheduled passenger-cargo ship Claymore II arrives at the Island on this day.
March 12
The Crystal Cruises 781-foot, 51,044-ton cruise ship Crystal Symphony of Bahamas registry, makes a scheduled call at Pitcairn Island. The Island’s newsletter Pitcairn Miscellany reports: “At 9 a.m., Tuesday the Crystal Symphony arrived. As the seas at Bounty Bay were rough, we boarded (the ship) at Point Christian. Passenger numbers (on the ship) were half capacity. Following a lecture by Community member Melva Evans, passengers were keen to meet us all and buy some souvenirs. We were also kindly invited to lunch. We had provided the ship with some welcome fresh fruit and fish, while also purchasing items from the ship. At 2:30 p.m., after a great day, our (selling) tables packed up, we sang to the passengers before bidding them farewell as we headed home to Bounty Bay.”
March 30
The Netherlands flagged, 80-foot, steel-hull, motor sailing vessel Vanilla arrives off Bounty Bay, Pitcairn Island on this day.
March 31
Three sailing vessels arrive at Pitcairn Island on March 31, the 15-metre, Netherlands- flagged sailing vessel Sweet Chariot, the 20.79-metre yacht Seven Seas, and the 23-foot, United Kingdom-flagged sailing yacht Rebel. “All enjoyed the opportunity to meet with the community and view our beautiful island,” reports the monthly island newsletter The Pitcairn Miscellany.
April 1
Sailing yacht Kyory calls at Pitcairn Island.
April 6
The yach Wallis from the east calls at the island.
April 10
British Virgin Islands flagged sailing yacht Daedalus Adventure drops anchor off Bounty Bay at Pitcairn Island.
April 24
French sailing yacht Shaitanne arrives at Pitcairn Island.
April 27
Two days after the Pitcairn islanders celebrate “ANZAC Day” on the 25th, they welcome the 11.32- metre French, steel hull sloop Brindacier to the Island.
May 12
The sailing yacht Imagination calls at Pitcairn Island.
May 13
Sailing yacht Serenity arrives at the Island on this day.
May 17
In damp, rainy weather, the ship Claymore II arrives at Pitcairn Island with nine visitors and tons of supplies for the Island.
May 18
Two sailing yachts, the Begonia and the Nemo, from Easter Island, arrive at Pitcairn Island on this day, bringing visitors who go ashore who were keen to stretch their legs with walking about on the Island.
May 24
Passenger-supply ship Claymore II arrives at Pitcairn Island from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, with visitors.
May 31
Pitcairn's scheduled passenger-supply ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, arrives at the Island with several visitors on board. The ship departs Pitcairn Island for Mangareva early in June.
May 31
The 12-metre French sailing ship John 'Enfer calls at Pitcairn Island with several visitors.
Unknown date
The Swiss sailing yacht Kyory, after having traveled the seas since 2013, calls at Pitcairn skippered by Franz Lang and his daughter Sandra.
June 3
Ship Claymore II departs Pitcairn Island, bound for New Zealand.
June 22
Russian sailing yacht Lady Mary “with a lovely Russian family on-board,” arrives on Pitcairn Island.
June 23
Sailing yacht Astrid with two Swedish men on board, arrives at Pitcairn Island.
June 23
The 152-foot schooner Windrose departs Pitcairn Island with Mrs. Nicola Hebb, the Administrator for Pitcairn Island on board.
July 4
The Russian yacht Le Grand Jack En Liberte calls at Pitcairn Island.
July 19
The three-masted sail training barque Picton Castle, that voyages around the world, calls at Pitcairn Island on this day with dozens of trainees on board. The ship’s company spends some eight days on the Island.
Year 2017
January 23
Princess Cruises’ cruise ship Sea Princess, 77,499 tons, 856 feet in length, passenger capacity of 1,950 and crew of 900, from the west, sails around Pitcairn Island, allowing the islanders to come on board to sell their crafts and curios, before departing for Rapa Nui.
February 3
Phoenix Cruises’ cruise ship Artania, 44,348 tons, eight-decks, and 230 feet-in-length calls at Pitcairn Island to enjoy the hospitality of the islanders.
February 9
French 15-meter sailing vessel Paranthese calls at Pitcairn Island on this date.
February 16
Stoney Creek Shipping Company’s passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, 514 tons, 160-foot, five-decks, calls at Pitcairn from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
February 23
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, calls at Pitcairn Island from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
Carnival Corporation’s cruise ship Queen Victoria, 90,049 tons, 16-decks, 964 length, 2,081-passenger capacity, calls at Pitcairn Island on this date.
February 27
French 12-meter sailing vessel Funambule calls at Pitcairn Island on this date.
March 1
Peace Boat’s cruise ship Ocean Dream, ex-Tropicale, ex-Costa Tropicale, ex-Pacific Star, 36,674 tons, 671-feet in length, 1,422-passenger, 550 crew capacity, cruises by Pitcairn Island, bound for French Polynesia in the west.
March 5
Australian 11.4-meter sailing vessel Kraken, calls at Pitcairn Island from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, bound for Chile.
March 13
Three sailing vessels lie at anchor off Pitcairn Island on this date: the 13-meter German vessel, Blue Lilly, the 11.4-meter Belgium vessel Masquenada, and the 13.6-meter French vessel Yao. All three boats arrived at Pitcairn from Rapa Nui, and are bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, after their visit at Pitcairn.
March 22
The 16.5-meter American sailing vessel Gershan 2, acting as the escort vessel of the Polynesian Sailing Society’s double-hulled sailing canoe Hokule’a, arrives at Pitcairn Island on this date from Rapa Nui, to await the arrival of Hokule’a. After her visit at Pitcairn, Gershan 2, will sail for Tahiti.
April 30
French 12.4-meter sailing vessel Aldebaran approaches Pitcairn Island late in the afternoon of April 30. The boat, which is sailing from the Galapagos Islands to Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, has four people on board who visit on Pitcairn throughout the day of May 1. Of Pitcairn Island shipping in April, the Pitcairn Miscellany newspaper writes: “It really has been some time since we had no shipping activity to report for the month. Well, here we are. There was no vessels either stopping or passing by us (that we could see) in April. No, that is not quite accurate. Sailing vessel “Aldebaran” approached the island late in the afternoon of the 30th; but, due to the late hour and darkness falling on the harbor at Bounty Bay, officials decided to leave clearance until the morning. . . .”
May 1
French 12.4-meter sailing vessel Alderbaran clears customs and her passengers land on Pitcairn Island on this day.
May 1
Australian sailing vessel Leomar, from Rapa Nui, bound for French Polynesia, with a crew of two, visits Pitcairn.
May 4
United Kingdom sailing vessel Duplicat, with three persons on board visits Pitcairn Island on this day. Sailing to Pitcairn from Panama, Duplicat is bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
May 6
German registered sailing vessel Argen arrives off Pitcairn Island on May 5, but lands its four passengers on the Island on the sixth. Argen has arrived at Pitcairn from Rapa Nui, and she is bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
May 8
German registered sailing vessel Argen arrives off Pitcairn Island on May 5, but lands its four passengers on the Island on the sixth. Argen has arrived at Pitcairn from Rapa Nui, and she is bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
May 9
The Australian 163.97-foot/49.97-meter motor yacht Plan B calls at Pitcairn Island from the Gambier Islands with 26 passengers on board, all of whom visit on the Island. Plan B returns to Mangareva in the Gambier Islands following her Pitcairn Island visit.
May 12
French 10.3-meter sailing vessel Nandi with a single person on board calls at Pitcairn Island on this day. Arriving at Pitcairn from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, the skipper plans to return to the Gambier Islands following his Pitcairn visit.
May 13
Norwegian 12.4-meter sailing vessel Explorer arrives off Pitcairn Island on May 12, and lands its five passengers on the Island on May 13. Calling at Pitcairn from Rapa Nui, Explorer is bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
May 17
Australian 14.4-meter sailing vessel Corazon arrives at Pitcairn Island on this day from Rapa Nui with one person on board. When she departs Pitcairn, Corazon is bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
May 18
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II brings supplies and two passengers to Pitcairn Island from New Zealand via Mangareva in the Gambier Islands. The ship departs Pitcairn on May 25 for Mangareva.
June 9
Although she didn’t stop, Mearsk Line’s 35,835-ton cargo ship Mearsk Braini, which was in sight of Pitcairn, called greetings to the Pitcairners on the VHF radio, as she was traveling north from New Zealand.
June 28
Sailing vessel Ellare, from Vancouver, Canada, calls at Pitcairn Island via the Galapagos Islands. She is bound for Tahiti, with three persons on board.
July
On an unknown day in this month, Stoney Creek Shipping’s cargo-passenger ship Claymore II, calls at Pitcairn with contract workers and tons of materials from which a new store will be built on the Island. Also aboard the ship were two travelers who were stranded in Scotland after a British Airways IT glitch had caused them to miss sailing on Claymore II earlier.
Year 2016
January 4
Nippon Yusen Kaisha’s 50,142-ton cruise ship Asuka II (ex-Crystal Hamony), with a 960-passenger, 545-crew capacity, calls at Pitcairn, but only “until a few boxes of provisions could be exchanged before steaming on her way. The lack of selling-trading opportunity as this ship sails away is a significant economic loss to the Island: “Under conditions that, for us, would have been thought to be ‘a piece of cake,’ the Asuka II’s’ master, here on his first voyage to Pitcairn, considered the conditions too dangerous,” reports the Pitcairn Miscellany newspaper. “Consequently . . . the disappointment on our part was palpable. For a community whose place on the planet is the very definition of remoteness, losing the visit of a cruise ship hurts in more ways than one. We love to see and meet new faces. For us, going out to a cruise ship is like a trip to another city for everyone else. And being people of the sea, we love ships. Some of our people know much about the calling ships as shipbuilders themselves. We love looking at and touching ships! But, most significantly, a good portion of each family’s annual income sails away with every vessel that cancels a stop. In a number of ways, remote living implies a necessity of taking risks, risks that we willingly accept. For the most part, we come out ‘way ahead of the game. But there are times when we roll the dice, and lose, as we did on January 4th. It’s a gamble that we hate to lose, though, once arriving safely back at shore, we can always say that we beat Captain Nemo again. And that’s a win!”
January 18
Oceania Cruises’ cruise ship Marina, 66,000 tons, with 1,252 passenger and 780 crew capacity, calls at Pitcairn Island on one of her twice yearly visits. “Marina is one of our favorite visitors,” reports an islander. “Some might think us odd, as we always look forward to a burger from the grill on the ship’s Lido Deck each time she visits. Well, hey, we don’t have fast food joints on Pitcairn, after all!”
January 25
Silversea Cruises’ cruise ship Silver Whisper, 28,258 tons, with a 382-passenger, 302-crew capacity, calls at Pitcairn Island “in conditions that allowed 90 of the ship’s passengers to land on the Island. Silver Whisper calls just two days after the Pitcairn islanders celebrated the 227th anniversary of the mutiny on H.M.S. Bounty, the event that ultimately brought Pitcairn Island to fame. Each January 23, except when it falls on their Saturday Sabbath day of worship, or a storm forbids, the Pitcairners celebrate “Bounty Day,” marking the January day in 1790 when it is believed the ship Bounty was burned in Bounty Bay. One of the highlights of the holiday is the burning of a small replica of the Bounty just off The Landing at the Island.
Commenting on the modern contrast to the conditions that surrounded the Bounty mutineers’ settlement of Pitcairn in 1790, the Pitcairn Miscellany newspaper notes: “Whereas the Bounty settlers may have lived in fear of discovery, today we find ourselves in an entirely different predicament, for our very survival depends on being re-discovered by new settlers. The majority of our people have moved away, preferring to live in that dog-eat-dog hostile world ‘outside.’ They moan about being homesick for Pitcairn, but few make the effort to come back even for a visit. And so in a new era, we look to ‘outsiders’ to come and build up the Pitcairn population. In order for us to continue, we need people to come and live here, or in short order the saga that began 227 years ago with the Bounty mutiny in 1789, will be finally, and assuredly, over. Thinking of moving? Check this out: http://www.immigration.gov.pn.
February 15
Norwegian sail-training ship Sorlandet, 499 tons, calls with 14 students, seven teachers, and 20 crew members on board. During her three-day visit to Pitcairn, Sorlandet’s complement puts on a concert in the Square. The program is filled with poetry, music, a parody of life on board the ship, action songs, and lessons in the Norwegian language. To reciprocate, the Island’s police officer, Terry, and his wife, May, perform Maori songs, and May demonstrates poi twirling. The evening closes with the community singing the old favorite, “In the Sweet By and By.”
February 18
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II arrives from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, with 19 visitors to Pitcairn. The vessel departs Pitcairn on February 21, taking 11 visitors from the Island.
