SaS students set sail for Europe

After a stopover in Bermuda, the UK’s oldest surviving colony, School at Sea students sailed the Thalassa to the Azores. One of the students reports.

The journey to Bermuda took some getting used to – from 30 to 15 degrees in two days! But it was worth it. Just before arrival, the SaS’ers were greeted by two jumping whales. How beautiful is that? After arriving in Bermuda, no school for a while, no sailing – but wifi, shopping and (lots of) phone calls home. In the capital Hamilton, the saved dollars went up in record time on iced coffee, the cutest Bermuda T-shirts and souvenirs for home. At sunrise 🌅 we also took a moment to reflect on the fact that the end of the trip was now well and truly in sight.
The last days in Bermuda were dominated by preparations for the long crossing to the Azores. Stock up, finish lists, write down deadlines, and go!

The reins 🪢 in hand

Of course, the pupils also get the chance to really show what they have got. During the take-over, the crew takes a step back and the group itself takes the helm – literally and figuratively. Everyone applies in advance for a role on board: captain, mate, engineer, boatswain… it’s just like the real thing!
Between Cuba and the Azores, the SaS’ers ran the Thalassa completely by themselves no less than twice. Exciting, educational and, above all, incredibly cool. Everything they had learned came together: navigating, leading, cooperating, making choices – and what it is really like to bear responsibility.
The crew looked on for safety, but it was up to the pupils to sail the ship without any problems. And they succeeded ✅🙌!

Quayside artwork

Each School at Sea group traditionally leaves a work of art in the Azores. Our SaS students admired the drawings of their predecessors and got plenty of inspiration. Because now it is their turn. They are already busy sketching and thinking: which text, which style, which memory has to be immortalised? A work of art to conclude an adventure you will never forget.
Meanwhile, the SaS people have already left. Now the last days of the return trip remain, on 12 April the Thalassa is expected back in Harlingen, where undoubtedly many parents and brothers and sisters will be waiting on the quay.

Source and image: School at Sea.

Windassist sponsor