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Sailing into the sunset on board a Tall Ship

Life on board

Life on Board of Tall Ships is really nothing comparable to your daily routine.

Wake up, and smell the coffee! A day in the life of a Windseeker starts with a hearty breakfast. With the Tall Ship as your home, you’ll need those calories!

No day will be the same. From lazy sunny afternoons with Bob Marley swaying on deck, to wind-filled rainy nights with one eye on the ship’s radar and the other checking the jib.

This is life to the max. Life brought down to its essence. Wood, steel, lines, wind, waves… One watch checks the oil in the engine room, the other takes a well-deserved hot shower after that chilly morning sunrise at sea.

There’s laughter in the galley. Someone cracked a dirty joke. Serene silence on the aft deck. A group of young Windseekers soaking up the moments.

Wind seems to be shifting. Time to trim the sails. Together, as a team. Apple in mouth, zipping up your jacket you move forward. Pull the sheet just a bit tighter, or keep it loose for a while longer and see what she does? Only six miles to port. What do you think?

Then, everything moves. The deck is buzzing. Lines lying around, sails flapping as your fellow Windseekers turn the bow into the wind. It’ll be easier for you and your team to take them down this way. Fenders out!

The engine roars. Forward, back, forward, maneuvering alongside the quay. The lights of the harbor inn glisten invitingly over the water. A line is thrown to the old fisherman standing ashore. And another. Until a clenched fist is raised to the wheelhouse and the roaring stops. Fast!

Time to get the Tall Ship organized again, before a well deserved meal together. A meal prepared by those girls who said they couldn’t cook. It tastes great.

Playing cards come out. Impressions are shared. The guys from the other cabin do a quick batch of laundry. Someone yawns, more follow. It’s the cue to hit the bunk for a good night’s sleep.

Because tomorrow will be a completely new day. A new day, with new horizons. Jump on one of our Tall Ships for a unique sailing adventure!

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Crew

Monique Touw (1973) - Director Windseeker.org

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

There are so many! Leaving Antarctica with a family of whales around the vessel is one of the best! They made a lasting impression on all of us. Their grace and beauty is beyond compare.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Tall Ships Race 2001 on the Swan fan Makkum. The Leg was Antwerp – Alesund and we took the route along the UK coast. Was a huge gamble in the wind predictions, but it worked out fine, we finished second! The night before the finish was superb with all the red en green lights showing up on our leeward side!

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a mystery and Today a present!

Janine Scheele (1972) - Office Windseeker.org

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT: 

So many beautiful moments. At night working in the masts with full moon, hundreds of dolphins around you, whales passing, storm, water in your neck, having fun with sailing friends from all over the world.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT: 

Too many! Crossing the ocean on clipper Stad Amsterdam. Sailing 16.8 knots and the captain was happy. The engineer was not happy with this record because we were heeling too much. Funny moment. Also to tack with a lot of wind and all the noises in the masts.

MOTTO IN LIFE: 

Sail your life and SEE YOU AT SEA!

Anna Gudarowska (1986) - Windseeker.org

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Falling asleep to the sight of moonlight reflected in the sea.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Whenever you manage to prevent something bad from happening by taking fast action with others, it gives me a great rush.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Mark Twain

Mariliis Tõitoja (1992) – EVS Windseeker.org

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT: I think it might have been on the second day of seasickness. When someone as seasick as you brings you a cup of tea, because they thought you needed it more. It is a different kind of kindness and beauty you experience at sea.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT: Taking down the jibs in moonlight and strong wind. It was hard work, but if you have nice people around you who make it fun, there is nothing else to do but to laugh and enjoy.

MOTTO IN LIFE: “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will always remember how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Ignacio Roldan Fernandez (1991) - EVS Windseeker.org

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Entering Stavanger’s port with a forest of masts on both sides of the Gulden Leeuw.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Passing the 114 meters-long Kruzenshtern on board of the 46 meters-long Morgenster when the wind picked-up at sunset, after half day of chasing her without a chance to overtake.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

I only know that I know nothing.

Maela Lagrifoul (1997) – EVS Windseeker.org

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Looking at the starts reflecting in the dark calm sea, feeling that we were sailing into the sky.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

« Le Festival des Chant de Marins 2017» in Paimpol. We were on a British boat, we were dancing, singing and playing music, with people from all over the world.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Tomorrow is another day.

