Adventure on the Tecla
Initially I was a bit disappointed when I received the e-mail from Dutch Tall Ships that my daytrip in Port Adelaide was scheduled on the Tecla. I thought the big boats, such as the Oosterschelde and Europa would be much more impressive, But hey, there is always a reason for these things…
Once on board at the Tecla I found out that it was possible to sail with them to Melbourne. I could not believe it: me on a sailing vessel going to Melbourne? After a bit of rearranging of my schedule I took the opportunity. After all, these ships do not come past every week. This is the opportunity not to be missed.
The boat was leaving from Port Adelaide on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning. Accompanied by what seemed like hundreds of dingies, small boats, yachts, jet skis, you name it, all came out for the day. A beautiful sight. Once out of the Port River things started to quieten down, the odd vessel sailed with us towards Kangaroo Island. Then reality set in: What am I doing here? With 6 perfect strangers on a boat for a week, no idea about sailing, not knowing how to tie a knot, let alone knowing any of the names of the sails, masts, ropes or … in short: I knew nothing!
Soon after departure we had to gather all on deck for safety instructions and a speech from Captain Gijs whilst the skyline of Adelaide was diminishing to an unrecognisable hazy line in the far distance. OK, so this is serious business after all and we have well and truly passed the point of no return. Safety on board is not taken lightly. Indeed, this is serious stuff and I can only say that the four crew members of the Tecla treated this as their highest priority, hence it was repeated during the trip.
With 7 people on such a sailing vessel it is really appreciated that you lend a helping hand. Pulling ropes, setting sails, steering the boat, assisting with the anchor, operating the winch and whatever else comes your way. I offered to be rostered on; I thought it would be spectacular being treated as a member of the crew. Indeed I was and before I knew it I was steering the boat for what seemed like hours on end, through the darkness of the night, guided by the stars. What an experience, sitting out on the deck, with a cup of coffee in one hand steering the boat with the other. Admittedly always under the watchful eye of the experienced crew members who were very competent and experienced. I could do what I felt comfortable doing.
Stops in Kangaroo Island and Port Fairy were very entertaining, being welcomed by the locals who thoroughly enjoyed the presence of the Dutch Tall Ships. During the voyage we were accompanied by playful dolphins and gracious albatrosses. As the week went on my level of fitness improved, we started to get to know each other better and I learned more and more about sailing, the vessel, the stars and life at sea.
Melbourne presented us with a city view that I have never seen before – what a beautiful city skyline. Lucky for me one of the passengers was a hobby photographer who was only too happy to share his snaps with all of us.
In Melbourne I also had the opportunity to have a guided tour on one of the other vessels, the Europa. Beautifully laid out, very pretty, with a resident chef and assistant chef on board, a barman and all sorts of seating arrangements to sip your latté or your red wine. Hmmm, now I realised the reason for me being on the Tecla: This was not a cruise; this was real sailing! This was being part of it all and your presence makes a difference, this was spectacular – a real adventure! Mind you, having my own cabin, a comfortable bed, my own toilet and my own hot shower made it an adventure in luxury.
Let me take this opportunity to thank the captain and crew of the Tecla once again for an unforgettable experience and a wonderful time. And with a crew of only four people I do have time to name all of them: Thank you Captain Gijs for your enthusiasm and stewardship, thank you Jet for the wonderful meals and teaching me the ropes, thank you Loes for your warmth and kindness and last but certainly not least thank you Sam for your friendship and wonderful sense of humour! I will never forget you guys.
Eric.
Adventure on the Tecla
Initially I was a bit disappointed when I received the e-mail from Dutch Tall Ships that my daytrip in Port Adelaide was scheduled on the Tecla. I thought the big boats, such as the Oosterschelde and Europa would be much more impressive, But hey, there is always a reason for these things…
Once on board at the Tecla I found out that it was possible to sail with them to Melbourne. I could not believe it: me on a sailing vessel going to Melbourne? After a bit of rearranging of my schedule I took the opportunity. After all, these ships do not come past every week. This is the opportunity not to be missed.
The boat was leaving from Port Adelaide on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning. Accompanied by what seemed like hundreds of dingies, small boats, yachts, jet skis, you name it, all came out for the day. A beautiful sight. Once out of the Port River things started to quieten down, the odd vessel sailed with us towards Kangaroo Island. Then reality set in: What am I doing here? With 6 perfect strangers on a boat for a week, no idea about sailing, not knowing how to tie a knot, let alone knowing any of the names of the sails, masts, ropes or … in short: I knew nothing!
Soon after departure we had to gather all on deck for safety instructions and a speech from Captain Gijs whilst the skyline of Adelaide was diminishing to an unrecognisable hazy line in the far distance. OK, so this is serious business after all and we have well and truly passed the point of no return. Safety on board is not taken lightly. Indeed, this is serious stuff and I can only say that the four crew members of the Tecla treated this as their highest priority, hence it was repeated during the trip.
With 7 people on such a sailing vessel it is really appreciated that you lend a helping hand. Pulling ropes, setting sails, steering the boat, assisting with the anchor, operating the winch and whatever else comes your way. I offered to be rostered on; I thought it would be spectacular being treated as a member of the crew. Indeed I was and before I knew it I was steering the boat for what seemed like hours on end, through the darkness of the night, guided by the stars. What an experience, sitting out on the deck, with a cup of coffee in one hand steering the boat with the other. Admittedly always under the watchful eye of the experienced crew members who were very competent and experienced. I could do what I felt comfortable doing.
Stops in Kangaroo Island and Port Fairy were very entertaining, being welcomed by the locals who thoroughly enjoyed the presence of the Dutch Tall Ships. During the voyage we were accompanied by playful dolphins and gracious albatrosses. As the week went on my level of fitness improved, we started to get to know each other better and I learned more and more about sailing, the vessel, the stars and life at sea.
Melbourne presented us with a city view that I have never seen before – what a beautiful city skyline. Lucky for me one of the passengers was a hobby photographer who was only too happy to share his snaps with all of us.
In Melbourne I also had the opportunity to have a guided tour on one of the other vessels, the Europa. Beautifully laid out, very pretty, with a resident chef and assistant chef on board, a barman and all sorts of seating arrangements to sip your latté or your red wine. Hmmm, now I realised the reason for me being on the Tecla: This was not a cruise; this was real sailing! This was being part of it all and your presence makes a difference, this was spectacular – a real adventure! Mind you, having my own cabin, a comfortable bed, my own toilet and my own hot shower made it an adventure in luxury.
Let me take this opportunity to thank the captain and crew of the Tecla once again for an unforgettable experience and a wonderful time. And with a crew of only four people I do have time to name all of them: Thank you Captain Gijs for your enthusiasm and stewardship, thank you Jet for the wonderful meals and teaching me the ropes, thank you Loes for your warmth and kindness and last but certainly not least thank you Sam for your friendship and wonderful sense of humour! I will never forget you guys.
Eric.