February 21
Sailing vessel Let's Go calls, spending an adventure-filled day on Pitcairn Island.
February 25
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II calls, from Mangareva. She departs Pitcairn on February 28.
February 28
Sailing yacht Rangiroa calls at Pitcairn Island with a two-member crew. She sails from the Island on February 29.
Sailing yacht Yum Yum calls at the Island with a crew of two. On February 29, Yum Yum departs Pitcairn for French Polynesia.
March 3
Sailing yacht Hildegard Hansen, with a single sailor aboard, calls at Pitcairn Island for a three- day visit, before departing for an undisclosed destination.
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II arrives at Pitcairn from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, with four visitors aboard. She departs for Ile de Gambier on March 6, taking six visitors from the Island.
March 22
Phoenix Reisen’s cruise ship Albatross(ex-Royal Viking Sea, ex-Royal Odyssey, ex-Norwegian Star, and ex-Crown), 28,518 tons, calls at Pitcairn Island. During the transfer of islander carvings that were to slated to be sold on the ship, a box of Len Brown’s skillfully carved turtles was knocked into the sea. Later, after the selling of other crafts on the ship, Pitcairners Andrew, Brenda, and Shawn Christian, and David Brown, swim to the place in the ocean where the turtles are spotted and still floating, and retrieve them.
Year 2015
January 16
Wisby Tankers AB’s asphalt/bitumen ship Palanca Singapore, 10,830 tons, calls briefly at Pitcairn Island on this date. A welcomed vessel of the few commercial ships now calling at the Island.
January 20
Private yacht Novaria Austral makes a brief appearance off Bounty Bay, but does not land any of those aboard on Pitcairn Island.
January 23
Phoenix Reisen’s cruise ship MS Albatross, 28,518 tons, 674 feet in length, with a capacity of 812 passengers, arrives at Pitcairn Island on this date. Since January 23 is “Bounty Day,” the annual holiday on the Island that harks back January 23, 1790 – the day on which it is believed H.M.S. Bounty was burned just off Pitcairn to avoid detection by passing ships – the usual festivities of the day are postponed until January 25. With less than ideal sea conditions under rain-threatening clouds, the Pitcairners to out to the ship to sell their crafts and curios to passengers and crew. “Conditions alongside (the ship) were very rough, with some people having difficulties climbing the Jacob’s ladder to get on board,” writes an islander. “Assistance in ascending and descending is given by local men and once again proved invaluable. Manning the tiller (of the Pitcairn longboat) and working the engine to help steady the longboat were Jay Warren and Randall Christian. I would like to thank David Brown, Shawn Christian and Andrew Randall Christian for their assistance on the ropes, along with Jay and Randall, though I know they would shrug their shoulders and say, ‘we did nothing special.’ Those of us who got back ashore uninjured would say different, especially one woman who once again on firm footing on the (Pitcairn) jetty bend down and kissed the ground! Trading on the ship was swift, with many happy passengers visiting the markets spread over two of the ship’s lounges.”
February 8
Crystal Cruises’ cruise ship MV Crystal Serenity, 68,870 tons, 820 feet in length, 13 decks, calls at Pitcairn Island with long-time friends of the Island Ted Cookson and Barbara Stein on board among the nearly 1,000 passengers and 655 crew. “Trading (on the ship) was at a constant pace with many a local very pleased with the response of passengers to the opportunity to purchase locally crafted curios and printed items,” reports the Pitcairn Miscellany.
February 13
P & O Cruises’ 76,152-ton cruise ship MV Aurora circumnavigates Pitcairn Island on a cruise-by sightseeing journey on this date. Although the ship would not stop, Pitcairn Mayor Shawn Christian wishes those on board well on the rest of their voyage by VHF radio, and welcomes them to visit again in the future.
February 18
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, Pitcairn’s supply ship, is able to off-load most of its containers and freight for the Island on the days of her arrival, but worsening sea conditions were such it was felt in the best interest of safety to delay off-loading a number of the largest items the next morning. With dangerous seas continuing to lash Claymore II and the Island for the next two days, the ship had to depart Pitcairn on the afternoon of the third day with its cargo still not off-loaded, to meet commitments at Mangareva, in the Gambier Islands. Somehow, despite the terrible sea conditions, Meralda Warren and Heather Menzies had managed to board Claymore II before its departure so they could meet off-island commitments of their own.
February 21
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ cruise ship MV Seven Seas Mariner, 48,075 tons, 709 feet in length, 700 passenger capacity, 445-member crew, was scheduled to stop at Pitcairn and allow trading on board, but sea conditions were so bad that this could not happen. Instead, the ship circumnavigated the Island before sailing eastward. Pitcairn Mayor Shawn Christian greeted and wished the ship well by VHF radio. “We look forward to seeing you again sometime in the future,” radioed Christian to the ship’s captain.
February 24
Costa Crociere’s cruise ship MS Costa Deliziosa, 92,700 tons, heaves to off Pitcairn Island for a 3½-hour visit. The Pitcairners come out to the ship from shore to sell Pitcairner-made crafts and curios to passengers and crew. “To say trading was fast and furious would be an overwhelming understatement,” writes one islander. “Indeed, at times you could easily lose sight of the person (Pitcairner) trading right next door to you under the deluge of eager shoppers. Climbing back down to the longboats was a chore in itself as many were still getting their heads around the frantic pace of trading we had encountered.” Upon heading toward shore after visiting MS Costa Deliziosa, two vessels were sighted stationed off Tedside at Pitcairn.
February 24
Redwise Company’s tub boats Angol and Dichato, 321 tons, bound to the East, each with five persons on board. The captains of both vessels come ashore for a tour of Pitcairn Island.
February 26
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, brings eight passengers to the Island.
March 5
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, calls at the Island with 13 passengers on board.
March 12
After having carried passengers from Pitcairn to Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, the passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, arrives at Pitcairn on this date with six passengers on board.
March 15
Amadea Shipping Company’s Bahamas-registered cruise ship MS Amadea, 28,856 tons, calls at Pitcairn Island on this date in clear and fine weather. The ideal weather conditions allow passengers to travel to shore via the Island’s longboats. “A most enjoyable day was had by all, with passengers coming back on board MS Amadea chattering excitedly about their time ashore, and the ride in out of Bounty Bay on the longboats, (The longboat crews must have had burning ears from all the compliments about their professionalism I heard from passengers.), writes a Pitcairner.
March 24
Sailing yacht Wigwam, with six persons on board, arrives at Pitcairn on this date.
March 24
With six people on board, the yacht Elcie calls at Pitcairn Island.
April 4
The large and luxurious yacht Triton, nine people on board, calls at the Island on this date.
April 4
Arriving at Pitcairn Island with one person on board on this date is the sailing yacht Nandi.
April 9
The yacht Amasia, with four person aboard, calls a Pitcairn on this date. “There have been a number of yachts calling at the island this month kicking off the ‘the yachtie season’ at Pitcairn,” writes an islander in the Pitcairn Miscellany newspaper.
April 12
Oceania Cruises’ Marshall Islands-registered cruise ship MV Marina, 66,000 tons, arrives at Pitcairn Island on this date. Pitcairners entertain passengers and sell their crafts and curios on the ship. “An enjoyable time was had by all with many crafts/curios bags a lot lighter on the journey home,” a Pitcairner writes.
May 7
With two persons on board, the sailing vessel Bounty arrives at Pitcairn on this date.
May 14
The sailing vessel Mandolin calls on this date with two persons on board.
May 21
The passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Taurange, New Zealand, arrives at the Island on this date, bringing Pitcairners Betty Christian and Clarice Oates for a visit to their home island after years abroad. The ship departs Pitcairn for Henderson Island of the Pitcairn Islands group with a team of five scientists and Pitcairn residents Sue O’Keefe and Pawl Warren. The group will conduct research on how to successfully eradicate the rats that seem to be over-running Henderson.
May 23
The sailing vessel Candine with three persons on board visits Pitcairn on this date.
May 28
Stoney Creek Shipping Company’s passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, having returned to Mangareva from Henderson Island, calls at Pitcairn on this date with 13 passengers on board. On May 27, the Pitcairners watch as two tugboats, in route to Chile from China pass close to the Island without stopping.
June 2
The private yacht Viveka, with a crew of two, calls at Pitcairn Island on this date.
June 4
The passanger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, arrives on this date. Aboard the ship is Fredy and Chantal Taputu from Tahiti, he to serve as pastor of the Pitcairn Islands Seventh-day Adventist Church. “The Pitcairn Church community is enjoying having a minister again,” writes an islander in The Pitcairn Miscellany newspaper, “and the company of more islanders is strengthening the relationship between Pitcairn and our closest neighbor, French Polynesia.
July 12
The sailing yacht Istasis, with two persons on board, drops anchor of Bounty Bay on this date for a visit to the Island.
July 21
The private yacht Dual Dragons call at Pitcairn on this date with two persons on board.
August 5
Sailing vessel Voyager, with a crew of two arrives at Pitcairn on this date.
August 19
On this date, in rough but navigable seas, the Pitcairn islanders stand out from the south side of the island in their longboats to welcome Princess Cruises’ Bermuda-registered cruise ship Sea Princess, 77,499 tons, to the “Rock of the West,” as some of the islanders call Pitcairn Island. In the lee of the ship it was calm and sunny, and while she approached her anchor location whales jumped just off the ship’s bow, and waved flipper welcomes to on-looking passengers on deck and those of us in the longboats. How can you beat that for an arrival ceremony. . . . the Pitcairn community sang traditional songs up on deck before departing the ship in the afternoon.”
August 22
Sailing vessel 30 Beaufort, with one person on board, calls at Pitcairn on this date.
August 27
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, arrives at Pitcairn Island with 22 passengers on board, five of whom will travel onward to Henderson Island as part of the rat eradication effort there.
September 3
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, brings Pitcairner Carol Warren back home from New Zealand. Also on board were several tourists and two government auditors. The ship departs Pitcairn on September 6, taking tourists and scientists who had been conducting a fisheries management study and report in Pitcairn islands waters.
September 10
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II calls from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, bringing Pitcairner Steve Christian home from Tahiti. The ship departs Pitcairn the same day, taking Pitcairner Betty Christian to her home away from home in New Zealand.
October 28
Netherlands general cargo ship Happy Dragon, 14,784 tons, Captain Dinant Plasman, 26 persons on board, eight of whom are cadets since this is also a training ship. Captain Plasman splits shifts on the ship so all officers and crew can visit on Pitcairn Island.
October 31
French cruise ship company Compagnie du Ponant’s cruise ship L’Austral, 10,700 tons, on this date lands 160 of her passengers as visitors on Pitcairn Island for a fun holiday.
November 10
Zegrahm Expeditions cruise ship Caledonian Sky, 4,200 tons, from French Polynesia, bound for Easter Island. A familiar and welcomed caller at the Island, the ship brings Pitcairner Brenda Christian home after visiting family members abroad. Also on board is expedition leader Jack Grove, who reports to the Pitcairners on reconstruction of a deteriorating monument on Ducie Island, the easternmost island of the Pitcairn Islands Group that he directed. The monument heralds the wreck of the sailing ship Acadia. It reads, “The sailing ship Acadia ran aground at Ducie Island on June 5, 1881, with the loss of no lives. Discovered on November 13, 1989, by divers off the M.S. Society Explorer, the ship’s main anchor was later raised on March 17, 1990, and relocated to Pitcairn Island aboard M.S. World Discoverer. Seaward of this monument, in 10 meters of water, lies the ‘Acadia,’ which remains the property of the people of Pitcairn, and should not be disturbed. This monument was dedicated on March 17, 1990, in commemoration of the Bicentennial of Pitcairn Island, by Society Expeditions, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States.”
November 19
The passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, calls with three passengers, and later on the 19th, departs Pitcairn for Mangareva with 16 passengers.
November 19
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ cruise ship MS Bremen, 6,752 tons, arrives at Pitcairn on this date in stormy seas. “In our longboats, we took the curio market on board the ship while she was anchored off Tedside,” writes a correspondent. “She followed the longboat back to Bounty Bay to ensure that we landed safely. It was good to welcome her back to Pitcairn, and we hope for better weather for her next visit.”
November 22
Zegrahm Expeditions cruise ship Caledonian Sky, 4,200 tons, from Easter Island, bound for French Polynesia, returns to Pitcairn in ideal weather conditions that make it possible for 91 of her 92 passengers to go ashore for a visit to the Island.
November 23
National Geographic Bahamas-registered expedition ship Orion calls in fine weather that allows 62 passengers to be landed at Pitcairn’s Western Harbor for a visit to the Island.
November 26
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II from Mangareva brings a dozen people to the Island.
December 3
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, brings six passengers to the Island on this date. Leaving Pitcairn soon after her arrival, Claymore II takes seven passengers to Mangareva.