Harry Muter (1954) - Captain of the Morgenster

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT: 

Leaving port in Douarnenez with half the crew of the Shanty Choir “Liereliet”. They were singing each other goodbye, the light was beautiful as it was the end of the day… The vessels were slowly sailing away from each other, it gave us all a chill…

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

In big storms when the visibility is only two waves, the rain is pouring down and you observe the world in pictures, as in a movie.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Make something of your life, you have only one!

Jet, Crew member

Jet Sluik (1983) - Captain of the Tecla

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Sailing around the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. We were welcomed by Maori’s in the traditional way and got to see a side of New Zealand you do not get to see very often. And the best moment of these days was sailing under full sail, topsails and big jib set – on board everybody was enjoying the view as we sailed in-between two islands and had high clive’s on both sides of us. And on the other side of this narrow we found an anchorage with a small beach. We set out with our dinghy and got everybody ashore with food and drinks for the best BBQ ever!

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Rounding Cape Horn has to be on top of my list for this! We had been racing the clock to get to the Horn before the low pressure area’s (2 of them) would collide right on top of us, while rounding the horn. We had our storm jib, forestaysail and mizzen up and going on a broad reach we were doing 10 knots average. At the beginning of my watch we had spotted the light on the Cape and several hours later, we were getting ready to sheet in and head on a more north easterly course. As we were sheeting in, the wind pressure increased and so did the actual wind.. After letting the mizzen down, we were on the front deck with 3 crew members and one trainee trying to get the forestaysail down and lashed to the boom because there was too much wind to keep it up. We were racing along with 10 knots on just the storm jib. And then we saw a seal next to the ship, playing in the waves, following us with his big eyes. This was definitely the most exciting moment of my life!

MOTTO IN LIFE: 

“…your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it…” the Buddha

Nienke Crew member

Nienke van den Driest (1987) Mentor European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Every time all over again: the moment the engine gets turned off. Most special one of those: Start of the Tall Ships Races 2013, practically no wind and a full fleet of (Tall and Small) Ships under full sail behind (Yes behind! Of course behind!) us.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Sailing in strong winds. Everyone needs to work a little harder, be a little stronger and stand together a little more.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Live a little extra!

Chris Hirst (1980) - Mentor European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Sailing at night, listening to the waves break and the phosphorescence flashes.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Sailing across the Bay of Biscay in a Force 11 Gale.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

“We are all better than we know; If only we can be brought to realize this, we may never again be prepared to settle for anything less” – Kurt Hahn co-founder of Outward Bound

MeriSade Kuusela (1997) Mentor European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Starting the Tall Ships Races from Cadiz with all the sails up in the perfect weather, while watching our fellow A-class vessels sailing so close we thought for a moment that we would be able to high five eachother from the deck! Majestic.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Crossing the finish line while Macarena was blasting from the stereos and we celebrated together as a big, loving, happy family. There wasn’t a worry in the world at that moment.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

What we think, we become.

Crew member

Jim Lindegaard Nielsen (1989) – Mentor European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

My first experience with sailing is also the most beautiful moment I have ever experienced. The start line of The Tall Ship Races 2013 where the weather was beautiful, no wind at all. But there they were, over 100 ships with all sails set just sitting there. Once that is said the moments where you go wow! comes often when you are sailing.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Climbing to the top of the mast furling sails in high winds always gets your heart pumping. But watching and being a part of a team sailing, fighting to get the last bit of speed out of her and still having fun at the same time is the best part for me.

 MOTTO IN LIFE:

Smile to the world and it will smile back!

Clara Dahlberg (1997) - Mentor

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

During the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta we were sailing from England to Sweden and at some point we were a bit ahead of Shtandart. It was a foggy day and with Shtandart in the distant it looked like something from a pirate movie.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

When we were sailing on US East Coast and it was around ten o’clock in the evening. It was pitch black and around us there were lightning so you hadn’t any night vision, and suddenly this storm was over us and the rain was from three different directions. We had two sails up and we made 11 knots. During that moment we felt really small and powerless, but it was so awesome to be part of the force of nature.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Do what makes you happy and isn’t it making you happy, don’t do it.

