Janke is our female captain badass lady!
Janke is a powerhouse of a woman, born in the southern part of Fryslân and now calling Groningen home. Her journey with Bark EUROPA began in 2016 as Chief Mate, and her exceptional skill, dedication, and natural leadership quickly propelled her into the role of Captain—making her the only female captain at Bark EUROPA. Alongside her duties at the helm, Janke plays an essential role in the company, contributing to legislation, certification, and organizing audits.
Growing up on her parents' sailing ship, Aphrodite, Janke was introduced to life on the water at an early age, sailing across the Baltic Sea with her family. It’s no surprise that, after obtaining her captain’s papers at the Enkhuizer Maritime Academy, Janke's career led her to explore seas around the world.
In her 20's, Janke decided to start landlife and study history. However, the call of the ocean was too strong to resist, and she was soon back at the helm, ready to continue her adventure. As she puts it, "If I’ve been on land for too long, I feel a restlessness, and I have to get back on the water. Out there, you're at the mercy of the weather and the elements, working with them to get from point A to point B. On land, you can check your phone every three seconds for information, but at sea, it’s just you, the stars, and the wind."
In 2024, Janke led Bark EUROPA on one of its most extraordinary journeys—rounding Cape Horn as Captain. Sailing from 50ºS in the South Pacific Ocean to 50ºS in the South Atlantic Ocean without the use of engines, Janke proved not only her incredible leadership but her unwavering connection to the sea.
When she’s not on the water, Janke stays grounded through yoga, cooking, running, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Janke is not just an exceptional captain; she’s an inspiring force of nature, leading by example and showing us all the power of passion, dedication, and the endless adventure of life at sea.
What is the most important lesson you've learned from your experiences on Bark EUROPA?
"Together you can sail the ship, overcome any challenge and have the most wonderful work atmosphere there is in the world."