December 10
Stoney Creek Shipping Company’s 38-meters long expedition ship Braveheart, from Mangareva, takes five passengers from Pitcairn Island.
December 24
Boomsa Shipping BV’s Netherlands-flagged heavy cargo lifter ship Frisian Spring, 4,087 tons, is a surprise called at Pitcairn Island on Christmas eve. The ship’s visit late in the evening hours nearly cancels the Island tradition of gathering Roseapple Christmas trees to be festooned with gifts in The Square on Christmas day. Frisian Spring is one of the ever-decreasing number of commercial ships calling at Pitcairn Island.
Year 2014
January 8
Oceania Cruises 60,084-ton cruise ship Marina calls at Pitcairn Island. With a length of 785 feet, the ship has a passenger capacity of 1,250 with a crew of 800. “Sales (on board the ship) were brisk, and many smiling faces headed ashore with pockets full and bags empty,” writes a Pitcairner. Through its numerous visits to Pitcairn Island, Marina has become a popular ship with the Pitcairn people.
January 16
Crystal Cruises’ 51,044-ton, 12-deck cruise ship MV Crystal Symphony calls at the Island. With a passenger capacity of 922, and a crew of 545, this ship brings Melva Warren Evans back to the island of her birth. “The fresh strawberries fed to us during our ship visit were divine and the waffles were mouth-watering,” writes a Pitcairner in Pitcairn Miscellany, the island’s newspaper.
January 24
Holland America’s 62,735-ton, 12-deck cruise ship MS Amsterdam, calls at Pitcairn Island. “This ship’s visit so soon after Marina’s and Crystal Symphony’s calls, leads us to remember what it must have been like when the passenger ships of yesteryear used to stop almost every week - to break up the long days at sea of Pacific voyaging, and the Pitcairners could visit aboard almost every calling. . . . The interaction with new faces and good business on board MS Amsterdam completely takes the feeling of isolation (of the Pitcairners) away.”
January 29
Three-masted sailing barque Picton Castle, a 179-foot-long training ship crewed by 12 professionals and 40 trainees, calls at Pitcairn Island. Aboard this frequent caller at Pitcairn is ship’s crew-member Pania Warren, the youngest daughter of Pawl Warren, Pitcairn’s-styled “pirate.” The ship’s several-days’ visit affords this young lady a welcomed reunion with her father.
February 8
Princess Cruise’s cruise ship Pacific Princess, calls at the Island from French Polynesia.
This 30,277-ton, 181-foot-in-length vessel, with an 826-passenger capacity, is always a welcomed ship at Pitcairn Island, especially when she stops for a visit, rather than simply circling the Island several times as she did on occasion in earlier voyages past the Island.
February 16
Cunard Line’s 16-deck, 40,049-ton cruise ship MS Queen Victoria, calls at Pitcairn on this date. The 964-foot-long Queen Victoria has a passenger capacity of 2,014, and a crew numbering 900 persons.
February 25
The Russian private yacht POBEDA, with three passengers, from Easter Island, bound for Mangareva, Gambier Islands, lands her passengers on Pitcairn for a visit before sailing to the northwest toward French Polynesia.
February 25
Kea, a private yacht, from Easter Island, bound for Mangareva, approaches but does not land its people at Pitcairn because of foul weather around the Island.
February 25
Arriving in stormy seas, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s 28,613-ton motor ship Black Watch cruises slowly around the Island before sailing eastward, leaving early to meet deadlines ahead.
February 27
Pitcairn's supply ship, the passenger-cargo vessel Claymore II, from Mangareva, calls on this date with a group of 10 visitors from Norfolk Island, the isle to which all Pitcairners emigrated in 1856. Four of the visitors are direct descendants of the Bounty mutineers. One of the visitors, a mutineer descendant, says of the visit, “It was a spiritual journey to connect with our foremothers and fathers. Wi es the same kind of sullun.” Also arriving on Claymore II is Jim Park, a new teacher for the Pitcairn Island School.
March 5
The private yacht Miramis, with four passengers on board, calls at the Island.
March 6
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, calls at Pitcairn Island with seven passengers.
March 8
The private yacht Funambule lands her four passengers at the Island for a visit.
March 8
With three passengers aboard, the private yacht, Grey Pearl, calls at Pitcairn Island.
March 8
Phoenix-Risen's cruise ship MV Artania pays a visit to Pitcairn Island. The 44,448-ton vessel is 230 feet in length, and has a passenger capacity of 1,260, with a crew of 537.
March 13
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, brings 13 passengers to the Island.
March 17
ResidenSea's unusual, 43,524-ton, 644-foot-long residential ship The World, calls at Pitcairn Island amidst high winds and choppy seas. This unique, continuously cruising ship has residences on its 12 decks for between 150 and 200 people. Many from the ship enjoy a leisurely stay on the Island that includes visiting the museum, Adamstown’s Square, and the Bounty Anchor, the Bounty Bible on display in the Pitcairn Seventh-day Adventist Church. Also visited were the Echo Trail, John Adams’ Grave and the Pitcairn School.
March 18
From Easter Island, the private yacht Skoiern, with two passengers on board, calls at Pitcairn Island.
March 21
With two passengers on board, the private yacht Tidoudou visits at the Island.
April 2
The Danish private yacht Dan Kwi calls at Pitcairn with two passengers aboard, one born in New Zealand, but moved to Denmark at age seven – hence the name Dan Kiwi.
April 7
A.P. Moller Maersk’s container ship Maersk Brani, 35,835 tons, of Singapore registry, calls at Pitcairn for an emergency evacuation to take Vaine Warren-Peu to hospital care in New Zealand. A call is put out to shipping companies via Pitcairn’s Auckland office to see who has ships in the vicinity of Pitcairn that might consider stopping long enough to pick up a passenger. Maersk responds positively, and Maersk Brani heaves to off Bounty Bay on April 7 to take Vain aboard. As the Pitcairners bring Vaine out from the Island in one of Pitcairn’s longboats, they wave in greeting to the ship’s crew standing at the railing high above them, but receive only silence and stares of curiosity. Later, when they learn that the many packages and baskets of goodies being loaded onto the ship, in addition to the patient, Vaine, are presents for them, given for their answering the emergency call, arm waving and shouts of greeting quickly replace the former silence of the crew.
April 15
The private American yacht Andiamo, from Easter Island, calls at Pitcairn with two passengers on board.
April 18
The private French yacht Le Soly calls at the Island.
April 18
The Swedish yacht Anasthasia, with two people on board, calls at Pitcairn on this date.
April 21
A Finnish private yacht, the Marisol, with three passengers on board, calls at Pitcairn.
April 25
A French yacht, the Marick, brings two visitors to Pitcairn Island on this date.
April 25
The private yacht Traveller, voyaging from the United Kingdom and the United States, calls at the Island with two passengers aboard.
April 25
Equinoxe, a private French yacht with two passengers aboard, calls at the Island. The yacht arrives at the Island as the Pitcairners are celebrating ANZAC Day, an annual holiday on Pitcairn.
April 26
With three people on board, the private Polish yacht Lady Twin calls at Pitcairn.
April 27
Oceania Cruises’ cruise ship Marina with 1,214 passengers and a crew of 759, calls at Pitcairn, but does not land any of its passengers on the Island because of foul weather.
May 4
With six people on board, the private yacht, Crystal, calls at the Island.
May 14
The private yacht Necton, with four people on board, calls at Pitcairn Island on this date.
May 21
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands. This is Pitcairn’s supply ship, and in addition to bringing supplies, she brings five passengers to the Island.
May 26
With six people on aboard, the private yacht Mosksh calls at Pitcairn Island.
May 28
Nougue, a private yacht with two people aboard, calls at the Island.
May 29
Pitcairn's supply ship, Clymore II, calls at Pitcairn Island with 12 passengers, some of whom are Pitcairners returning home from abroad, and others who will visit on the Island.
May 31
With two people on board, the private yacht Rijel calls at the Island.
June 4
Sailing vessel Dana Felicia, with three people no board, calls at Pitcairn Island.
June 5
Sailing vessel Louise, with five people on board, drops anchor off Bounty Bay to pay a visit to the Island.
June 5
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, calls at the Island with nine passengers on board.
June 12
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, having voyaged back to Mangareva with those leaving the Island, returns to Pitcairn on this date with six passengers and supplies. Among the supplies received is pizza stock for Pitcairner Andy Christian. The Island newspaper, The Pitcairn Miscellany, writes about Andy’s and other islanders’ culinary pursuits: “Andy Christian has received more pizza stock, so once again delicious takeaway pizzas are available on Pitcairn. Visiting USA guests couldn’t believe it when told that we were picking up pizza for lunch before their departure! It allowed more sightseeing time for their busy, four-day visit. With an island of so few people, visitors are often surprised at what is available here. We may be only 50 or so, but with varied tastes and multiple skills, we have at times, takeaway pizzas from Andy, takeaway burgers and Chinese meals from Delectable Bounty, and Fish and chips (or sausage and chips) from Dave Brown’s kitchen, and meals and/or coffees from Flatcher’s Café. A meal of tasty food with no preparation needed and minimal dishes to wash is always appreciated!”
July 16
The sailing vessel Selma, with five people on board, drops anchor off Bounty Bay at Pitcairn Island on this date. While this yacht is at Pitcairn, visitors and Pitcairners alike enjoy watching pods of the annually-returning humpback whales frolic just off the Island.
August 5
Large sailing vessel Infinity, with 16 people aboard, calls at the Island.
August 13
Sailing vessel Whanake, with two people on board, drops anchor off Bounty Bay and begins a visit to Pitcairn Island.
August 15
Princess Cruises’ 77,441-ton cruise ship Dawn Princess, calls at Pitcairn on this date in calm, warm, sunny winter weather. Most of Pitcairn’s adult population boards one of the Island’s two longboats early in the morning to await the arrival of the ship with its 1,800 mostly Australian passengers and 900 crew members. “The (sea) conditions were calm and the Pitcairners boarded the ship via a pontoon. The helpful crew soon had the bags and boxes carrying carvings, t-shirts and general curios placed in the ship’s grand dining room for the islanders to set up their tables to trade . . . It was a very enjoyable day, and once ashore again a number of provisions ordered by the (Pitcairn) community were distributed. Everyone went home happy,” reports The Pitcairn Miscellany.
August 16
General cargo ship MV Norfolk Guardian, 1,598 tons, arrives at Pitcairn on this date carrying over 1,500 tons of heavy equipment which will be used to build a new harbor for the Island at Tedside. Because of foul weather, only five small loads of equipment could be ferried to The Landing in the first five days. While small loads were ferried ashore in Pitcairn’s own longboats, the heaviest pieces of equipment had to landed from a 30-ton barge. Each trip from ship to shore was a delicate operation, requiring carful maneuvering by the towing Pitcairn longboat, and shore crew using ropes to help gentle the barge into the prepared spot at The Landing to receive the cargo; far from an easy task given the rolling of the waves at The Landing.
August 28
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, brings six passengers and supplies to Pitcairn Island.
September 3
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, returning to the Island from Mangareva, brings 12 passengers to Pitcairn.
September 11
With three passengers aboard, Pitcairn's supply ship, Claymore II, from Mangareva, brings five passengers, including three returning-home Pitcairners, to the island.
September 17
The sailing vessel, Jonathan, with three people on board, calls at Pitcairn Island.
October 9
Zegrahm Expeditions’ 4,200-ton cruise ship Caledonian Sky, calls at the Island, landing 82 of her passengers to visit various places of interest on Pitcairn Island.
October 11
Stoney Creek Shipping Company’s research ship Braveheart, from Mangareva, bound for Henderson Island, lands 11 passengers at Pitcairn Island on this date. The visitors are a bird watching group. After their Pitcairn visit, they will go to Henderson, and then to Oeno Island, both uninhabited, neighbor islands of the four-island Pitcairn Group. They’ll then return to Rikitea, Mangareva Island, in the Gambier Islands group where the closest air service to Pitcairn is located.
October 21
Cruise ship Caledonia Sky returns to Pitcairn, and on this date lands 104 of her passengers to visit on the Island.
November 7
Silverseas Cruises’ cruise ship MV Silver Explorer, 6,130 tons, from French Polynesia, calls at Pitcairn on this date in inclement weather and sea conditions that will not allow passengers to go ashore. Seldom daunted by bad weather, the Pitcairners brave winds and choppy seas to go out from the Island to the ship where they sell their crafts on board the vessel. The ship lays off Pitcairn through the night, hoping for better weather the next morning, but a thunderstorm and worsening conditions make visiting on the Island impossible.
November 9
Silverseas Cruises’ 28,258-ton cruise ship Silver Shadow calls at Pitcairn Island in foul weather conditions such that will not allow passengers to visit on the Island. However, Pitcairners were able to go out to the ship and sell island crafts and curios on board.