Crew member

Martin Blouet (1987) – Crew several vessels and Mentor European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Hard to choose one… From the meteorite disintegrating in the sky like a very colourful fireworks, to the Minke whale diving under the ship, there are so many beautiful moments. A particular one was while furling the royal in quite heavy weather, in a pitch black night, under the bright stars. I could almost touch them!

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Being on a Tall Ship is already very exciting. During the Tall Ships Race 2013, in a thunderstorm I had to climb on the mast to furl the sails, It was 4:30 am, the luminosity was already high, we could see the waves coming and smashing the ship. It was scary and beautiful to be that high above the sea. Then we saw a mini waterspout that explode in a rainbow. Crazy watch.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

“Follow your dream, never stop!” – Borge Ousland
“Happiness does not come to those who sit and wait” – Baden-Powell

Esther Brantjes (1994) – Mentor European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Sailing through the fjords of Norway, the sun in my face (sun in Norway, need is to say more?), my hands on the wheel and enjoying all trainees tanning in the sun and relaxing and having fun with one another, but most of all… enjoying the beautiful Norwegian landscape.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

A lot of wind, a lot of rain, waking up with the water healing almost over the toilet sink. Working hard to furl some sails and knowing that you’re doing an incredible job with this weather.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Try as much as you can, so you won’t miss out on things!

Dirk Gunst (1955) - Captain of the Tomidi

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

“It’s far more than a moment: it’s a half year’s odyssey with my son Tom (°1980) around the North Atlantic in 2009 – 2010, after my wife Patricia deceased in August 2009. The opportunity of doing this with my son, together with the fact that I learned Tom to love sailing, and he made his job out of it are WIN-WIN-WIN”

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Setting the still standing Belgian record in the 1996 Europe 1 STAR (Single-handed Transatlantic Race) from Plymouth (Cornwall) to Newport (Rhode Island, USA)

MOTTO IN LIFE:

When sailing becomes a passion, it’s the only way of living.

Fosse Fortuin (1975) - Captain of the Wylde Swan

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Sailing on the Top Sail Schooner Sir Robert B.P. towards the Netherlands  from the Azores Islands.

All sails were set, pushed by a strong wind from the aft Quarter. It was pitch dark except for the millions of stars in the sky, unable to see the Horizon.

The water was full of phosphorescence.  It means that the sea will lit up whenever you stir it. The ship was dancing joyfully with dolphins and the sea, leaving clear trails of bright phosphorescence behind. It was too dark to actually see the dolphins, but we could hear them and see where they touched the water; Lighting it up with their trails. It looked like we were being followed by rockets. Together with our beam of phosphorescence, endless stars and no horizon it just looked like we left the sea and were blasting into the never ending space. Maybe towards the Nirvana or better Walhalla.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

I was 13 years old. Crossing the IJsselmeer (Big lake in Holland) with my dad in his open Classic wooden Schouw. Old type of Dutch fishing boat, 6 meter with lea boards and a big bucket to bail water out + a son(me) to make that happen. We had plenty of wind, big waves and the most amazing sail. I worked hard bailing water out. We made it safely to the other side. It was my most exciting crossing ever. And an even better, pancake and sleep in Lemmer at the end.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Give yourself a kick sometimes and think again if you are still on the right path, settings, approach to the world, the people around you and yourself.

Besides that. Stay true to yourself, modest and helpful. Make sure you appreciate the smallest breeze, wave, smile and Friesland.

Crew member

Peter Mulder (1989) - Mentor International Exchanges and Crew Member Alexander of the Von Humboldt 2

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

The first time being under full sail, with the sun setting on the horizon and working as one team with a group you had just known for a few hours.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Two exciting moments (but there are many more):

1.     Going aloft at night with 9 Beaufort wind.

2.     Being the first to cross the starting line during the Tall Ships Races 2013 and for a short while the fastest class-A vessel of the fleet.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Everything is possible, as long as you want it!

