That special moment

13 August 2017

Update by one of the guest crew:
“As I have journeyed through life, I’ve heard various phrases numerous times as advice to others often spoken by myself (e.g. be true to yourself, follow your dreams, anything is possible and have no regrets).
In 1986 having served 11 years in the Royal New Zealand Navy and reached the rank Chief Petty Officer, I walked away and in doing so turned my back on a life at sea. Regrets – a few. For I have realized in recent years the sea is my calling and I have sorely missed her.
We have on board 24 passengers and I’m sure with 24 different reasons for making this crossing.
My second voyage on ‘Oosterschelde’, Halifax to Le Havre, is giving me the chance to overdose on what life at sea whilst under sail is all about.
In the last 24 hours I believe I’ve experienced a somewhat spiritual moment. First I need to set the scene. It’s August 11, approximately 23:00. The ‘A’ Team (the Red Watch) is on deck. A magic sunset, the moon has risen, shooting stars, awesome weather conditions, ‘Oosterschelde’ is humming along at over 10 knots. Denis is on the helm and we have touched 10.7 knots. I entered the wheelhouse and high-fived Arian (captain) and said, “this is what I signed on for”. I mentioned my passion for night sailing. Arian then proceeded to explain to me why night sailing is so special. The whole time I’m thinking – get out of my head. Here is a fellow, though a far more experienced seafarer reflecting back to me, in his word, my own exact feelings and emotions. That was the moment I realized that special spiritual connection that only seafarers, no matter their experience, can all relate to and understand.
Thank you Arian.”