November 21
This is Pitcairn’s supply day, and the Island’s supply ship Claymore II calls right on schedule with tons of supplies, which are quickly ferried from ship to shore by the Island’s skillful boat crews.
November 29
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, calls at Pitcairn Island on this date with nine passenger-visitors.
November 19
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ 28,890-ton cruise ship MS Europa calls at Pitcairn Island on this date in fair weather conditions that allow passengers to be ferried from ship to shore. “Passengers took the opportunity to roam the roads and tracks, cameras at the ready,” reports the Pitcairn Miscellany newspaper. “Trading tables were scattered along the roadside and at The Landing, allowing passengers to pick up a memento of their visit to Pitcairn.”
December 5
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, calls bringing five passengers to the Island.
December 9
The private yacht Drumbeat drops anchor off Bounty Bay on this date, and lands the 10 people on board for a visit to Pitcairn Island.
December 13
Lindblad Expeditions exploration ship MV Orion, 3,984 tons, calls at Pitcairn Island late in the afternoon of the 13th with three Pitcairners returning from overseas assignments, and nearly 100 other passengers on board. The ship lays to off the Island overnight. Under clear skies and favorable sea conditions on the 14th, 94 passengers go ashore for an unforgettable visit to Pitcairn Island.
December 28
Oceania Cruises’ cruise ship MV Marina calls at the Island. “Despite favorable harbor conditions on the morning of the 28th, concerns that weather conditions could deteriorate over the course of the day meant that passengers were not able to land, dashing the hopes of all on board and islanders alike,” reports the Pitcairn Miscellany newspaper. “Instead, Pitcairners headed out to the ship for the day to spend time selling crafts and curios, and meeting new people.”
Year 2013
January 8
Ocean Cruises' cruise ship Marina, with a capicity of 1,250 passengers, from Easter Island, bound for Tahiti, Marquesas Islands.
January 15
Hapag-Lloyd's 28,890-ton cruise ship Europa, from Easter Island, bound for Tahiti, after what many on the ship called "a joyful visit" at Pitcairn Island.
January 22
Sailing ship Picton Castle, Captain Danny Moreland, bound to the west. This ship brings the ship's chief engineer, David 'DB' Brown, home to his family on Pitcairn. Picton Castle departs Pitcairn to the west on January 28.
January 24
Holland America Line's 62,735-ton cruise ship Amsterdam calls at the island to drop supplies only.
February 12
P&O's 86,799-ton cruise ship Arcadia from Easter Island, bound for Tahiti in the Marquesas Islands. This ship's crew of 976 serves a maximum of 2,388 passengers.
February 15
Princess Cruises' cruise ship Pacific Princess, from Easter Island, bound for Tahiti.
February 20
Stoney Creek Shipping's passenger-cargo vessel Claymore 2, from New Zealand, bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands. The ship brings supplies to the island. When she departs she takes two Pitcairners.
February 25
An unnamed cargo ship and an unnamed yacht call at Pitcairn Island on this date.
February 28
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore 2, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, bound for Mangareva.
March 7
Passenger-cargo vessel Claymore 2, from Mangareva, bound for Mangareva, Gambier Islands.
March 16
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore 2, arrives from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands. When she departs Pitcairn Island on March 17, she is bound for Mangareva.
April 7
Sailing yacht Sauvage, from Easter Island, bound for Mangareva.
April 8
Catamaran Elsie with five passengers on board, from the East, bound for the Gambier Islands.
April 8
Sailing vessel Nana with a Swedish couple on board, from Colombia, South America, bound for Mangareva, Gambier Islands.
April 15
Catamaran My Muse with five persons on board, from the East, bound for Mangareva.
April 17
French-built sailing yacht Pacific Cool, Captain Jean Pierre, from the East, bound for the Gambier Islands.
April 17
Sailing vessel Hasta Luego, Captain Henry, from the Galapagos Islands, bound for Mangareva.
April 24
General cargo ship Dijksgracht, Douwe Hokwerda, Master, 17,381 tons, from Panama, bound for Auckland, New Zealand.
April 27
French naval frigate Prairail, 2,590 tons, from Easter Island, bound for Mururoa Atoll, French Polynesia.
May 16
American-owned sailing yacht Marie, from Auckland, New Zealand, bound for the Galapagos Islands.
May 23
Sailing yacht Sara Jane with three persons on board, from Easter Island, bound for Mangareva, Gambier Islands.
May 24
Swedish-registered sailing vessel Sea Venture with six persons on board, from the Galapagos Islands, bound for Mangareva, Gambier Islands.
June 6
Motor vessel Claymore II, from Mangareva, bound for Mangareva.
June 29
Forty-five-foot sailing vessel Coccinella, from the Galapagos Islands, bound for Mangareva, Gambier Islands.
July 12
Yacht Wind Witch, from the Galapagos Islands, bound for Tahiti.
July 19
Fifty-five-foot catamaran Saraba, from Mangareva, bound for Mangareva.
July 20
Yacht Australie, from the Galapagos Islands, bound for Mangareva, Gambier Islands.
August 5
Cargo ship Floretgratch, M. Stepanov, Master, from Geelong, Australia, bound for Ecuador, South America.
August 25
Cargo ship Marsgracht, 11,750 tons, Captain O. Nikitchenko, bound to the East.
August 30
Thirty-three-foot steel-hulled sailing yacht Polo Flat, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, bound for Easter Island.
September 1
Motor vessel Braveheart, from Mangareva, bound to Mangareva.
September 5
Motor vessel Braveheart, from Mangareva.
September 5
Motor vessel Claymore II, from Mangareva, bound for Mangareva.
September 17
French yacht Da Boat, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, bound for Easter Island.
September 17
Forty-five-foot sailing vessel Cocinella, from Mangareva, bound for Mangareva, on a charter. Carries three Pitcairners from the Island.
September 25
The 163-foot super yacht Ohana, from Tahiti, bound for Easter Island. The yacht brings three Pitcairners home from a Bounty Festival in Tahiti.
October 10
The yacht Tonga, with a crew of four, arrives at Pitcairn Island in high winds and dangerous seas. After a laborious day’s sail to approach the Island, the skipper decided not to anchor, and subsequently sailed on.
October 17
Costa Crociere’s 1,800-passenger, 650-crew cruise ship Costa neoRomantica, 54,000 tons, calls at Pitcairn Island for approximately one hour. A small team of Pitcairn officials is invited on board to exchange gifts and meet the ship’s captain. “Over champagne and hors d’oeuvres we were able to express the disappointment of Pitcairners that the first ship of the season – Costa neoRomantica – wasn’t able to be boarded by all and the regular market set up. The captain promised to report favorably back to the company on his brief visit, and hopefully next year’s ship will be able to stop for five to six hours, writes a Pitcairner.
November 22
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, calls with two passengers aboard. Claymore II departs Pitcairn for Mangareva on November 25.
November 29
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, arrives at Pitcairn with two passengers on board.
December 5
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises cruise ship MS Hanseatic, a vessel of 8,378 tons, 175 passengers, 125 crew, and 122-feet-in-length, arrives as the second ship in Pitcairn’s 2103-2014 cruise ship season.
December 16
The private yacht Attila, with two passengers on board, arrives at Pitcairn Island from Panama, bound for Tahiti in French Polynesia. Those on the Attila stay overnight before sailing to the northwest toward Tahiti.
December 25
Zegrahm Expeditions cruise ship Caledonian Sky, 4,200 tons, carrying 100 passengers and a crew of 70, arrives for a Christmas day visit to Pitcairn Island.
Year 2012
January 1
Yacht Odley, from USA, father and son crew.
January 19
Live fish transporting vessel Seify, from China, bound for Chile. The Seify is a live fish-transporting vessel.
January 21
Cruise ship Amadea, with 418 passengers and crew members. Many passengers from the ship come ashore to visit on Pitcairn Island.
January 25
Cruise ship Discovery brings three tourists to the Island.
January 31
Sailing vessel Pitcairn; arriving on this vessel are five amateur radio operators.
February 2
Motor vessel Discovery, from Mangareva, arrives with four passengers, and departs the Island on February 5 with four passengers.
February 7
Motor vessel Saga Ruby, a cruise ship, arrives from Easter Island, bound for French Polynesia. Pitcairners visit on board and trade crafts, produce and curios. Three passengers come ashore to visit the Island, and nine passengers depart on her. The ship brings Pitcairn's new teachers, Paul and Ruth Shelling for a two-year teaching stay.
February 18
Motor vessel Discovery, from Mangareva, bound for Mangareva, calls with seven passengers. The vessel departs on February 20 with seven passengers on board.
February 21
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II from Mangareva, bound for Mangareva. She ship brings supplies and two passengers to the Island. She departs on February 22 with nine passengers on board.
February 22
Motor vessel Princess Danae, a cruise ship, from French Polynesia, bound for Easter Island. The ship departs Pitcairn on February 23, after islanders have come on board to trade crafts, produce and curios.
February 26
Motor vessel L'Austral, from Easter Island, bound for French Polynesia. The ship's tenders ferry 152 passengers shore for a visit on the Island.
March 1
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, bound for Mangareva with five passengers on board. Takes nine passengers from the Island on departure on March 3.
March 3
Sailing yacht Bahari, from Easter Island, bound for Mangareva, with three persons on board. The yacht departs Pitcairn on March 4.
March 8
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, with one passenger. Takes three passengers from the Island when departing on March 10.
March 15
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva with 13 passengers on board, 12 of them a National Geographic expedition team. Claymore II departs Pitcairn on March 19 for Ducie and Henderson islands with the expedition team aboard.
March 18
Motor vessel Hanseatic, a cruise ship, from French Polynesia. A total of 129 of the 153 passengers aboard the ship are ferried ashore for a visit on Pitcairn Island. The ship departs Pitcairn late in the afternoon.
March 23
Motor vessel Marsgracht, from New Zealand, bound for Panama. Pitcairners board the vessel to trade or sell Island crafts, produce and curios. Marsgracht departs Pitcairn in the afternoon.
March 26
Sailing yacht Explore, from New Zealand, bound for Mangareva. The yacht departs Pitcairn on March 28, with a crew of four and two passengers.
March 31
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Henderson Island with 12 passengers. The ship departs the same day with 10 passengers, bound for Oeno and Mangareva.
April 1
British sailing vessel Samba, from Easter Island, bound for Mangareva, with four persons on board sails the same day of arrival.
April 2
French sailing yacht Dalton, from Easter Island, bound for Mangareva, sails from Pitcairn in the same day as arrival with two persons on board.
April 9
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, arrives with a team of National Geographic magazine personnel and three other passengers on board.
April 11
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, departs Pitcairn for Mangareva with the National Geographic magazine personnel on board, along with three other passengers.
April 12
Sailing yacht Xplore, arrives from Mangareva with seven passengers aboard. Aboard this vessel is classical organist Peter Letkemann, who in the Pitcairn Island Seventh-day Adventist Church on April 14 and 21, presents concerts of classical music.
April 14
Sailing yacht Xplore, departs Pitcairn for Mangareva with two passengers on board.
April 17
South African sailing vessel Spirit of Africa, arrives from Easter Island with two persons on board. The vessel departs Pitcairn after six days anchored offshore.
April 18
Northern Ireland sailing vessel Survetta arrives from Easter Island with one person on board.
April 19
Sailing yacht Explore, arrives from Mangareva with four persons on board. She departs Pitcairn on April 21 with four persons on board.
April 22
German sailing vessel Resolute, from Easter Island, bound to the west with three persons on board. The yacht departs the same day as it arrives.
April 23
Australian sailing yacht Adventure Bound, arrives from the Galapagos Islands with two persons on board, spends two days at Pitcairn Island.
Sailing yacht Survetta departs Pitcairn for Mangareva with one person on board.
April 24
Canadian sailing vessel Rough Bound, arrives from Easter Island, bound for Bora Bora with one person on board. She departs Pitcairn after seven days anchored offshore.
May 2
Sailing yacht Xplore, from Mangareva with one passenger, and later departs for Henderson Island with 5 passengers as part of the Henderson rat eradication program.
Sailing yacht Dalton, from Easter Island, departs same day for Mangareva with two passengers on board.
May 6
American sailing vessel Pelican, from Easter Island, departs later in the day for Mangareva with one person on board.
May 7
Sailing yacht Xplore, from Henderson Island with five passengers on board. The yacht departs for Mangareva on May 8 with one passenger on board.
May 8
German sailing vessel Wigwam, from Easter Island with two passengers on board. The yacht departs for Mangareva on May 10 with two passengers on board.
Dutch sailing vessel Viatrix, from Easter Island, with five passengers on board. The yacht departs for Mangareva after spending three days at the Island.
American sailing vessel Azimuth, from Easter Island with four passengers on board. The yacht departs for Mangareva on May 11 with four passengers on board.