Hannelore Peeters (1994) – Mentor  European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

The most beautiful moment was onboard Alex II in the Races 2016, from Antwerp to Lisbon. We were of course watching the dolphins play in the bow waves, spotting the whales, admiring the sunsets and even more the sunrises.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

The most exciting moment was when setting the sails for the very first time on the North Sea, shutting off the engine and crossing the start line in front of the coast of Cornwall, it is indescribable. The nerves to go up the rig and being secretly scared to fall down even though you are secured.

Béatrice Udé (1990) – Mentor  European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

My most beautiful moment onboard, on the Morgenster, was the feeling of serenity I got while taking over the helm in the middle of the night, steering the ship trough the stars. It’s a sensation i miss the most.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

The most exciting moment onboard was when we crossed the start line of the Race. Our ship sailed so fast and we could see the other ship stay behind. the wind flew by my face. the ship was tilting on the side, it was hard to stand upright. I was a little bit scared to slip overboard but at the same time it was so cool! It felt like flying!

MOTTO IN LIFE: 

Don’t regret a thing!

Rodrigo de la Serna Vicente (1989) – Captain of the Atyla

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Sail through the Norwegian fjords, going up the Preikestolen and seeing the Atyla being just a small red dot on the water.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

A gale with 50 knots of wind in the south of Greece in 2014. The wind came from the stern, so it was pushing us and we were sailing very fast, but it was so strong that it broke our foresail! Now we have bracelets made out of that sail, hahaha!

MOTTO IN LIFE: 

Adventure is the best form of education.

Crew member

Jantsje Mol (1990) – Mentor European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Shortly after the start of the race in 2008 on Tall Ship Morgenster, I went up the rigging to check every line that was a little loose. There was almost no wind and we wanted every detail of the rigging to be perfect. But mostly, it was a great excuse to be up there and watch the other ships slowly drifting away.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

My very first time on a Tall Ship, in the English channel on a stormy night, someone made me responsible for the wheel. People hurried past me, handling sails, fighting sheets and knots and the rain in their eyes. And I just stood there with the wheel in my hands, focusing on the compass. I was 15 years old and I thought: this is it!

MOTTO IN LIFE:

It’s just a game, you better enjoy it.

Trine Billehaug

Trine Billehaug (1989) – Mentor  European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

When the wind is blowing and all the sails are up, the engine is off so you only hear the wind blowing through the sails. Just feeling one with the ocean and the surroundings. Sailing with friends that share the same passion.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Steering the ship in stormy weather over the Bay of Biscay in some wicked waves.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Say yes to every opportunity that comes on my way, and enjoy every step of it.

Captain Eendracht

Ton Rietman (1950) - Captain of the Eendracht

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:  

Sailing in the Azores region I saw a spectacular rainbow in the middle of the night!!! Instead of the sun it was the full moon who produced the light for it.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:  

A fantastic Northern light experience during a night flight from New York to Amsterdam.

MOTTO IN LIFE:  

Always look at the bright side of life.

Captain

Sture Erichsen (1976) – Captain of the Sorlandet

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

The red sunset during an Atlantic crossing a few years ago, making the sails, the ship, the crew and everything you could see bathed in a red light.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Competing with Christian Radich for the 1st place in a Tall Ships Race leg… No wind, and it looked like we would “only” get 2nd, when a sudden breeze picked up and pushed us first over the line.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

Captain of the Sorlandet

Sune Blinkenberg (1982) - Second Captain of the Sorlandet

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

The Azores are my favourite archipelago. Arriving there any time of the day is absolutely stunning.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Chasing low pressures from Rio de Janerio to Cape Town. On the way we hove too at Gough Isl. where our 2nd mate and one of our students got a ones in a lifetime change to set foot on land where very few has ever been and will ever go.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Live with your eyes open. Be present, be involved and keep attention to details.

Arjen Töller (1972) - Captain of the Gulden Leeuw

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

The sunrises.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

The start of the Tall Ship race in Stavanger Halmstad.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Because it’s not impossible.

Andi Manser (1962) - Captain of the Stad Amsterdam

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Sailing through Patagonia. The first 20 years I grew up with the mountains, the second 20 years I spend at sea. But there in Patagonia, i could sail between the mountains.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

The birth of my children.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

At the end everything will be fine, when it’s not yet fine, than it’s not yet the end.

