Meet voyage crew member: Sandy Gale
Crossing an ocean under sail is not just a journey from one shore to another, it’s a passage through time, space, and self. For many, stepping on board Bark EUROPA means trading the noise of daily life for the rhythm of the wind and waves, and finding something within themselves they didn’t expect. In this interview, Sandy Gale shares her story. From her first experiences as a young sea cadet to her many voyages on Bark EUROPA, she describes what it feels like to steer the ship through open seas, watch dolphins guide the way, and find peace in the endless horizon.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Sandy Gale, I was born in England and my family immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada. I’m 61 yrs old and have retired after 35 years in Child Care and then I worked in the funeral industry as a death care consultant for 6 yrs. I’m fully retired now and work at keeping myself healthy and active.
What inspired you to join Bark EUROPA for an ocean crossing?
I feel like doing an ocean crossing is just something I personally need to accomplish on Bark Europa. I have sailed across the Atlantic in the past but I’ve always wanted to do an equator crossing.
Had you ever sailed before, or was this your first time at sea?
I have sailed on Bark Europa for 9 legs so far but, have sailed on three other tall ships in the past. My first time on a tall ship was in the 1982 Tall Ship Races on a Dutch ship called Our Svanen. I was an 18 year old sea cadet from the prairies, I had only experienced small one and two person sail boats. That experience left quite an impression on me.
What does a day in the life look like on an ocean crossing with Bark EUROPA?
Being on a watch system allows you to experience all the hours of a 24 hr day. Breakfast is always a joyful greeting of good mornings with your shipmates then depending on your watch you could be heading to the bow for lookout, stern for helming and the deckhouse available for any sail handling. If you’re not on watch you could engage in sail training, navigation, relaxing, hanging out with your fellow sailors or maybe it’s back to bed if you’ve just finished being on watch.
What was it like to be part of the crew, setting sails, taking the helm, standing watch?
Being a part of the crew is being a part of the ship. When on bow watch you’re looking out for the safety of the ship, getting to know your watch partner and just enjoying your surroundings, secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of whales, dolphins and other sea life.
Helming is learning the feel for the ship and winds. I would always make it a personal challenge never to be more than 5 degrees off course. It’s very exciting being on helm of a sailing ship.
When not on Bow watch or Helm you would be available for any sail handling that is required. This is also a time you could help the permanent crew with ship maintenance if desired and learn a new skill which could be on deck or in the rigging.
How would you describe the feeling of being fully surrounded by ocean for days on end?
Personally I feel calm and at peace surrounded by water. I have so much faith in the ship and crew to get us to our destination. It’s wonderful to look out on the horizon and reflect, watching the beauty of sunrises and sunsets. Even in extreme weather conditions I feel very secure. When I first sailed the Atlantic I was told that the dolphins we saw swimming with the ship were there to guide us safely across, I still believe that when sailing on Europa.
How would you describe the spirit of Bark EUROPA to someone who's never been on board before?
Joyful, as soon as people step aboard there’s a feeling of camaraderie. Everyone is excited to be there, for some this is their first time sailing and others are seasoned sailors. No matter how many times a person has sailed that excitement feels like your very first time, it’s the beginning of a new adventure. People are introducing themselves to each other and you feel like you were all just friends that hadn’t met each other yet. I’d also like to mention the food, the meals on board are incredible and it really brings people together. Dinner time is always a buzz of excitement and a chance to see everyone all together.
What will be your next adventure on board?
I’m hoping to still be able to do an equator crossing. I yearn for those days where the sea meets the sky and being apart of the Europa community.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would just like to add that sailing on Europa can really change your life or at least change your perspective on life. I was going through a very traumatic event in my life just before I first sailed on Europa. I’ll never forget how I felt when I stepped on her deck, it was an overwhelming feeling I was home and that everything was going to be okay. Bark Europa, I believe, has the magic to heal.
Sandy’s story is one of many written on Bark EUROPA’s decks. Every voyage brings together a new crew of adventurers, each leaving with memories shaped by the sea, the ship, and the people they shared it with.
Now it’s your turn.
Step on board in Tenerife this autumn, feel the pull of the trade winds, and cross the equator under sail. Forty-four days later, you’ll step ashore in South America with a story only the ocean can give you.