May 11
German sailing vessel Miepke II, from Easter Island with two passengers on board. The yacht departs Pitcairn later in the day.
May 16
Motor vessel Oberon, bound for Australia, stops and trades for three hours before departing Pitcairn.
May 19
Sailing vessel Wakame, from Easter Island with six passengers on board. The yacht departs Pitcairn for Mangareva on May 26 with six passengers on board.
May 23
Motor vessel Claymore II, from New Zealand, brings two passengers and stores to Pitcairn. Later in the day the ship departs for Mangareva with one passenger on board.
May 31
Motor vessel Claymore II, from Mangareva with 13 passengers on board. The ship departs Pitcairn for Mangareva on June 2.
June 7
Motor vessel Claymore II, from Mangareva with six passengers on board. The ship departs Pitcairn for Mangareva on June 9 with nine passengers on board.
June 20
Australian/French sailing vessel Passe-Partout, from Easter Island with two passengers on board. The yacht departs Pitcairn for Mangareva after seven days at Pitcairn.
June 22
Hungarian sailing vessel Unikum, from the Cocas Islands with two persons on board. The yacht departs Pitcairn after seven days for Mangareva.
June 23
British sailing vessel Tabbycat, from Easter Island with two persons on board. Tabbycat departs Pitcairn for Mangareva after five days at Pitcairn with two aboard.
June 29
British sailing vessel Murungaru, from Panama with four persons on board. She departs Pitcairn after five days anchored off the Island.
August 23
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from New Zealand, with stores for the island and four passengers, a Belgium film crew. The ship departs Pitcairn on August 24 for Mangareva.
August 30
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva with eight passengers including Pitcairn's Deputy Govenor Kevin Lynch, and the mayor of Mangareva, Monique Labbeyi and his interpreter. Also the new resident physician and Maria Amoamo, to replace the departing Dr. Kevin and Sharon Donovan. Also aboard is Pitcairner Kari Young and two Swiss tourists.
September 1
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II departs Pitcairn Island for Mangareva with eight passengers, including Pitcairn Deputy Governor Kevin Lynch, Monique Labbeyi, mayor of Mangareva; Dr. Kevin and Sharon Donovan; and Darlene, Caleb and Dylan.
September 6
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, with six passengers, including Justice Sir Bruce Robertson, Jay and Carol Warren, two auditors and three tourists. The ship departs Pitcairn for Henderson with five passengers, two tourists and three off-islanders.
September 8
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Henderson Island with five passengers. The ship departs Pitcairn for Mangareva with eight passengers.
September 13
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, from Mangareva, with seven passengers. This is a special charter voyage for the National Geographic magazine and PEW Foundation. Also arriving on this ship is Melva Evans, a Pitcairner returning to her home island.
September 15
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, departs Pitcairn for Mangareva with seven passengers, including one Pitcairn islander going abroad for medical treatment. From Mangareva Claymore II, departs for its home port at Tauranga, New Zealand.
October 18
French naval vessel Arago (P675), Captain Arnaud Bolelli, from Tahiti, bound for Mangareva. While the ship is at Pitcairn the island's school children are invited aboard for a tour of the ship. In the evening of the 18th the Pitcairners and the ship's crew share a festive meal at The Landing. Arago sails for Mangareva at 2200 hours on October 19.
French naval vessel Arago (P675), calls from Mangareva at 0800 hours. The warship departs for Mururoa atoll at 2200 hours on October 19, after what the island newspaper describes as "a successful visit."
October 29
Yacht Dawnbreaker, from Easter Island, bound for Mangaeva with five persons on board. The vessel departs Pitcairn for Mangareva on October 31.
November 12
Two Wakatapu vessels, from Mangareva, bound for Rapanui (Easter Island) passed close to Pitcairn Island without stopping. School children were dismissed from classes and scaled Ship Landing Point so they could view the native craft as they passed. The waka vessels are following in the wake of their ancestors from Auckland, New Zealand, to Rapanui and return. The story of their voyage may be seen at www.wakatapu.com.
November 14
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II, arrives at 0800 hours with supplies from New Zealand. After discharge of her cargo, the ship departs for Mangareva, Gambier Islands with three passengers.
November 19
Sailing yacht Mala, from Easter Island, bound for French Polynesia, arrives at 1030 hours with two persons on board. The Mala sails at 0830 hours for Mangareva with two persons on board on November 21.
November 20
Sailing yacht Blue-shift, from Mangareva, bound to the east, calls at 1000 hours with five persons on board. Blue-shift sails for Easter Island at 1630 hours with five persons on board on November 21.
November 22
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II arrives at 0800 hours from Mangareva with 10 passengers on board. The ship departs for Henderson Island at 1800 hours on November 22 with six passengers on board.
November 24
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II arrives from Henderson Island at 0800 hours with two passengers on board. The ship departs for Mangareva at 1800 hours on November 25 with nine passengers on board.
November 29
Passenger-cargo ship Claymore II arrives from Mangareva at 0800 hours with 13 passengers on board. The ship departs at 1800 hours on November 29 for Henderson Island.
December 25
Noble Caledonia's cruise ship Caledonia Sky, Captain Newman, from Easter Island, bound for Mangareva, Gambier Islands. This ship accommodates 114 passengers and has a crew of 74.
For a listing of ships calling at Pitcairn Island – dating back to the landing of the Bounty mutineers, in 1790, – readers may purchase “Pitcairn – Port of Call,” 500 pages, from the Pitcairn Islands Study Center, 1 Angwin Ave., Angwin, CA 94508, $20.00 including postage in the U.S (call for overseas cost). The book lists all ship calls at Pitcairn from 1790 to 1990. The book “Pitcairn Island as a Port of Call,” from Amazon.com, or McFarland & Co., Inc., Publishers, Jefferson, North Carolina, lists all ship calls at Pitcairn Island from 1790 to 2010.
Photo Log of Pitcairn Ship-Boat Callers
Thanks to the excellent photography of Pitcairner Brian Young (some of it obtained under extremely difficult weather and sea conditions), the Pitcairn Islands Study Center is able to present the following photographic log of ships that have called at the island in the recent past.
May 6, 2015 - Yacht Bounty
The French yacht Bounty called at Bounty Bay just off Pitcairn Island on May 6, 2015, from Easter Island. Due to need of a safer anchorage, she was moved to the island's western harbor at Tedside for most of her 24-hour stay at Pitcairn. In the afternoon of May 8, Bounty's anchor was upped, and she made to the west-north-west for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
February 24, 2015 - Tugboats Agol and Dichato
Just as the cruise ship Costa Deliziosa (in red) was departing from Pitcairn Island for Easter Island on February 24, 2015, two tugboats, the Agol and the Dichato, each with a crew of five, came into sight in Pitcairn waters near the Island. Sailing from Hong Kong to Chile, the two small but powerful boats were on their way to begin service in the harbors of Chile. These two China-built tugs are the second and third such vessels to visit Pitcairn waters. On December 28, 2013, the China-built tugboat Lebu, also bound for service in Chilean harbors, visited in Pitcairn Island waters.
February 24, 2015 - Cruise ship Costa Deliziosa
Calling at Pitcairn Island on February 24, 2015, from Tahiti was the Costa Cruise Line's 92,700 gross tonnage cruise ship Costa Deliziosa. The 964-foot-long vessel has a Genoa, Italy, registry. She is authorized to carry 2,828 passengers and a crew of 1,100. After a pleasant visit at Pitcairn, Costa Deliziosa set sail eastward for Easter Island.
February 8, 2015 - Cruise ship Crystal Serenity
Crystal Cruises' 68,870-ton cruise ship Crystal Serenity, voyaging from Easter Island to Tahiti, called at Pitcairn Island on February 8, 2015. "Everybody on Pitcairn Island was happy about this fine cruise ship's visit," said a Pitcairner. "The trading was very good onboard, and we all sold out of island-crafts and other items; one lady literally bought the shirt off my back, as she insisted on buying the purple Pitcairn shirt I was wearing, and she provided one of her blouses for me to keep. The passengers were excited and impressed when we gathered in the large foyer to sing three of our Pitcairn songs - it sounded magnificent." Crystal Serenity, on a more than 100-day, around-the-world cruise, measures 820 feet in length, is 106 feet wide, has 13 decks, and ploughs the ocean at 21 knots. Her maximum capacity is 1,070 passengers and a crew of 655.
January 23, 2015 - Cruise ship Albatros
The motor ship Albatros, operated by the Germany-based travel agency Phoenix Reisen, called at Pitcairn Island on January 23, 2015. Passengers and crew aboard the ship spent an enjoyable time with the Pitcairn Islanders who came aboard the vessel to trade or sell crafts, curios and other items offered by the Pitcairners. The 583-foot long Albatros has a 28,518 gross register tonnage, with a width of 83 feet, and Nassau, Bahamas, as her Port of Registry.
January 19, 2014 - Tanker Palanca Singapore
The 10,830-ton tanker ship Palance Singapore, sailing from the east coast of the United States via the Panama Canal to Australia, called at Pitcairn Island for a brief visit on January 19, 2014. Though registered in the Marshall Islands, the captain and crew of Palance Singapore are Swedish. The captain's father had been the captain of one of the several Stolt line ships that were regular Pitcairn visitors in the past 30 years. "Palance Singapore is the first 'ordinary' (commercial) ship we have had call here for a long, long time," said a Pitcairner.
December 28, 2014 - Cruise ship Marina
The 15-deck, 66,084-ton Oceania Cruises ship Marina called at Pitcairn Island on December 28, 2014, with hundreds of passengers and a crew of 800 on board. Rough seas in Pitcairn's Bounty Bay area caused the ship to have to come to anchor in the lee or eastern side of the island. "Gladys Lintz, the granddaughter of Pitcairner Ida Young and three other members of that family were aboard Marina, so there was quite a reunion on board," reported one islander. "The trading of Pitcairn crafts and curios on board the ship between the Pitcairners and passengers and crew was extremely good. That left our bags and boxes, which had held these for-sale items, nearly empty and our pocketbooks full of dollars!" Of Marshall Islands registry, Marina is 785 feet in length, with a beam of 106 feet, and a cruising speed of 20 knots.
December 8, 2014 - Sailing Yacht Drumbeat
Photo courtesy of Pitcairner Kerry Young
The large sailing yacht Drumbeat called at Pitcairn Island on December 8, 2014, and anchored at Tedside in the lee of the island. Arriving from Mangareva, Drumbeat set sail for Easter Island and then for Antarctica the day after her arrival. Drumbeat has a international crew of 10 members and is of Cayman Islands registry.
November 19, 2014 - Cruise Tanker ship Europa
Hapag-Lloyd's 652-foot cruise ship Europa, which is billed by the company as "The most beautiful yacht in the world," called at Pitcairn Island on November 29, 2014. Calling from Easter Island, and bound for French Polynesia to the northwest, Europa's hundreds of passengers enjoyed their brief visit at Pitcairn. As the ship departed later in the same day of her arrival, she carried with her Pitcairner Brian Young who was being evacuated to a hospital at Tahiti for emergency medical care. Built in a Finnish shipyard in 1999, Europa carries a crew of 285 to serve her 400 passengers, and she ploughs the ocean waters at 21 knots cruising speed.
November 9, 2014 - Cruise ship Silver Shadow
With 289 passengers and more than 200 crew members on board, the cruise ship Silver Shadow called at Pitcairn Island on November 9, 2014. Arriving in rough weather from French Polynesia and bound for Easter Island, the ship hove to off Bounty Bay while Pitcairn Islanders came aboard to barter and sell their crafts and curios. "The people on board were very friendly, and trading was good," said a Pitcairner. From stores on the ship, soft drinks, frozen chickens and numerous other food items were sold to the Pitcairners. After a four-hour stay at Pitcairn, Silver Shadow pointed her bow eastward and made for distant Easter Island.
November 7, 2014 - Cruise Ship Silver Explorer
Silversea's 6,072-ton, luxury cruise ship Silver Explorer called at Pitcairn Island on November 7, 2014, with 110 guests and a crew of 100 aboard. Calling from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, Silver Explorer arrived at Pitcairn in weather that was quite rough, with swells coming into Bounty Bay so heavily that it was not possible for passengers to land. Though the ship was scheduled to depart for Henderson Island on the evening of her arrival at Pitcairn, the passengers wanted so much to land on Pitcairn that the ship sayed overnight to see if landing was possible the next day. Sad to say, the weather was still too rough, making it not possible to land anyone. The 354-foot long Silver Explorer left at about mid-day for Easter Island.
November 6, 2014 - Ship Braveheart
Soney Creek Shipping Company's ship Braveheart called at Pitcairn Island on November 6, 2014, from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands. Aboard the ship were 13 passengers who visited on Pitcairn for a day before departing in the evening for Henderson, another of the Pitcairn islands group. During her visit to Pitcairn in October, Braveheart's anchor was lost, so during this visit Captain Matt Jolly set the ship on a drifting course around the island as his passengers visited ashore during the day.
