Batavia's grounding and our life on board

9 August 2013

Update by Suzi Colpa, photographer and filmmaker on board:
“Our voyage is led by the story of Batavia’s grounding in 1629 and the mutiny in which more than 120 people were killed. The story is horrific and the circumstances on the ship and the Abrolhos Islands, where they stranded, were terrible. Visiting these places, hearing about the story and meanwhile being on an old sailing vessel, makes me realize how developed we are nowadays. On this ship we have a great and palatial space, delicious fresh food and a very nice atmosphere. With all techniques, charts and other equipment on board, we do not have to worry of grounding on the reefs. But some things do not change, since our ship is from 1918. I climbed up the mast! This is a challenge. Sails had to be set, sea had to be watched. These authentic elements are what make this voyage greatly unique and photogenic, which is amazing for me, being a photographer and filmmaker in daily life.
I am six days on the ‘Oosterschelde’ now, but it feels timeless. The moment I stepped on board was my entrance to another universe. Like a microcosmos with its own rhythms, rules and mysteries. The first days were not easy. The rough sea made many of the guests seasick, due to a northwesterly wind. The ship rolled up and down over the sea. We slept at irregular times, since we have watches that make us help on board even in the middle of the night. But, these were also the hours that provided us with very special moments and interactions. People that one has not seen together before, start to care for each other. We shared our lack of sea legs and everyone stayed on deck, either to help or to feel better in the fresh air outside.
Life on board is different, since you are led by basic needs, such as eat, sleep and making sure we get where we have to go. It is actually a simplified version of life, and gives space and opportunities for new things. In between my moments of not feeling too well, I have slept on deck, in a pile of ropes or looked at the water, its waves and the endless sea. The beautiful starry sky is greater than I have even seen before. Not having the possibility to check Google Maps all the time, learned me to find the Southern Cross. I have been in close contact to many others on board who share this adventure with me. Most of them are Australian and quite a few are retired. But there are also some younger guests, including a young couple who share a great passion for sailing and of course there is the very enthusiastic professional crew.”