A day on the Tukker

Victoria Mahoney is a crew member on the Tukker. The Tukker is a sustainable sailing cargo ship whose history began as far back as 1912. Over a century later in 2023, the ship has joined Fairtransport’s fleet.

When I wake up for my 4am watch, there are still traces of a deep sleep. The dream I just awoke from is already slipping away as I put on thermal clothing and jumpers, ready for a crisp morning on deck. I pause one last time to stretch and grab my jacket, then open the watertight door that connects the bow to the cargo hold.

When I arrive at the galley, it is brightly lit. A fresh pot of coffee and a thermos of hot tea are on the table. I have a few minutes before my watch starts, so I pour myself a cup of tea and poke my head out of the galley hatch. The sky is dark but is slowly getting lighter and a streak of soft pink graces the eastern horizon.
I put on my coat and head to the stern to change the watch. “A good watch!” says the previous watch as they go below for some welcome rest. “Good night!” we reply. I take the helm and watch the sky lighten slowly. Far away on starboard, a couple of dolphins jump across the water. At 5:30 the galley oven is lit and the day’s bread starts baking. Although I stay on the aft deck to steer, after a while I smell warm, freshly baked bread.

As the sky lightens and the sun rises, some unusual passengers join us on the aft deck – three homing pigeons. The pigeons arrived one by one: first Igor, then Leroy, then Marcel. By now they are part of the crew.

Soon the aft is bustling again for another watch change. I return to the galley, where a warm bowl of porridge awaits me. Once I have warmed up a little, I go to bed, ready to rest and await another watch on The Tukker.

The Tukker was built in 1912 and served as a coastal trader for many years. In the 1980s, she was converted into a Dutch sail training ship and became known for her work with disadvantaged youngsters until 2012.
Today, the Tukker transports all kinds of products, such as wine, olive oil, port and other sustainably manufactured delights between the North Sea, English Channel, Biscay and the Baltic Sea.
The ship can carry up to 70 cubic metres of cargo, or the equivalent of 50-70 tonnes. The ship offers accommodation for 10 trainees and 5 crew members.

See more on Fairtransport‘s website.

Photo: The Tukker under sail (Facebook page Fairtransport)

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