October 21, 2014 - Cruise ship Caledonian Sky
In the morning of October 21, 2014, the cruise ship Calendonia Sky called at Pitcairn from Henderson Island, another of the Pitcairn group of four islands. Because of rough weather, the ship anchored off Tedside in Pitcairn's lee (or less windy side), and most of the passengers were able to come ashore for a pleasant visit. At 6 p.m., on the 21st, Caledonia Sky hauled her hook (anchor) aboard, and headed for Oeno Island, another of the Pitcairn group, which lies 76 miles north-north-west of Pitcairn. Following her call at Oeno, Caledonia Sky was scheduled to make for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
October 16, 2014 - Ship Braveheart
Stoney Creek Shipping Company's ship Braveheart, Captain Matt Jolly, called at Pitcairn Island from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands on October 16, 2014, with 11 passengers on board, practically all of them avid "birders." The passengers enjoyed most of the day ashore on the Island, but Braveheart had to run about the Island, unable to anchor because of a broken windless. Late in the afternoon of the 16th, with all aboard again, Braveheart pointed her bow to the east-north-east heading for Henderson Island, some 107 miles from Pitcairn.
October 9, 2014 - Cruise Ship Caledonia Sky
At 7:30 in the morning of October 9, 2014, the Caledonia Sky Sea Cruises' ship Caledonia Sky, from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands and bound for Easter Island, called at Pitcairn Island with 89 passengers on board. Since the wind was blowing from the northeast, the ship anchored off Ginger Valley at the Island. All but three of the passengers came ashore on Pitcairn for an enjoyable visit. Upon departing Pitcairn, Caledonia Sky made for nearby Henderson Island, and then eastward to Ducie Island before voyaging on to Easter Island. Built in 1991, Caledonia Sky is a ship of 4,200 tons, with a crew of 74 and a minimum/maximum capacity of 114 passengers.
September 16, 2014 - Sailing Yacht Jonathon
In a rainy weather morning, the sailing yacht Jonathan called at Pitcairn Island from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands. The prevailing winds being from the south, the vessel was anchored off Bounty Bay for a one day visit at Pitcairn. After an enjoyable time ashore, the two-member crew of Jonathan departed in their sailing vessel for Easter Island some 1,300 miles to the east.
August 16, 2014 - Cruise ship Norfolk Guardian
The 1,598-ton cargo ship Norfolk Guardian, sailing under the flag of Tonga, arrived at Pitcairn Island on August 16, 2014, carrying tons of supplies and equipment for the construction of a harbor at the Tedside area of Pitcairn. Completion of this harbor, a first for Pitcairn, will allow for the safe landing of visitors to the island. Because of high winds and rough seas, off-loading of the Norfolk Guardian's cargo was delayed for several days; she departed Pitcairn on August 27, 2014.
August 15, 2014 - Cruise ship Dawn Princess
The 77,499-gross ton, Sun-class cruise ship Dawn Princess of the Princess Cruises line called at Pitcairn on Friday, August 15, 2014. Brisk trading of Pitcairn's many curios, crafts and other items was done by the Pitcairners aboard the ship until her departure later in the day for her next port of call. Dawn Princess was built in 1997 in Italy. The ship is 873 feet in length and has a beam of 105 feet. With a crew of 900, Dawn Princess accommodates 1,900 passengers.
August 15, 2014 - Sailing Yacht Wanaka
The New Zealand sailing yacht Wanaka, from Easter Island and bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, called at Pitcairn Island on August 15, 2014. After visiting on the island, the vessel's two-member crew departed on August 16 for Mangareva. They took with them on Wanaka Pitcairn Postmaster Dennis Christian who needed transportation to the closest airstrip to Pitcairn which is at Rikitea on Mangareva. There he was able to board an airplane for medical treatment at Pitcairn's closest hospital, which is at Papeete, Tahiti, some 1,200 miles from Pitcairn.
August 5, 2014 - Yacht Infinity
Photo courtesy of Dennis Christian.
The large German yacht Infinity called at Pitcairn Island on August 5, 2014, from its previous port of call, Easter Island. With 16 person on board, the yacht was first anchored at Rope, and then on the second and third days of her visit, she was anchored at Bounty Bay. Half of those on board Infinity came ashore on the first day of her call, with the remainder visiting on the island on the second day. At just after lunch on the third day, Infinity upped anchor and pointed her nose northwestward for the island of Mangareva.
July 16, 2014 - Yacht Selma
Photo courtesy of Pitcairner Melva Evans
The two-masted yacht Selma of Selma Expeditions called at Pitcairn Island from Easter Island with a crew of five, the captain and his partner being Polish, while the others are from three other countries. After being anchored at Bounty Bay, those from the vessel had an enjoyable time visiting on Pitcairn. The Selma departed Pitcairn for Mangareva and Tahiti on Thursday, July 17, 2014.
May 31, 2014, yacht Rigel - June 4, 2014, Yacht Dana Felicia
With two persons on board, the Canadian yacht Rigel arrived off Bounty Bay, Pitcairn Island, from Easter Island on May 31, 2014. The yacht was moved to Tedside where she was anchored while the two persons on board came ashore to enjoy visiting and sight-seeing on the Island. After a two-day stay, the Rigel set sail for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
In the teeth of east winds gusting up to 30 knots at times, the Danish yacht Dana Felicia arrived off Bounty Bay at Pitcairn Island on June 4, 2014. The high winds made anchoring at Bounty Bay impossible, so the Dana Felicia was anchored at Tedside in Pitcairn's lee, where those on board the vessel had to wait almost days before they could land on the Island. After an all too short visit ashore by the crew, Dana Felicia sailed for Mangareva in the Gambier Island group on June 8.
May 26, 2014, yacht Moksha - May 27, 2014, yacht Noroue
Calling in from Easter Island on May 26, 2014, the yacht Moksha anchored of Bounty Bay for the day, and all on board came ashore to visit and enjoy touring Pitcairn Island. Late in the evening of her arrival day the Moksha sailed for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
Arriving in the early morning of May 27, 2014, from Easter Island, the Canadian yacht Noroue anchored off Bounty Bay at Pitcairn Island. The two persons on board came ashore to enjoy meeting the Pitcairn people and viewing the beauties of the Island. On May 28, the Noroue set sail to the northwest for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands group.
May 1, 2014, yacht Crystal - May 14, 2014, yacht Necton
The British yacht Crystal arrived at Pitcairn Island on May 1, 2014, from Easter Island. On board the vessel was a crew of six Polish men. Although the weather was bad, the yacht was anchored in the lee of the island for four days while crew members enjoyed sightseeing and visiting the Pitcairn community. On May 4, Crystal made sail to the northwest for the Marquesas.
With four people on board, the Dutch yacht Necton called at Pitcairn Island on May 14, 2014. Two of those arriving on the yacht were Russians, while the captain was Dutch and a fourth crew member was Danish. After arriving from Easter Island, the yacht was anchored in Bounty Bay while the four crew members came ashore to visit. Necton departed Pitcairn in the evening of the 14th, bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
April 27, 2014 - cruise ship Marina
In the morning of April 27, 2014, Oceania Cruises' big 66,084-ton cruise ship Marina with 1,274 passengers aboard, called at Pitcairn Island from Tahiti. The weather was too rough for the ship to anchor off Bounty Bay, so she was moved to an area off Ginger Valley, and there the Pitcairners came aboard to do a brisk business of selling and trading until 2 o'clock in the afternoon. "Trading was very good," said a Pitcairner who went aboard the ship. "Stores from the ship were swapped for Pitcairn bananas and paw paws. A good (selling) day was had by most of the islanders who went on board." The ship sailed from Pitcairn for Easter Island in mid-afternoon of the 27th. Built in 2011, Marina is 785 feet in length and has a beam of 106 feet. There are 15 decks on the ship which travels at 20 knots, and is registered in the Marshall Islands.
April 26, 2014 - yacht Anastasia
The Swedish yacht Anastasia, having sailed from Easter Island, called at Pitcairn on April 26, 2014. With two persons on board, the yacht was first anchored off Tedside in Pitcairn's lee, and later it was moved around to the Ginger Valley area. After a two-day visit at Pitcairn, Anastasia sailed to the northwest, bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
April 25, 2014, yacht Traveller - April 25, 2014, yacht Lady Twin
With two persons on board, the American yacht Traveller called at Pitcairn Island on April 25, 2014. During her two-day stay at Pitcairn the yacht was anchored at Tedside. On April 27, Traveller's crew hauled up the vessel's anchor and sailed to the northwest for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
The Belgium yacht Lady Twin with three Polish men aboard, was a Pitcairn called late in the evening of April 25, 2014. Lady Twin's port of call previous to Pitcairn had been Easter Island. After a two-day anchorage at Tedside on Pitcairn's lee, Lady Twin sailed from Pitcairn for Mangareva Island in the Gambier Group of islands.
April 25, 2014, yacht Equinox - April 25, 2014, yacht Meric
Equinox called at Pitcairn Island on April 25, 2014. Equinox's previous port of call before reaching Pitcairn had been Easter Island. After being anchored off Tedside in Pitcairn's lee for about 24 hours, Equinox made sail for Mangareva Island in the Gambier Group of islands.
Arriving at Pitcairn at the same time as the yacht Equonix was the French yacht Meric with two persons on board. Spending one day off Pitcairn, the Meric set sail to the northwest in the evening of April 26, with Mangareva in the Gambier Islands being her destination.
April 7, 2014 - container ship Maersk Brunei
On Monday, April 7, 2014, answering to an emergency call from Pitcairn, the big Maersk Line container ship Maersk Brunei which had diverted from its normal shipping lane arrived off Bounty Bay. Pitcairn Mayor Shawn Christian and Vaine Peu went aboard the vessel in preparation for Vaine being transported to a hospital in New Zealand, where he will be treated for an undisclosed heart problem. The ship lay off Pitcairn for only a half hour before continuing onward to New Zealand. A large gift of fruits and fish was given to the ship by the Pitcairners as a "thank you" for answering to their call for help.
April 17, 2014, yacht Soley
With one person aboard, the 38-foot French yacht Soley called at Pitcairn on April 17, 2014, from Easter Island. Strong east-south-east winds made the sea too rough to anchor the vessel off Bounty Bay, so it was moved to Tedside in the island's lee. Being of a frugal nature, or perhaps simply because he wanted all to know his athleticism, the Soley's skipper chose to swim ashore rather than pay the 60-dollar ferry fee from the yacht to shore. On April 19, Soley upped anchor and made to the northwest, bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
April 1, 2014, catamaran Dan Kiwi
The Danish catamaran Dan Kiwi arrived off Bounty Bay on April 1, from Easter Island. Aboard Dan Kiwi were Captain-owner Ingolf Nielsen and one crew member. Four days before arriving at Pitcairn they encountered a Pacific storm which did some minor damage to the vessel. According to Pitcairner Brian Young, during Dan Kiwi's visit at the island "the weather was at its best, with a flat calm to the sea outside Bounty Bay making for a good anchoring." On April 4, Dan Kiwi upped anchor and sailed off toward Mangareva in the Gambier Islands to the west-northwest of Pitcairn.
March 20, 2014 - yacht Tidoudou
The 35-foot French yacht Tidoudou called at Pitcairn Island, the vessel's previous port of call being Easter Island. Upon her arrival Tidoudou was anchored off Bounty Bay, and the French couple on board were able to visit the island until March 21, when she departed for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
March 17, 2014 - yacht Skoiern
On March 17, 2014, the yacht Skoiern called at Pitcairn Island, her previous port of call having been at Easter Island. Because of rough seas at Bounty Bay, the vessel was anchored at Tedside, and the French couple on board were able to come ashore for a pleasant visit on the island. On March 18, Skoiern upped-anchor and sailed northwestward for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
March 17, 2014 - residence cruise ship The World
The giant, continuously cruising residence ship The World, 43,524 gross tons, called at Pitcairn Island on March 17, 2014, with 130 plus resident families and a crew of 250 aboard. Sea conditions alongside the ship were quite rough so not all those on board were able to come ashore and enjoy Pitcairn's world-famous hospitality. The ship made use of its own Zodiac boats to land those who were adventurous enough to go ashore, reported Pitcairner Brian Young. The World calls itself "the largest privately owned yacht on the planet." Its residents, from about 19 countries, travel the world continuously, usually staying at ports of call for three days. All residents have a say in the ever-changing itinerary of the ship, expedition options and onboard activities and issues. Residents have the ability to travel the globe without leaving the comforts of home. The World was launched in March 2002. Her length is 644 feet, with a beam of almost 98 feet and a speed of 18.5 knots (just over 21 miles per hour. MS The World is operated by residenSea out of Miramar, Florida.
