Europa was launched in Hamburg in 1911. Her construction had been ordered by the city of Hamburg for use as a lightship. Over the past several years, Europa has covered many miles, thus giving her the nickname “Ocean Wanderer”.
The vessel has become famous among tall ship lovers as a ship which really sails and is very much appreciated for the atmosphere on board as well as her looks. The crew of 10 to 12 professional seafarers tries to involve the passengers as much as possible in running and sailing the ship. For a few weeks of each year, the ship sails as the training ship of the "Enkhuizen Nautical College" which trains people as mates and captains of coastal and ocean sailing vessels.
Flag: The Netherlands
Rig: Barque
Class: A
Homeport: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Normal Cruising Waters: Worldwide
Sparred Length: 185'
Draft: 12'
Sail Area: 11,000 square feet
Hull: Steel
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Sta.sh
and he told me to just come down near Boston and help out.
So i joined the refit, which was laborious as hell but a good quick education in rigging, with the promise that i could help sail it out to wherever it was headed.
Turns out it was a rare crew only voyage across the atlantic back to its home in the netherlands.
The work and the hours were tough but enjoyable.
i hope that answers your question if not I can tell you more if you want, just write back if interested.
I was appointed head of the foremast and so i took up a few of my watch to unfurl the t'gallant. this is the first time i've ever been up undersail at this time of night. My crew mate Mitch, it was her first time at sea as well, was busy letting out the ropes but i reminded her to enjoy the scenery. When i looked up i was amazed myself to see the stars whizzing back and forth with he rocking of the ship. This is when i knew it was going to be an awesome experience.
More to come....
What is a t'gallant? I dont know the parts of any ship aside from the front/back left/right!
And the sparrow! Most definately a good omen!
Several days into the voyage we lost the wind and it was decided to just start the engine and motor for a while. the crew could have a break and we only needed one person to steer so i thought this would be a good opportunity to catch a nice long sleep if i volunteered for the first watch. Boring watch, nothing to do but stand and smoke. this was fine to me, i hadn't slept well for a while. My shift ended and i went to go and catch some shuteye.
To reduce the chance of falling out of your bunk when the ship rocks back and forth, take your life jacket and stick it under the edge of your mattress (valuable info).
I had done this, and so i didn't notice how much the ship was leaning when my friend came to wake me. "No, i'm not on watch" i said. He promptly responded "you are now we hit a storm." i think i muttered shit or something under my breath. i tried to stand up as the ship lurched over further and for a moment i was falling across my cabin. i hit the door that leads into the hall then the drawers under my bunk hit me. Always clip the lock shut on bunk drawers (more valuable info).
More on the storm later....