Shore Team Update 8 - Farewell Penrhyn (Tongareva)

On 14 April 2023 at 2030 UCT (6.30am, Saturday 15 April 2023 Australian Eastern Standard Time), Maiwar embarked on the next leg of her voyage across the Pacific Ocean. Tom was sad to leave the wonderfully hospitable and unassuming Penrhyn people who have treated him as family for the last four months. 

How far this next leg will take Tom we do not know. He is 3,000 nautical miles from Brisbane (roughly 100 days away at his first leg speed of 1.24 knots), 1,500 nautical miles from Fiji (50 days) and 870 nautical miles from Samoa (30 days). Whether the winds and currents facilitate his arrival at any of these possible destinations remains to be seen. Although his preference is come ashore along the way, he does have enough provisions to reach Australia non stop. 

Tom restocking his water supplies for his next leg.

Tom spent his last few days on the island packing his supplies and attending various celebrations that included speeches, gifts, feasts and singing. After more than 4 months on Penrhyn, Mahutahoehoeasanga was farewelled by the villagers of Omoka and Te Tautua in their traditional style.  There were very few dry eyes in the crowd. 

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the people of Penrhyn who have made Tom feel so at home in their community, for their generosity and for the footage used in this update.

To watch Tom’s departure in true Penrhyn style click the video below.