After a multiple-stage check-in, (including a tense moment where I dropped my passport and it nearly fell through a crack in the dock) we toured the ship, found our bunks and unpacked our things. I now understand why the sail bag was so small! Each person has half a locker, a cupboard and a small trunk for our clothes. Personal space is precious onboard and we are always required to be very neat with our things - I am learning a lot mom!
The ship itself is beautiful. She is a three-masted Norwegian tall ship built in 1927 with some really neat war history. More to follow…
Over the past few days we have experienced some intense sail training. We learned about lines, sails and the mechanics of the ship. Coiling ropes and tying knots is already second nature to some … I’m still working on it though! We have already begun climbing the rigging, furling the sails, and hoisting the yards. From the first time steering the ship on helm to the first time working in the galley - everything is new and exciting!
I would have to say that the best part about the first few days was meeting the crew. Everyone is really interesting to talk to and genuinely nice. And, although we have only been together for a short time, everybody is already like brothers, sisters and best friends. The coolest part about the crew though, is that everyone comes from different places, has different ideas and different lifestyles, but we all have this one crazy dream in common – to sail around the Atlantic Ocean on a tall ship. The atmosphere this creates on the Sōrlandet is indescribable. We are all enthusiastic, thrilled, scared, and ready for the adventure that lies ahead!
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| The crew ... also known as "Floaties" |