Caroline Nordstrandh (1989) Mentor European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Sailing the Mediterranean Sea in nice weather and dolphins swimming by. And of course always climbing the masts and looking out over the view.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

All my races I have experienced. They are all so different and exciting in so many ways. Sailing across the Bay of Biscay 2013 was a great and exciting moment!

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Do whatever makes you happy every day!

Alejandro Herrero Palacio (1996) Mentor European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

“Luckily” enough it is hard to choose one, but as something that changed my life… First time I ever saw a whale, in Peninsula Valdés, Argentina, I was 8 years old. They were Southern Right whales and they were all over the place and the boat was lifting from the water that the whales moved when swimming underneath us, dusky dolphins and sea lions joined the party too, pretty overwhelming. Since then, studying whales and other marine mammals (of course).

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Taking two broken jibs down from the bowsprit after being ripped by the wind on the crossing from Iceland to Greenland, freezing cold atmosphere and Sea, realizing that having a good crew mate makes any situation feel a lot less scary and, on arrival, while sailing across the Ice in Greenland on top of the top mast of the (now) Top Square Sail Schooner Opal seeing a polar bear cruising toward a piece of ice. Scaling up from scary exciting to beautiful exciting.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

“Para llegar a la excelencia hay que formarse, para traspasarla hay que transformarse.” “To achieve excellence you have to form (educate) yourself, to surpass it you have to transform yourself.” – Xesco Espar

Miguel Voigt (1985) Mentor European Union Exchanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Clear skies and no moon during the night watch; sailing underneath the milky way talking to somebody I could hardly see. Time stood still.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Standing on the royal yard of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl (highest yard, 48 meters above sea level) in the Bay of Biscay, knees shaking, with a couple of trainees who were helping me relax.

We’re looking around us, there was blue skies everywhere. The ship was slowly rolling on the waves. My breath started to go slow, my muscles relaxed and I started to smile and enjoy it. Then we saw a whale breaking the surface and exhaling a fume of misty air.

All the moments you share together; these make the most beautiful memories.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Meaningfully enjoy life together

Hanna Partoft (1990) Mentor European Union Exhanges

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

It’s very hard to pick just one, but one moment that has really edged itself in my memory is when we approached Lord Howe in Australia. I was on bow watch and we were visited by a pod of dolphins that wanted to travel with us.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Repairing the inner jib while under sail in the Pacific Ocean.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Life starts at the end of your comfort zone.

Marcus Seidl (1963) Captain of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Different experiences while crossing the Atlantic on our voyages to USA every year. The transition of the climate and sea color, and the sailing in the trade winds on the outward bound voyages. The excitement of sailing fast in heavy weather on the homeward bound voyages. The many days at sea on these voyages give a relaxing and enjoyable ship routine that is very special.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Competing in the Tall Ships Races.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Be positive, appreciate what you have and enjoy life as much as possible.

Jens Joachim Hiorth (1978) Second Captain of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

It is hard to pick one particular moment, still – Becalmed in the middle of the ocean on our way to the Carribean a few years ago. Not a ripple on the surface with stargates running in all directions. The meteor shower of the Geminids enlightened our sails so that we could “see” the shooting stars even when looking away.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Again, hard to choose – joining as a cadet many years ago was fairly exciting though.

MOTTO IN LIFE:

“Don’t lose your confidence
If you slip
Be grateful for a pleasant trip
And pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off
And start all over again.”

– Dorothy Fields

Jan-Willem van Ouwerkerk (1988) Master and chief officer o/b Eendracht

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

Can’t choose;
– Chatting by coincidence with an old crewmate on another ship, while passing each other at the middle of the Atlantic!
– Sailing through the Geiranger fjord in Norway!
And many more…

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

The finish of Tall Ships race to Ålesund in 2015 with many other A-class vessels in sight. Barely any wind, closer and closer to the wind, just to reach the finish without having to tack. Finally celebrating the finish-crossing of the exciting race, with the full crew in the middle of the night!

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Carpe diem; “Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life”

Antonio Cosme Curto - Captain of the Santa Maria Manuela

MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:

The day I set foot on deck of Santa Maria Manuela

MOST EXCITING MOMENT:

Feeling the vessel for the first time with full set of sails rigged

MOTTO IN LIFE:

Talant de bien faire / New challenges are welcome