March 8, 2014 - German cruise ship Artania
The German cruise ship Artania of the Phoenix Reisen fleet arrived at Pitcairn Island from the west with 960 passengers and a crew of about 500 on board on March 8, 2014. After the Pitcairn islanders came aboard the ship loaded down with their sale items, the ship's captain very generously did two huge slow-speed circles around Pitcairn that allowed some six hours for selling and trading, which, according to one Pitcairner, "was good." The ship's store was also kindly opened to the islanders for the purchase of needed items. Once the Pitcairners had debarked from Artania, the ship started ploughing the seas eastward, bound for Easter Island. Artania was built in 1984 at the Helsinki Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland. She is 756.59 feet in length, with a beam of 105.64 feet. There are eight passenger decks on the vessel, and she sails the ocean at 22 knots.
March 8, 2014, French yacht Funambvle - French yacht Grey Pearl
With a family of four aboard, the French yacht Funambvle called at Pitcairn Island from Easter Island on March 8, 2014. The family visited on Pitcairn until March 10, and departed for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, but with a stop at Pitcairn's sister island of Oeno before proceeding to Mangareva.
The 16-meter French yacht Grey Pearl showed its sail off Bounty Bay, Pitcairn Island, on March 8, 2014, with a family of three on board. Along with the yacht Funambvle, Grey Pearl was anchored off Bounty Bay for a two-day visit on the Island. On the 10th, along with Funambvle, Grey Pearl upped anchor and headed for Oeno Island before sailing onward to Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
March 5, 2014 - Swedish sailing yacht Miramis
Arriving at Pitcairn from the Galapagos Islands on March 5, 2014, was the Swedish sailing yacht Miramis with two Swedish men and two Asian women aboard. The 41-foot, glass-hull vessel was anchored off Ginger Valley until she sailed for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands on March 8, 2014. All four of those on Miramis were able to spend happy and quality time on the Island before they sailed northwestward.
February 25, 2014 - Fred Olsen line cruise ship Black Watch
It was a "black day" for Pitcairn islanders when the cruise ship Black Watch passed close by the island. The reason for the blackness of the day was that Black Watch's captain decided not to stop and let the Pitcairners come aboard to trade their interesting crafts and other items with passengers. Despite radio entreaties to him to stop even for a short time so the islanders could come aboard and offer the many items they had prepared, it was of no interest to this captain. With over 600 passengers on board the ship plus at least half as many crew members, the captain's decision was a great loss to the Pitcairners. The ship arrived at about 9 a.m., from Easter Island, cruised at slow speed once around the island, and then headed northwestward for Tahiti.
February 25, 2014 - Russian yacht Noseaa
The Russian yacht Noseaa, from Easter Island and bound for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, called at Pitcairn on February 25, her crew of three, one Russian and two Chileans, spending a pleasant day ashore. In the late afternoon of Noseaa's call, the wind started to increase and the yacht started to drag her anchor, always a potentially dangerous matter in the waters around Pitcairn. Fortunately one of the crew was aboard the yacht at the time and he was able to remedy the problem. Late in the evening the Noseaa upped anchor and got under way for Mangareva to the northwest from Pitcairn.
February 24, 2014 - Chilean fishing boat Vali
Late in the evening of February 24, the Chilean fishing boat Vali, Captain Carlos, on her maiden voyage from China to Punta Arenas, Chile, sailed very close by Pitcairn's Bounty Bay. Night-time conditions prevented the ship from stopping as she passed very close to Pitcairn. Vali has a crew of six.
February 16, 2014 - Cruise ship Queen Victoria
In good weather on February 16, the 90,000-ton cruise ship Queen Victoria called at Pitcairn at 8 a.m., from Easter Island with 1,690 passengers and a crew of 1,000 on board. The ship was at Pitcairn for four hours during which time trading by the Pitcairners with passengers and crew was brisk, and profitable. During the trading period, the ship cruised slowly around the island twice. "This was a very friendly ship," said an islander, "with the crew being helpful to the Pitcairners in carrying boxes and baskets of trade goods up from the Pitcairn longboats to where trading was permitted on the ship." When the Pitcairners left the ship at around midday, she moved away to the northwest setting her course for Tahiti."
February 8, 2014 - Cruise ship Pacific Princess
Under weather that was rain showers and thunder-filled, but with light to moderate sea conditions, the 30,277-ton cruise ship Pacific Princess arrived at 9:30 a.m., off Pitcairn Island from Easter Island on February 8 with 629 passengers on board. The ship did not anchor but made a full, extended turn around the island which allowed the Pitcairners to come aboard for some three hours of trading and selling of island crafts and curios. Pitcairn's longboat Tub had engine trouble in attempting to reach the ship, so the second boat, Tin, after putting its passengers aboard Pacific Princess, came to the rescue. Tin returned to where Tub was dead in the water a mile off the north side of Pitcairn, took her in tow and saw to her being safely anchored just off the Pitcairn harbor. Tin then returned to Pacific Princess and retrieved the Pitcairners who had been on board the cruise ship selling island items. Shortly after Tin left the side of the ship, Pacific Princess left the Pitcairn area, her bow pointed northwesterly for Tahiti. The seven-deck Pacific Princess, owned by Princess Cruises, was launched in 1999 at St. Nazaire, France. She is registered in Great Britain.
January 29, 2014 - three-masted sailing barque Picton Castle
In fair weather on January 29, 2014, the three-masted sailing barque (or bark) Picton Castle, a veteran Pitcairn Island caller, arrived at the Island from Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Aboard this one of the last vestiges of the era of sailing ships was Captain Danny Moreland and a crew of 23. The ship brought lumber and boxes for both the Island government and for individuals living on Pitcairn. After anchoring off Bounty Bay, the ship's crew came ashore in rotation for a couple of nights ashore. Though Captain Moreland planned for a stay of only four days at Pitcairn, the length of earlier visits of the ship have often exceeded the captain's expectations. Picton Castle is registered in the Cook Islands, in the South Pacific Ocean, and is owned and operated by the Windward Isles Sailing Ship Company, Ltd. The ship's mission is deep-ocean sail training and long-distance education. Also, she carries supplies and educational materials to far-flung islands in the South Pacific. Her North American homeport is Lumenburg, Nova Scotia.
January 24, 2014 - Cruise ship MS Amsterdam
In good weather on the morning of January 24, the MS Amsterdam arrived at Pitcairn Island from Easter Island, her previous port of call. Some 990 passengers and a crew of 670 were on the ship as she cruised around the island for three hours while the Pitcairn islanders, who had come on board, were able to conduct a brisk time of selling and trading with the passengers on the ship's Lido deck. When the Pitcairners had disembarked to return to their island homes, Amsterdam pointed her bow northwestward and got under way for the island of Tahiti. Amsterdam made her maiden voyage in October of 2000; her length is 777.6 feet, and she has a beam of 105.8 feet. She ship is comprised of 12 decks, and travels the ocean at 25 knots, or about 29 miles per hour.
January 16, 2014 - Cruise ship Crystal Symphony
In good weather shortly before 8 a.m., on Thursday, January 16, the 50,000-ton cruise ship Crystal Symphony having sailed from Easter Island, came to anchor just off Pitcairn Island for a day of trading and visiting with the Pitcairn people. Aboard the Crystal Cruises' vessel when she arrived were some 700 passengers and a crew of 600. "Good trading and a great lunch (for the Pitcairners) was put on by the ship, and enjoyed by all who went on board from the Island," writes Pitcairn Brian Young who took this picture of the ship from one of Pitcairn's longboats. At three o'clock in the afternoon as the ship prepared to depart for Moorea, the islanders broke into the singing of their traditional farewell songs: the hymn, "In the Sweet Bye and Bye," and the Pitcairn "Goodbye Song." Crystal Symphony was launched in 1995, with a Bahamas registry. She is 782 feet in length, and has a beam of 99 feet.
January 12, 2014 - RoRo ship Talisman
The giant, 67,140-ton, roll on-roll off, vehicle-carrying ship Talisman was on its way from Panama to Auckland, New Zealand, and might well have been on a very tight schedule because it did not stop at Pitcairn, passing just one mile north of Adamstown. Though contacted by vhs radio while the ship was 20 miles from Pitcairn, she chose not to stop, though many of her sister ships of the Wilhelmsen line have been Pitcairn callers in the past. Talisman is 240 meters in length (about 787 feet) and has a beam of 32 meters (just over 104 feet), and has eight decks. The vessel was built in Korea in 2011, and has a Norwegian registry.
January 8, 2014 - Cruise ship Marina
The 66,084 ton cruise ship Marina, sailing from Easter Island to Tahiti, called at Pitcairn in the early morning hours with some 1,240 passengers and a crew of 800 on board. The sleek-looking vessel came to anchor off Pitcairn's Ginger Valley at just before 9 a.m., and although the ship's passengers were not allowed to come ashore because of moderately rough weather, the Pitcairners were allowed to come aboard the vessel and sale or trade their fine crafts and curios to the passengers. By all reports, it was a good sales day for the islanders, most of them coming ashore from the ship with empty bags, as one Pitcairner put it. At 3 p.m., Marina hoisted her hook and set her course northwestward for the isle of Tahiti. Built in 2011, the 785-foot long Marina has a beam of 105 feet, 11 guest decks, cruises at 20 knots, and has a Marshall Islands registry.
December 28, 2013 - tug boat LEBU
On December 28, 2013, at midday, the powerful, sea-going tug boat LEBU with five persons aboard made her appearance off Bounty Bay at Pitcairn Island. According to Island sources, LEBU is a brand new vessel, and was making its way from China to Chile in connection with its call at Pitcairn. LEBU is registered in Kingston, Jamaica. She anchored for two hours off the Island, but during that time no one from the vessel came ashore. In early afternoon LEBU took her departure from Pitcairn for Chile.
December 16, 2013 - yacht Attila
The sloop-rigged, 34-foot yacht Attila arrived at Pitcairn Island on December 16, 2013, after a voyage of some 70 days from Panama. Two people were on board the vessel which was flying the flag of Hungary. After a visit on the island and an overnight anchorage off the island, Attila departed for December 17 for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands group.
November 18, 2013 - Yacht Tonga
In rough seas on November 18, the ultra-lite French yacht Tonga called at Pitcairn. The boat, with three persons on board, was moved to Tedside in Pitcairn's lee in an attempt to anchor there, but the seas were far too rough to safely anchor a vessel of this type which is made more for speed than for cruising, and if anchored in such as the seas were would likely be in serious trouble. After only a short period of time at Tedside, Tonga departed Pitcairn for an unknown destination.
November 17, 2013 - Cruise ship Costa Neo Romantica
On November 17, 2013, the 57,100-ton Italian cruise ship Costa Neo Romantica called at Pitcairn. But call was all she did. Only six officials of Pitcairn Island were allowed on board the ship, a great disappointment to the islanders who were ready and hoping to sell their crafts and other items of interest on board the ship. There were more than 1,400 passengers and a crew of 622 crew members on the ship which arrived at 10 a.m. in good weather. A Pitcairn-crafted model of H.M.S. Bounty and a plaque were presented to the ship by Pitcairn officials. The Costa Neo Romantica's previous call before Pitcairn had been at Easter Island, and she was bound for Tahiti. Launched in 1993, this cruise ship is of Italian registry, has 11 decks, is 719 feet in length, with a beam of 105 feet, and ploughs the seas at 18.5 knots.
October 28, 2013 - Super yacht Ohana
After what one passenger aboard described as "a horrendous six-day battle with headwinds" from Tahiti to Pitcairn Island, the 163-foot super yacht Ohana arrived off Bounty Bay on October 28, and went to anchor off The Rope. With a crew of nine and passengers for Pitcairn, the vessel made only a brief stop at the island before making sail in the evening of the 28th for Easter Island, and then proceeding on to Panama. Built in New Zealand in 2012, the 370 ton Ohana is described as "a magnificent vessel with capacity for accommodating 10 passengers." In addition to sail, the yacht is powered by a Caterpillar C32 ACERT (1400 BHP) engine, that allows her to achieve a maximum speed of 18 knots with a 12-knot average.
October 17, 2013, Sailing vessel Da Boat - October 17, 2013, Yacht Coccinelle
The French yacht Da Boat called at Pitcairn on October 17, anchoring in Bounty Bay after the more than 300-mile voyage from her last port of call.. The four persons on board the vessel came ashore to enjoy visiting various sites of interest on the island. Having come from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, Da Boat made sail on October 19 for Easter Island, from which place she would proceed on to Chile in South America.
The yacht Coccinelle, chartered out of Mangareva, arrived at Pitcairn on October 17. The vessel did a quick turn-around, carrying Pitcairners Brenda and Mike Christian and Meralda Warren to Mangareva from which point they took the once-a-week air flight to Papeete, Tahiti. In Tahiti the three islanders represented Pitcairn Island in a large Bounty Festival. Coccinelle's captain-owner left his wife and two children in Mangareva while he did the charter from Mangarreva to Pitcairn to Mangareva.
