On September 29th we embarked in Tenerife on Bark Europe for the trip to Cabo Verde. For us a renewed acquaintance with the Bark since our 2013
trip to Antarctica.

 

On September 29th we embarked in Tenerife on Bark Europe for the trip to Cabo Verde. For us a renewed acquaintance with the Bark since our 2013
trip to Antarctica.

After being welcomed we were introduced to the crew (Tasmanian devils the most of them) and two very familiar faces; Captain Harko and Chef de la quisine Rensje.

We are now the 4th day out after loosing half a day in port on a broken refrigerator. As was to be expected the food is excellent and there's a lot of time for instructions on sail handling. Winds are light and for those who joined to relax (we are certainly a part of that group), it's a very relaxing voyage thus far.

Yesterday about 35 of us had a swim in the Atlantic ocean; the chief engineer made a great show with his flying dive from the bowsprit. Kept his trousers on too!

Today we rigged the stunsails and exercised the complicated procedure for hoisting them. We saw dolphins and a sea turtle. There's a lot of little maintenance jobs to so and most of us are pitching in; splicing, seizing and sailmaking.

After three days all the unfamiliar faces have become personalities to us. Life ashore seems very far away and the scenery with these tall masts and sails, silhouetted against a brilliant night sky seems timeless to us. We are learning the constellations.

So far its a great trip thanks to crew and captain.
We feel like one big family.