Harbours

A STORY FROM LAST TIME IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

– I have travelled to over 90 countries in my life but the Radich voyage between Mallorca and Sardinia was such a wonderful and unique experience! My most vivid memories are of the sea – at night when it reflected the brilliant stars and Milky Way cascading across the sky overhead, visible between the glowing sails. And during the day, when the bright sunshine turned the water a cobalt blue colour and highlighted the torpedo shaped dolphins who leapt the waves adjacent to our bow and turtles swimming nearby.

Right from the start, the crew were all so welcoming – from the moment when you walked up the gang – way to join the ship until the moment you left it, at 5:30 AM in my case. During our watches, they trained us well and believed in our abilities so there was mutual respect and good teamwork. The captain was very informative giving us regular updates as to our position and the weather, while lessons from the rest of the crew helped us improve our sailing skills and understanding of the history of ship. In addition, the kitchen staff worked hard to produce amazing meals and surprise treats like the delicious salted caramel brownies on my last day.

The work was challenging and rewarding as well. I volunteered to join the team who climbed to the highest yard on the mainmast to reef the royal and then I took the helm a couple times during a pressing storm. Then since we were a smaller group all our muscle power was well, used to adjust or brace the yards. Even so, many still had the chance to sun bathe or shop in the ships store while sailing, and once on shore to go biking, hiking or take the recommended tour of the islands.

Trainee in the Mediterranean autumn 2019.

Photo: Line Ellemann Andersen