Clara treasures the unforgettable landscapes and wildlife of destinations like the Chilean Fjords, with the experiences on EUROPA having thought her the importance of teamwork, humility, and humor in facing the challenges of life at sea.
Clara is a talented and dedicated sailor with a deep passion for the sea and a love for exploring the world. She has already made a significant mark in her maritime career. Clara joined Bark Europa in the summer of 2022 and quickly impressed her colleagues with her skill, leadership, and determination. Her hard work was recognized when she was promoted to Second Mate in September 2024, a role that highlights her growing expertise and leadership potential.
Originally from a forest area in Germany, Clara developed her sailing background on various ships in the Dutch brown fleet and on Dutch tall ships before joining Bark Europa. This experience has given her a strong foundation in traditional sailing and craftsmanship. Clara is currently studying to get her papers to sail as Chief Mate, reflecting her ambition and commitment to advancing her career in the maritime industry.
Clara is not just a skilled sailor but also a lover of folk music, and she often shares her musical talents together with other crew members, adding a sense of joy and camaraderie to life on board. When she’s not at sea, Clara travels freely, visiting friends and family and joining music sessions wherever she can.
What inspired you to join the crew of Bark EUROPA?
I started on EUROPA as "the neighbour," and our cook Gjalt still calls me that today. During COVID, my previous tallship THALASSA and EUROPA were moored alongside each other in the port of Harlingen. We did maintenance during the days, but in the evenings, we would play music together, and so I quickly became friends with many of EUROPA's crew members.
What do you do when you are not on the ship?
I travel around to visit friends and family, and I go to music sessions whenever I can. I always spend some time in the forest when I am on land; it keeps me grounded.
Could you tell us about a unique destination you've visited on board EUROPA and what made it special?
One unique destination that comes to my mind is the Chilean Fjords we visited in early 2024. The landscapes were very impressive, with deep fjords, steep and snowy mountains, glaciers, and old forests. And the wildlife we saw during the trip was incredible! There were so many different species of birds, seals, whales, and dolphins.
What's the most memorable moment you've experienced while sailing on Bark EUROPA?
I find it impossible to choose just one moment. My most precious memories are wildlife encounters and playing music with people on board. Sometimes I think back to stormy days with wet feet and fun sail handling. And then there are activities like the pinrail challenge on my last crossing, where I got sore from laughing too much.
What is the most important lesson you've learned from your experiences on Bark EUROPA?
When you are working together in a crew, it really helps to set your ego aside sometimes. There is always something you can learn from your fellow shipmates if you are open to it. And just as important is humor. Having fun with the crew helps against windy weather, seasickness, stuff breaking down, tiredness, and any other challenge of life on board.