Week 12- Bark Europa and the unexpected voyage from Ushuaia to Scheveningen

We have arrived. On Jun 16th, Europa finally moored at her homeport in Scheveningen after 82 days on the sea. It was March 27th, a Friday morning when we heaved anchor in Ushuaia and embarked on an unexpected and long journey through the Atlantic Ocean from south to north. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic worldwide with numerous lockdowns, we were not allowed to disembark in Ushuaia or any other port after the Antarctic season, nor could we continue with our Pacific schedule. It turned out, that the only port willing to accept us was Europa’s home, Scheveningen. After careful deliberation and considering many possibilities, the decision has been made to sail the ship home and thus give her the best possible chance to get her on the sea again after the coronavirus pandemic craziness around the world ends. The crew onboard from the last Antarctic trip (with some newcomers) fulfilled their duty and brought her home. Nothing less, nothing more. This was not a journey out of a desire to break any records but the necessity forced upon us by extraordinary circumstances and the best option we had at the time. Europa covered over 10000 nautical miles over the ground. Nonstop. Pretty remarkable number for an over 100-year-old lady she is. We never doubted her abilities nor we had any doubts in our readiness and experience to bring her home, for the most part, only by the power of the wind. Only at the very end, given our time restriction, weather forecast, and some deadlines we had to meet, we engaged the power of our two auxiliary engines. After 79 days we entered the English Channel and we spotted the Dover Cliffs, the first land sighting since the departure. From there, it didn’t take long to make our way through the channel and finally arrive home.

This was a life-changing experience for many of us on so many levels. Right now, we are happy that we are going to see our families soon, a moment we’ve been looking forward to, a moment that has been postponed by more than 3 months due to the extraordinary situation that is currently rocking our world. It will still take a couple of days for most of us to get home, but our families and loved ones can be assured, we are all healthy, sound, and safe. Some left the ship immediately while others stay a few more days. There is a relieving crew ready to take over the work we’ve been doing all those 82 days. There is a lot more to be done to bring the lady into good shape and get her ready for future voyages, wherever she may sail.

As for myself and the rest of the crew, I would like to thank you all for keeping up with our stories and photographs and for your continuous support and interest in Europa. She is unique and for all of us like a second home. We all would like to see her sailing again as soon as possible because the ocean is the place she belongs to. Sailing the seas, bringing joy and experience to all curious, adventurous people who have chosen a little bit different, but a more fulfilling holiday. Hopefully, I'll see you onboard someday.