Maritime Missions: From Anchor Watch to Pouring Cement

Created by doina. Last modified on 2003-06-10 13:25:49
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Countries: French Polynesia, Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn is off the beaten track. To the landlubber, a yacht finding a tiny rock in the middle of a vast undulating ocean must seem a miracle. I felt that awe setting eyes on the steep banks of Pitcairn after 19 days on a port tack, reaching over the hearty swells of the NE tradewinds.

The first day on Pitcairn I had to rearrange my list of the most beautiful places in the world. The rugged black volcanic cliffs project straight out of the azure seas. The island's hilltops are bathed in verdant flora outlined by cultivated gardens of rich ochre earth. It is a true paradise.

Arriving in the late afternoon, we anchored at the western "harbour"; actually a small sandy area with a rock or two sticking out from the shore. After sunset, squalls typical of a convergence zone blew through, provoking us to keep an anchor watch.

The night was uneventful and day dawned bright and clear. Steve Christian buzzed out in his dinghy and expertly manoeuvred us into tiny Bounty Bay over considerable swells. He is a descendent of Fletcher Christian, the H.M.S. Bounty's First Mate and leader of the infamous mutiny of the late 1700s.

It was still early and we joined Steve and his wife Olive for a coffee at their house before helping with the community project of the day; mixing and pouring cement for a cistern at Brenda Christian's house.

All the men of working ability assembled together. They mixed, transported and poured the cement. Milo joined in and carted many a wheelbarrow full across the bumpy ground to pour into the frame.

At the time of our visit there were only 35 people living on this remote British protectorate. Boat is the only way to reach this island. They have two supply ship visits each year. This means a lot of physical labor for all. To keep the community operating the inhabitants have to maintain the dirt roads, keep the generators running, tend their gardens (the only source of fresh food), maintain all structures, plumbing, electrical, telecommunication and mechanical equipment, care for family members as well as bake their own bread!

Through helping out we met half the population of the island that day. The Pitcairners treated us graciously and over the next four days we had tours of many interesting places. We enjoyed great meals supplemented with wild stories of local adventures. They sent us off with provisions of garden fresh vegetables and fruits. Little did we know how long it would be until we saw that abundance of produce again.

As a favour we delivered a few packages to the Pitcairner's friends at our next destination, Iles Gambier. Upon arrival in Iles Gambier we made several friends just through helping out.

This is one small example of ways to lend a hand in the islands. Maritime Mission's goal is to provide you with listings of community needs and projects in the places you are going. You can become involved and enhance your island experiences by making more friends and helping out in the process.

Kimberly Coldren

S/Y Eleftheria

Maritime Missions encourages offshore cruisers to get more involved with remote communities while sailing the oceans of the world. We are a non-profit volunteer organization made up of cruisers and armchair sailors wanting to make a difference in the world. While our focus is currently towards the island nations of the Pacific Ocean, we are looking ahead to a worldwide program. Projects need not be affiliated with any church, but must be compatible with Christian ethics which is the predominate religion of the area. Go to http://www.maritimemissions.org/ for more information.