Crossing the North Atlantic Ocean

Many of us were really looking to the crossing of the North Atlantic Ocean, even if we also had a lot of respect, because of stories about many storms, that we were told. But that didn’t stop our excitement, so when we cast of in Habana and the swell was starting to be noticeable, we were full of joy. At that time, we didn’t know how much more swell we were going to have in the next few days. The wind got intense, and waves were crashing on deck. There were also some people, that got seasick after the long stay on land, and they spent quite some time laying on the boxes outside. Luckily, after a while the seasickness was gone, and everyone could really enjoy the everyday life on board. Shortly after the start of the next part of our journey, the school lessons started, and at first it was a challenge to be in the messroom, because during the first Atlantic crossing our school lessons were almost exclusively on Deck. Now the air isn’t as fresh as outside and there is no warm water, that splashes around our feet. Instead, we are slipping on the benches, bumping into each other, and our things make a mess, whenever as big wave comes. What can be a challenge too is the volume, when people are having breakfast or are playing a game on the other side of the room. Still, we prefer having the lessons in the messroom rather than on deck, because the water comes gushing on deck and it isn’t warm anymore. We got used to the rhythm of the everyday life on board, that´s similar to the first Atlantic crossing. While the school lessons started, it meant that the watches were split in half, and the internships started as well. But still, there are many differences to the first crossing for example the sailing action. Thanks to the good winds and our captain Johannes, who analyses the weather for several hours every day, we got the chance to sail a lot. Due to the changing wind directions, we had many opportunities to do sailing manoeuvres. For example, one day, we did five jibes, just to practice them. Adjusting the sails is a regular activity during our watches. These sailing manoeuvres are instructed by us students; thus, we already are a dream team!

Now I´m going to describe to you what a day can look like, when an area of low pressure (storm) hits us:
A few days ago, our captain announced that the next storm would hit us soon. Since then, we locked all the skylights and watertight doors and installed safety lines. Now, the time has come. In the morning, the upcoming storm is already noticeable. The swell is heavier than normal, which is especially noticeable in the galley duty and during the lessons, when we must hold on tight to our stuff. When we are woken up for the watch, we are told, that there is a harness duty. (Whilst the harness duty we must secure ourselves with the harness on the safety lines, because the swell is so heavy.) At lunch our captain makes an announcement: At 1700, there will be a jibe! Finally, it is time, and everyone is helping to get the sails midships just to sheet them out again. At this time, the storm is reaching its peak, and the wind is blowing across the deck. Meanwhile, it starts raining and, on our faces, the fresh water combines with the saltwater from the sea spray, which lashes against our freezing skin. After the manoeuvre is over, everyone gets back to their usual activities, while the current watch stays on deck. In the evening there are many people sitting in the messroom, playing games or writing diaries. Then suddenly there is one long signal. Everyone is trying to dress up for the storm as fast as possible and go on deck to help immediately. A line ripped and the watch needed some help. (This signal is called squall drill and is used in situations like a sudden squall or moments, when the watch needs help quickly.) But luckily the problem was solved quickly and just like that everyone is sitting in the messroom again shortly after.

Days like this are already familiar to us and when they are announced many of us look forward to the sailing action on these days. As you can see, the North Atlantic Ocean holds new situations as well as challenges. But still, it is a very beautiful part of our trip with loads of sailing action, and so we are very happy to continue our journey across the North Atlantic Ocean to the Azores.