One of the most fascinating parts of my Bark Europa journey so far is the friendships that are developing. Although we’ve only been sailing for four days, I feel like the others in my watch are quickly becoming a family, working and laughing in unison. We’re part of the Red Watch. As trainees, we’re encouraged to participate in a three-watch system, with four hours on and eight hours off and a split ‘platvoet’. Following this system we have watch at different times every day so we see a sunrise one day and a sunset the next.

Andy, my watch partner, has become a trusted friend in only a few short days. We work well together on the helm and share life experiences and jokes on the lookout. Even though I’m in my own room, I never feel left alone. When I’m sick, he checks in on me. When I haven’t eaten, he offers to get me something to eat or to drink. When I’m discouraged, he’s by my side edging me on. I try to do the same in return and I have a great deal of respect for him already. The ocean separates us in our regular, “at home” lives but it has united us on Bark Europa. 

I see the other pairs working with similar comradery. So much changes each day that you need to rely on your group and the crew. They are our lifeline. I recently heard a quote that reminds me of our journey so far. It says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We’re in this adventure together.

Although we’ve only been sailing for four days, I feel like the others in my watch are quickly becoming a family, working and laughing in unison. We’re part of the Red Watch. As trainees, we’re encouraged to participate in a three-watch system, with four hours on and eight hours off and a split ‘platvoet’. Following this system we have watch at different times every day so we see a sunrise one day and a sunset the next.

Andy, my watch partner, has become a trusted friend in only a few short days. We work well together on the helm and share life experiences and jokes on the lookout. Even though I’m in my own room, I never feel left alone. When I’m sick, he checks in on me. When I haven’t eaten, he offers to get me something to eat or to drink. When I’m discouraged, he’s by my side edging me on. I try to do the same in return and I have a great deal of respect for him already. The ocean separates us in our regular, “at home” lives but it has united us on Bark Europa. 

I see the other pairs working with similar comradery. So much changes each day that you need to rely on your group and the crew. They are our lifeline. I recently heard a quote that reminds me of our journey so far. It says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We’re in this adventure together.