From Dream to Deck: Matthias’ Ocean Adventure

Can you tell us a little about yourself — where you're from, your age, and what you do in daily life? 

I am 57 years old and work as a physicist in semiconductor industry in southern Germany. I am married and have two grown up children. In my free time I enjoy sports (cycling, running, swimming, …) and cooking. 

What inspired you to join Bark EUROPA for an ocean crossing? 

As a child, I was completely fascinated by the adventures of the early explorers: Magellan, Cook, Vasco da Gama, Marco Polo, Scott and Amundsen... I devoured stories like Moby Dick, Treasure Island, The Sea Wolf... I never believed I'd ever get the chance to sail on a three-masted ship. And then one Sunday afternoon, I saw a short report on TV about the Bark Europa and her crew. It took me an hour to book my first (short) voyage. 

Had you ever sailed before, or was this your first time at sea? 

Before I embarked on my first voyage on the Bark Europa, I had no sailing experience whatsoever. 

What does a day in the life look like on an ocean crossing with Bark EUROPA? 

This is what a watch in the Drake Passage might look like: 

It is 3:40 o’clock. The ship is rocking at 30° in all directions. You try to put on your pants, and because it's so cold, you put on a second pair.  You stumble through the cabin, looking for something to hold on to. Now you put on two sweaters and jackets. You look for your hat and gloves. You do all this in the semi-darkness and quietly; someone is sleeping next to you. Open the door and close it quietly. Now you go on deck. Winds of 20 km/h, maybe 40 km/h, or even 70 km/h (tomorrow, stick your arm out of the car window when driving at 70 km/h). Add to that rain in the cold wind. Now someone comes and tells you to pull on a line as hard as you can. Caution: "Don't fall!" Keep reminding yourself: "If you go overboard here, no one can rescue you! Always stay securely fastened." Now you're wide awake.  

30 minutes of standby: You go into the deckhouse to warm up, drink some hot tea, and take a short nap. 

You take over the helm and steer the ship into the darkness, paying close attention to the compass. The current is strong. The rain has stopped. The starry sky overwhelms you. 

Another 30 minutes of standby. 

Setting sails. All on deck. You decide to put on your harness and climb up the mast in the dawn because you are not afraid of hight. The ship is moving. All the way to the lower topsail or even to the royal? You step onto the yard. Adrenaline rushes through your body. Don’t worry. The crew has always an eye on you. 

And the next day, everything is different. Blue skies, sunshine, a pleasant swell, albatrosses majestically circling the ship and you enjoy the singing of a crew member derusting some parts in a corner. 

What was it like to be part of the crew — setting sails, taking the helm, standing watch? 

After the briefing on the first day (climbing instructions, safety, helm, …), you'll become part of the crew. From that moment on, you'll assume responsibility. You'll keep the ship on course, watch for other vessels, flotsam, lost fishing nets, ..., and help hoist the sails. The permanent crew will be there to support you, answer your questions, and help you to improve where necessary. This isn't done in a preachy manner, but rather as an equal. As you gain experience, you'll be given more trust and - if you wish - different or more challenging tasks.  

Your hands are always welcome: peeling potatoes, minor maintenance work, bringing dishes to the galley, ... If you want, you can get involved at any time. 

The permanent crew and the voyage crew work hand in hand as a team. But there is one difference, however: You must follow the instructions of the permanent crew. There's no discussion here. This is for the sake of general safety. 

How would you describe the feeling of being fully surrounded by ocean for days on end? 

As soon as your smartphone loses the network, the world shrinks to a length of 56 m, at the same time you look out to sea and your mind expands into infinity. 

How did sailing with people from all over the world shape your experience? 

On the Europa, you embark on a world tour in two senses: first, through the physical crossing of the oceans by ship, and secondly, through encounters with people of all nations, cultures, and diverse backgrounds. On my first Antarctic voyage, there were people from 19 nations on board. A small world tour in 56 meters. Wonderful. 

Was there a moment during the crossing that made you stop and think, ‘This is why I came’? 

