Natalie is a skilled and experienced bosun with a calm, gentle character that belies her incredible competence and leadership on board the Bark Europa. Living in Stoke-on-Trent and sailing since the spring of 2016, she has become a cornerstone of the crew, trusted by all for her knowledge and hands-on ability.
Her expertise extends far beyond the basics of sailing; she’s proficient in woodwork, metalwork, splicing, and sailmaking—essential skills that make her irreplaceable on a sailing ship. Her long history with the ship, including her participation in the challenging 81-day voyage in 2022 from Ushuaia to Scheveningen, has cemented her status as one of the most experienced and reliable crew members. What makes Natalie truly exceptional, however, is the balance she strikes between her quiet, approachable nature and her sharp, professional ability to get things done. She's a natural leader when it comes to organizing the crew and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Her vast experience aboard Bark Europa means that not only does she know the ship inside and out, but she’s also become an invaluable mentor to newer crew members, always ready to share her knowledge with anyone eager to learn.