Meet the Windseeker Mentors
Introducing the Windseeker mentors – integral members of our crew dedicated to ensuring everyone feels at home aboard our voyages. Whether it’s Exchange@sea, the Tall Ships Races, or other journeys, they’re here to welcome you with open arms.
Our mentors organize engaging games and activities, and they’re always ready to lend a listening ear whenever you need a chat. Volunteers at heart, they serve as a bridge between crew and trainees, offering support and guidance whenever it’s needed most.
Explore this page to meet our mentors and discover their insights on sailing.
Lothar van Diessen (Belgium) - head mentor Morgenster
You get the weather you deserve. But when you're up on the mast, you'll shine like the sun.
Sails on the Morgenster Exchange@sea: Antwerp - Arendal - Kiel,
21 July - 2 August 2024.
Maria Riedel (Germany)
Sailing holds a special place in my heart, it’s all about freedom, adventure, and being close to nature. And when it comes to mentoring, what I love most is seeing trainees bonding and becoming friends for life.
Sails on the Morgenster Exchange@sea: Antwerp - Arendal - Kiel, 21 July - 2 August 2024.
Emma van der Zant (Norway)
I love sailing over the ocean, with fresh sea air and wind in my hair, where I can see the horizon wherever I turn! Then I feel so free, like the world is full of possibilities, and my mind can finally rest.
Sails on the Morgenster Exchange@sea: Antwerp - Arendal - Kiel,
21 July - 2 August 2024.
Alex Cornet (France)
Sailing makes me feel I'm doing the right thing at the right place. Being part of a crew is the most fulfilling way I know to share my love for the Ocean with others.
Sails on the Morgenster Exchange@sea: Antwerp - Arendal - Kiel,
21 July - 2 August 2024.
Shauna Murphy (Ireland) - head mentor Thalassa
Being a mentor on a sailing ship combines some of my favourite things: teaching, learning, making friends, laughing, relaxing in the sun and swimming. I love hearing about and trying new hobbies. Seeing a group of people who don’t know each other come together and make incredible memories, and friends for life is unbelievably rewarding!
Sails on the Thalassa Exchange@sea: Brest - Dublin, 19-31 July 2024.
Robin Heesakkers (Netherlands)
Recognizing the thousand shades of blue as the waves pass by and the wind twirls around the ship, that is what sailing means to me. The calm of no distractions washing over everyone while simply being in the moment and meeting others as well as oneself.
Sails on the Thalassa Exchange@sea: Brest - Dublin, 19-31 July 2024.
Robin Gatel (France)
I love sailing because it’s a unique and sustainable way to see the world. During sailing you get to disconnect from your life back home and create memorable connections with the people onboard from all over the world. All whilst having a lot of fun!
Sails on the Thalassa Exchange@sea: Brest - Dublin, 19-31 July 2024.
Judith Alkema, The Ocean Movement (Netherlands)
I love teaching, because I love to challenge myself and others to expand their mindset and visions. Getting away from the classroom and practicing research on a boat is the best of both worlds: you see immediately what you research about. And you get to smell the fresh seabreeze, look at marvellous skies and experience mother nature. Best of both worlds.
Sails on the Thalassa Exchange@sea: Brest - Dublin, 19-31 July 2024.
Svante Juul Ellemand (Denmark)
Sailing is the ultimate way to feel free and to connect with other people. It’s just you, the crew and the ship, and it’s our job to make it work.
Sails on the Ingo Exchange@sea: Gothenburg - Gothenburg, 8-9 July 2024.
Moon Weijens, The Ocean Movement (Netherlands)
It's wonderful and special to step on board a tall ship for an adventure at sea. The freedom and the people who join the journey, their talents and how everyone finds their place in the team, are most memorable for me.
Sails on the Ingo Exchange@sea: Gothenburg - Gothenburg, 8-9 July 2024.
Maëlle Laurent (France)
When I'm sailing, I feel that I'm a part of something, that I'm involved in a community and that all together we create the environment we want to be in and we make an effort to get to our goal(s).
Sails on the Gulden Leeuw Exchange@sea: Brest - Esbjerg - Langesund,
19-31 July 2024.
Theodor Eidbo-Hansen (Norway)
Sailing means the world to me!!
When I am sailing, I feel happy and excited.
Sails on the Gulden Leeuw Exchange@sea: Brest - Esbjerg - Langesund,
19-31 July 2024.
Josien Hendricksen, The Ocean Movement (Netherlands)
I always feel immediately relaxed when I go out to the ocean. The fresh breeze, clear horizon, natural forces and occasional sight of marine life is a recipe for happiness :) Sailing a tall ship will give you life memories. And what better than combining it with learning about the world around us? Let's see what we can do about plastic pollution together!
Sails on the Gulden Leeuw Exchange@sea: Brest - Esbjerg - Langesund,
19-31 July 2024.
Emily Langham (Luxembourg)
I love sailing because it’s a unique and sustainable way to see the world. During sailing you get to disconnect from your life back home and create memorable connections with the people onboard from all over the world. All whilst having a lot of fun!
Sails on the Johann Smidt in Race 1 and Cruise in Company of the Tall Ships Races.
Tijmen van Westerveld (Netherlands)
When sailing I feel completely free and disconnected from my life on land. It's a great way of living in the moment, only having to think about which sails to set, when dinner will be and where to watch the sun set!
Sails on the Valborg in Race 2 and Cruise in Company 2 of the Tall Ships Races.
Clemens Rønne (Denmark)
A way to open up the world by setting sails and explore new and exciting land. A way to make new friends and try how it feels to be part of something bigger.
For me, sailing as a mentor gives an opportunity to show others how it feels, to be part of this great community that exists on the oceans, and feel what a beautiful place the oceans truly are.
Sails on the Valborg in Race 1 of the Tall Ships Races.
Hannelore Peeters (Netherlands)
Mentoring on board Tall Ships is a privilege as it enables me to help people from all over to connect with each other, with the elements and with themselves.
Sails on the Gulden Leeuw: Delfzijl - Kiel, 16-21 June 2024. and International Award journey.
Naud Voskuilen (Netherlands)
When I sail, I feel all my worries being blown away by the wind, the waves capturing all positive emotions and the sail setting direction to my life.
Sails on the Gulden Leeuw: International Award journey.
Anna Wiep Valk (Netherlands)
When I climb the mast with an endless view on sea, I feel freedom!
Sailing means to me that I totally live in the moment and that I work with others as one team. It is a very nice and sustainable way to see new places and countries. It is also a way to embark on adventures, meet new people and make new memories.
Sails on the Gulden Leeuw: Delfzijl - Kiel, 16-21 June 2024.
Maarten Post (Netherlands)
Sailing has been my lifelong devotion. My love for sailing extends beyond the mere act of navigating the sea. I believe personal growth is what it means to be alive. Witnessing the flourishing of others fills me with boundless joy. Offering steadfast support along life's voyage, and celebrating their triumphs, ignites a sense of fulfillment within me like no other. As I continue to grow, my dream of becoming a sailing ship captain only grows stronger.
Sails on the Gulden Leeuw: Delfzijl - Kiel, 16-21 June 2024.