We were sailing towards Antwerp when Captain Janke asks: “Matthias, in two hours we will enter the Western Scheldt. Do you want to steer in? It will not be easy. We will have currents, big container ships around us and we will have to change the sails several times.” I was a bit surprised by this offer and said: "If you trust me(?)!" She replied: "I trust you! You like the ship!" As the Western Scheldt came into view, Janke called out: "Matthias, it's your time, now. Oh, sorry I forgot to tell you, I am too busy with the sails to tell you the course. Follow the buoys. Keep them close to starboard." I immediately started sweating and tried not to appear panicked. Then I started to steer. What feelings! On the one hand, respect for the challenge, on the other hand, pride at the trust placed in me and at doing something I'd never dreamed of before. After completing my task, I noticed a permanent crew member standing a few meters behind me. I said: "I didn't even notice you!" He said: "I was behind you the whole time!"  

That's how it is. You think you're at your limit, and then someone gives you a little push, and suddenly you're walking on the edge, but then there's an outstretched hand to catch you when you're about to stumble. 

What would you say to someone who’s unsure about joining an ocean crossing because it seems too long or intense? 

You can be sure that you'll experience a lot of understanding, helpfulness, and support. But that's also expected of you. Ask yourself if you're an open-minded person? What's your tolerance level? You'll be sharing a small cabin with up to six people for several weeks. How do you react if someone snores? Do you know if you get seasick? Have you had similar experiences? If you're unsure, consider whether a shorter voyage would be better to start with. On the other hand, you should not be too afraid. You'll meet great people who will support you in exploring your limits. 

What did you learn about sailing that surprised you? 

Since I had no idea about sailing, everything was (and is) interesting and exciting for me. I'm just learning much too slowly. 

How did the rhythm of life at sea — the watches, the meals, the teamwork — shape your connection with the ship and each other?  

Daily life on board is very structured. Clear routines: mealtimes, your watches, the "8 o'clocky"... safety rules that must be followed. This gives the day a clear framework and has a very calming effect. But then the unexpected happens again and again, and you must get used to that. So the next time I step aboard, it will feel a bit like coming home and at the same time like the beginning of a new adventure. 

Was there a favorite part of the journey you always tell friends or family about? 

We had left the Drake Passage behind us and reached the South Shetlands Islands. With a 55-knot headwind, we were now attempting to make our way westward through the Bransfield Strait. The evening sun was shining, the wind was roaring, both engines were working at their limits, and the waves were crashing against the side of the ship. Exhausted from the past few days, I lay down in my bunk amidst the rocking and roaring and fell asleep immediately. 

The next thing I noticed was complete silence. Nothing moved. In the darkness of the cabin, I was initially completely disoriented. Where was I? What had happened? Yes, I'm still alive. 6:00 a.m. I left the cabin. A sign of life, soft music from the galley. I walked past the galley onto the deck. The cook grinned at me: "Matthias, take a cup of coffee!" Still confused, I took it. I climbed the stairs to the deck. My breath caught in my throat. Blue sky, not a cloud in the sky. We were lying in a bay. The sun warmed my face. On one side, a massive glacier wall. In front of us, a headland where seals lay on the gravel. On the other, a penguin colony. I could see, hear, and smell them. In the background, the silhouette of Livingstone Island. I was overwhelmed by this impressing nature scenery. Other crew members came on deck. The same feelings. We moved slowly across the deck; hardly anyone spoke, and if we did, it was only in quiet whispers. No one wanted to disturb this paradise. 

If someone had said, "That's it, we're returning to Ushuaia," I would have replied, "It was worth it!" Not knowing that this was only the first fleeting glimpse of the impressive continent. 

How would you describe the spirit of Bark EUROPA to someone who's never been on board before? 

Go for it! Relax, enjoy, be patient, be kind, make an effort, be helpful, don’t stop smiling, don’t complain, … Go and get it! 

What will be your next adventure on board? 

I will join the voyage from Bordeaux to Cascais in October. 

Is there anything else you would like to share? 

As we reached Vernadsky Station (almost the southernmost point during the Antarctica voyage), I wrote in my journal: 

“Driven by storms, unbridled winds, and mighty waves, we have now arrived at the "end of the world." Deeply impressed by massive ice, incredible vastness, peaceful wildlife, the camaraderie of 55 people from all over the world, and a unique ship, I gratefully realize that I am among the most privileged people on this wonderful planet.” 

and yet 

Nature can be incredible, but ultimately, it is always the people who make the moment unforgettable. 

Thank you guys!