August 30, 2013 - Sailing Yacht Polo Flat
Flying the Australian flage, the 33-foot long steel-hulled yacht Polo Flat arrived in the morning at Pitcairn Island on August 30, 2013. Coming from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands with two persons on board, the yacht departed Pitcairn for Easter Island in the evening hours of her arrival day.
August 25, 2013 - Cargo ship Marsgracht
In good weather Spilethoff Bevrachtingskantoor's cargo ship Marsgracht, 11,759 deadweight tons, Captain O. Nikitchenko, hove to off Pitcairn at 10 a.m., on August 25, 2013. Shortly thereafter the Netherlands-registered vessel's crew came ashore in two lots to visit and trade on the island. "This ship traded well, with lots of dunnage (timber) and odd bits coming ashore from her," reported Pitcairner Brian Young. Marsgracht was built in China, with her first sea service coming in 2011. The vessel is 142 meters long, with a beam of 19 meters, and an average speed of 12.4 knots.
August 3, 2013 - Dutch cargo ship Floretgracht
Spliethoff Bevrachtingskantoor's cargo ship Floretgracht called at Pitcairn Island on August 3, 2013, for a visit of a few hours on her voyage from Geelong, Australia, to Ecuador. Under the command of M. Stepanov, Master, the ship's crew of eight came ashore for a brief visit on the island. Built in China in 2012, Floretgracht is 137 meters long, with a beam of 19 meters. Her deadweight tonnage is 12,067 tons.
July 20, 2013 - Yacht Australie
The French yacht Australie arrived at Pitcairn Island on July 20, 2013, from the Galapagos Islands with two persons on board. The yacht arrived in good weather, however, the weather turned bad overnight, and for the next four days the yacht had to be sheltered at Tedside hoping for a break in the weather. Finally, on July 25, with the weather still bad, the Australie upped anchor and left for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.
July 12, 2013, Sailing yacht Wind Witch - July 19, 2013, Sailing catamaran Saraba
The American sailing yacht Wind Witch with one person aboard arrived at Pitcairn on July 12, and departed on July 14. Due to the weather & a strong south wind, the vessel's skipper never got ashore. His main engine was not working so he had to depend on his sail to move the yacht. Because the yacht was anchored close to the island, upon his departure the Pitcairners had to use one of their longboats to help him get his anchor up and to tow him to safe water away from the coast. The Wind Witch was 26 days sailing from the Galapagos Islands to Pitcairn, and the skipper departed Pitcairn for Tahiti for repairs.
With three persons on board, the Brazilian 55-foot sailing catamaran Saraba arrived at Pitcairn Island on July 19 from the island of Mangareva in the Gambier Islands. The Saraba began her return to Mangareva on July 21.
June 29, 2013, Sailing yacht Chateau Beaumont - June 29, 2013, Sailing yacht Coccinelle
The 70-foot yacht Chateau Beaumont (left) flying the French flag with a crew of three, arrived at Pitcairn from Mangareva in the Gambier Islands on June 29. Later in the day of her arrival (at about 4 p.m.), Chateau Beaumont departed for Henderson Island, one of the Pitcairn group of islands, with three Pitcairners aboard in addition to her crew. Before departing, "lots of cargo" was taken aboard the vessel to supply needs during a planned work project on Henderson.
A 45-foot sailing vessel, calling at Pitcairn from the Galapagos Islands, Coccinelle arrived under the French flag. A family of four was aboard Coccinelle. They enjoyed an overnight visit at the island, and departed for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands at 3 p.m., on June 30.
May 23, 2013, Sailing yacht Sara Jane - May 24, Sailing yacht Sea Venture
On May 23, the sailing yacht Sara Jane (left) called from Easter Island with three persons on board, a young boy and his parents. They came ashore for two days and then departed for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands on May 24.
The Swedish-registered yacht Sea Venture (right) with six young Scandinavians on board - including Danish, Swedish and Norwegians - called on May 24 from the Galapagos Islands, and anchored first in "Rope." Alas, their anchor got stuck and they had to dive to get it untangled from the rocks. Later on they anchored in Bounty Bay in quite rough seas, but they persisted, traveling in and out from the island in an inflatable canoe when weather permitted. After a good visit with the Pitcairners, the young sailors on Sea Venture departed for Mangareva.
May 16, 2013 - super yacht Marie
In the afternoon of May 16, the super yacht Marie, with eight persons on board, came to anchor off Bounty Bay. Sailing from Auckland, New Zealand, the Marie was bound for the Galapagos Islands. Because the sea in the bay was on the rough side, no one from the yacht came ashore. At dusk she upped-anchor and made to the east toward the Galapagos. Built in 2010, Marie is an American-owned aluminum-hull vessel of 180 feet in length.
April 27, 2013 - French frigate Prairial (F731)
On April 27, in rough seas and with 96 crew members on board, the French naval frigate Prairail called at Pitcairn Island from Easter Island, her last port of call. Because of the prevailing rough sea conditions, the vessel was brought to anchor at Tedside on the lee side of Pitcairn, and all crew members then came ashore to enjoy themselves. According to a Pitcairner, "A helicopter from the ship was flying around the island on both days the ship was here." A sumptuous Pitcairn dinner was served to the crew on shore on Saturday evening, and the Prairail's crew returned the favor with a barbeque lunch on Sunday before the ship departed Pitcairn for Mururoa Atoll at 4 p.m. The 2,590-ton Prairial is powered by four diesel engines that can speed her through the seas at 20 knots. Her length is 307 feet, with a beam of 14 feet. She was launched on March 16, 1991. Prairail's home port is Tahiti.
April 24, 2013 - General cargo ship Dijksgracht
In windy, rainy weather on April 24, the general cargo ship Dijksgracht hove to off Bounty Bay at Pitcairn Island, and the Pitcairners were welcomed aboard by Dijksgracht's Master, Douwe Hokwerda, to sell or trade their island products, crafts and curios. After having transited the Panama Canal, the 17,381-ton ship was bound for Auckland, New Zealand. Flying the flag of The Netherlands, Dijksgracth was built in 2008, has a length of 157 meters and a beam of 22 meters. "Trading was good," during the ship's three-hour stop at the island, said a Pitcairner.
April 17, 2013 - Sailing Yacht Pacific Cool, and Sailing Yacht Hasta Luego
With French Captain Jean Pierre and his partner on board on April 17, the sailing yacht Pacific Cool arrived off Pitcairn Island at the same time as did the sailing yacht Hasta Luego, both vessels arriving from the east, their last port of call before Pitcairn being the Galapagos Islands. Pacific Cool is an Armel 53, French-built vessel, "A very nice looking boat," said a Pitcairner. Captain Henry and one crew member were on board at the Hasta Luego's arrival off Bounty Bay. Both yachts departed Pitcairn for Mangareva island 310 miles to the west, late in the evening of April 18.
April 15, 2013 - Catamaran My Muse
After showing her colorful sails off Bounty Bay on the morning of April 15, the catamaran My Muse came to anchor and those on board came ashore to spend time on Pitcairn Island for several days. Those coming ashore were an unnamed husband and wife, two children, a crew member, and a dog. There was a bit of a mix-up about Pitcairn's laws as to whether dogs off calling vessels could come ashore, but that discussion took place after the dog was ashore. On the morning of April 19, My Muse lifted her sails for Mangareva in the Gambier Islands after her captain and crew having had a happy time at Pitcairn Island, home of the Bounty mutineers.
April 8, 2013 - Yacht Nana and Catamaran Elsie
On a voyage from Columbia, Latin America, to the Gambier Islands, the yacht Nana called at Pitcairn Island early in the morning of April 8. The vessel was anchored at Tedside in the lee of the island, and the Swedish couple on board came ashore to visit throughout the day. Nana set sail in the evening of the 8th, her course being for Mangareva in the Gambiers. Also on the 8th, the catamaran Elsie arrived at Pitcairn from an unknown earlier port of call. In "quite rough" seas Elsie also made anchorage at Tedside, and the vessel's occupants, an American couple with two children and a fifth person as crew, went ashore where they visited in the day, mostly in the Pitcairn Museum and at the Post Office. In company with the Nana, Elsie sailed to the west in the evening of April 8, looking for smoother waters.
April 7, 2013 - The yacht Sauvage
On a bell-clear day in early April the trim little yacht Sauvage called at Pitcairn Island. The vessel's last port of call before arriving at Pitcairn was Easter Island, and her destination after leaving the island was Mangareva in the Gambier Islands group. The Sauvage visited Pitcairn from April 7 until she sailed westward on April 11.
February 25, 2013 - MV Dynamogracht
The 17,967-ton general cargo ship Dynamogracht called briefly at Pitcairn Island on February 25, 2013. The Netherlands-registered ship last port of call before arriving at Pitcairn was Panama, and after leaving Pitcairn she was bound for Auckland, New Zealand. One of many Gracht ships that are always welcomed at Pitcairn Island, the Dynamogracht was built in 2010, and has a length of 157 meters and a beam of 23 meters. The ship is distinguished by her three large booms that speed the on and off-loading of cargo.
February 15, 2013 - Pacific Princess
Princess Cruises'30,277-ton cruise ship Pacific Princess called at Pitcairn Island on February 15, 2013, the latest of several annual visits this welcome visitor has made to the island. Built in France, the Bermuda-registered Princess cruises at 20 knots, measures 592 feet in length and has a crew of 373 to serve her hundreds of passengers who enjoy the many pleasures found on her 10 decks. The call of the Pacific Princess at Pitcairn Island is always a source of excitement and gladness among the Pitcairners every time she shows her sleek lines off Bounty Bay.
February 2, 2013 - Arcadia
Operated by P&O Cruises, Arcadia's call at Pitcairn island on February 2, came after she had called at Easter Island. Following her call at Pitcairn she was bound for Tahiti in the Marquesas Islands, north by northwest of Pitcairn. A beautiful, giant-size vessel of 86,799 gross tons, Arcadia's length is 951 feet, and her beam, side-to-side is 32 feet. She carries a crew of 976 to serve a maximum of 2,388 passengers. She was built by Fincantieri at their shipyard in Marghera, Italy, and is the third largest of seven ships currently in service with P&O Cruises. The ship officially entered service with the company in April 2005, and is an adult-only cruise ship.
January 15, 2013 - Europa
Hapag-Lloyd's beautiful 28,890-ton, 408-passenger cruise ship Europa is no stranger to the people of Pitcairn Island. She is a looked-forward-to friend every time she shows her sleek lines off Bounty Bay. Her call at Pitcairn on January 15, came following a call at Easter Island. After what a number of her passengers called "a joyful visit" at Pitcairn, Europa was bound for Tahiti in the Marquesas Islands. Launched in 1999, she is Hapag-Lloyd's upmarket flagship which primarily serves Europe's German-speaking travelers, but is also well known to a more global cruise audience. The storied guidebook Berlitz has long ranked Europa as its top-ranked cruise ship. In fact, she is the only vessel in the guide that has consistently merited a five-plus ranking (every year for more than a decade). The seven-deck Europa has a crew of 264, and is registered in the Bahamas.
January 3, 2013 - Marina
Marina called at Pitcairn from Easter Island. After her Pitcairn call she sailed for Tahiti in the Marquesas Islands. Sailing for the Ocean Cruises cruise ship company, the 66,084-ton, 789-foot-long Marina began her cruise ship life in May 2012. She is thought to be one of the most beautiful, eloquent and sophisticated ships to take to the sea in the past 50 years. Marina has 15 decks, a beam (side-to-side) of 106 feet, and cruises at 20 knots. Her guest capacity is1,250 passengers (double occupancy). Registered in the Marshall Islands, it is said of the Marina that her accommodations in every category "are incredibly spacious, especially with regard to the lavish bathrooms."
December 25, 2012 - Caledonian Sky
The motor vessel Caledonian Sky (former names, Hebridean Spirit, Renaissance VI ) called at Pitcairn on Christmas day, 2012. Under the control of her Captain Newman, she had come from Easter Island to the east and was bound for Mangareva in French Polynesia which lies some 300 miles west by northwest from Pitcairn. The Sky is a handsome yacht style ship featuring lots of polished wood and providing a comfortable cruise experience in elegant surroundings. She is operated by Noble Caledonia, was built in 1991, and refitted in 2001. She is of 4,200 tons, accommodates 114 passengers and a crew of 74. The ship's officers are British.
Contact Study Center:
PHONE: 707-965-6244
TEXT: 707-229-1340
EMAIL: info@pitcairnstudycenter.org
Contact Herb Ford:
PHONE: 559-592-0980 or
559-732-0313
EMAIL: hford@puc.edu
Live Online Chat
[California Study Center]