The experience of sailing on a Tall Ship has so inspired four youngsters from Bermuda that all of them would love to repeat the experience. Not only would they like to sail again on a Tall Ship but they’ve set their sights on taking part in the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge next year and crossing the Atlantic to sail into Bermuda.

“It would be so cool to sail into Bermuda on a Tall Ship and have all our families watching us,” said William Halliday, 17, one of four youngsters who sailed on Christian Radich from Bergen to Den Helder. William went on to say that he now had renewed respect for his ancestors who had no choice but to travel by ship to reach the new world and settle in Bermuda. “It puts it all into a new light and makes you realise what the great explorers had to ensure,” he said.
Photo: L to r: Catharine Hay, Sarah Smith, Christine Jack and William Halliday.

Catharine Hay, 25, said she had watched friends take part in the previous Atlantic race in 2000 and was disappointed that she couldn’t also sail. When the chance came up this year to take part in The Tall Ships’ Races she said she jumped at the chance. “I saw something on facebook first of all and immediately wanted to know more,” said Catherine who had absolutely no experience of sailing at all before boarding the ship. “It was amazing to have such an international experience and to work in a team with people from other countries,” Catherine said, “sometimes we had to get up just after we’d gone to bed so we could help tack. It was exhausing at times!”

Christine Jack, 17, had heard about Christian Radich from a friend’s sister so when she saw an advert in the paper she was quick to apply. “We had to write a letter about why we wanted to take part and then were chosen from all the applicants, which was very exciting,” said Christine. “I got a bit seasick at the beginning but everyone was so kind and helpful and it disappeared after a day or two!”

Sarah Smith, 19, is the only one of the four that had ever sailed on a Tall Ship before having spent a term on Class Afloat, the Canadian School ship. “It was very different on board Christian Radich,” said Sarah, “so it didn’t really help me but I have fallen in love with setting sails and grab any opportunity to do more of it!”

All of them said it only took a few days before they were getting the hang of the sails and the ropes and even managed to learn a bit of Norwegian. They all commented on the wonderful spirit that was on board, which they admit may have been helped by winning the race!

Their enthusiasm for sailing on a Tall Ship is so strong that any ships looking for crew to take part in the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge should get in touch with them quickly!

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