Oceans of Hope – Day 1 & 2: New Faces, New Adventures
There is something very special about the start of an Oceans of Hope voyage. Every time it feels like the beginning of a new adventure, filled with possibilities, friendships and unforgettable moments.
This year was no different. On Sunday, we all arrived in Assens, excited to begin our week together. I travelled with my dear friend Hjördís, which made the journey even more enjoyable. Although I was looking forward to the week, I have to admit I was also a little nervous. Every voyage is different, with new people, new experiences and new challenges.
After settling onto the boat, we decided to sail to the beautiful Gamborg Fjord for our first night and angered there. It was the perfect place to begin our journey.
That evening, Tine and Simon prepared a marvellous risotto for all of us. Sharing our first meal together around the table was the start of getting to know one another.
After an early start to our travels that morning, we were all feeling tired. It didn't take long before everyone disappeared to their cabins for an early night's sleep.
Monday started in a relaxed way. Before we left, our captain, Mikkel, introduced us to what he called the "Tai Chi way" of being on the boat. It wasn't just about sailing—it was about moving calmly, thinking ahead and understanding the purpose behind everything we do onboard.
One lesson that really stayed with me was when he encouraged us to think about the function of every object. Even something as ordinary as the toilet tube and the pumping! And this was when we are having breakfast...
Later that day, we sailed to Middelfart to pick up our first mate, Therese. Her arrival clearly made Mikkel very happy.
The wind wasn't on our side, so instead of sailing we motored towards Bogense. Even so, the journey had a wonderful surprise waiting for us. Suddenly, Sofus spotted a little dolphin! Seeing it appear alongside the boat was one of those magical moments that makes you stop and smile.
One thing that always amazes me about Oceans of Hope is how quickly people connect. Within just two days, conversations flowed easily, laughter filled the boat, and the feeling of being part of a team was already growing stronger. It is amazing how quickly strangers begin to feel like friends on an Oceans of Hope voyage.
Our journey had only just begun, but it was already reminding me why Oceans of Hope is so much more than a sailing trip. It is about friendship, learning, sharing experiences and creating memories that stay with you long after you return home.
I can't wait to see what the rest of the week will bring.
Oceans of Hope – Dag 1 & 2: Nye ansigter, nye eventyr
Der er noget helt særligt ved starten på et Oceans of Hope-togt. Hver eneste gang føles det som begyndelsen på et nyt eventyr fyldt med muligheder, venskaber og uforglemmelige oplevelser.
I år var ingen undtagelse. Søndag ankom vi alle til Assens, spændte på at begynde ugen sammen. Jeg rejste sammen med min gode veninde Hjördís, hvilket gjorde turen endnu hyggeligere. Selvom jeg glædede mig til ugen, må jeg indrømme, at jeg også var en smule nervøs. Hvert togt er anderledes med nye mennesker, nye oplevelser og nye udfordringer.
Efter at vi var kommet på plads ombord, besluttede vi at sejle til den smukke Gamborg Fjord, hvor vi kastede anker for vores første nat. Det var det perfekte sted at starte vores rejse.
Om aftenen lavede Tine og Simon en fantastisk risotto til os alle. At dele vores første måltid sammen omkring bordet blev begyndelsen på at lære hinanden at kende.
Efter en tidlig start på rejsen den morgen var vi alle trætte, og der gik ikke længe, før alle havde trukket sig tilbage til deres kahytter for at få en tidlig nats søvn.
Mandag begyndte i et roligt tempo. Inden vi sejlede videre, introducerede vores skipper, Mikkel, os til det, han kaldte "Tai Chi-måden" at være ombord på. Det handlede ikke kun om at sejle – det handlede om at bevæge sig roligt, tænke fremad og forstå formålet med alt, hvad vi gør ombord.
En af de ting, der virkelig gjorde indtryk på mig, var, da han opfordrede os til at tænke over funktionen af hver eneste ting ombord. Selv noget så almindeligt som toilettet og det at pumpe det! Og ja – det var endda, mens vi sad og spiste morgenmad...
Senere på dagen sejlede vi til Middelfart for at hente vores førstestyrmand, Therese. Hendes ankomst gjorde tydeligvis Mikkel meget glad.
Vinden var ikke med os, så i stedet for at sejle for sejl fortsatte vi for motor mod Bogense. Alligevel bød turen på en skøn overraskelse. Pludselig fik Sofus øje på en lille delfin! At se den svømme langs siden af båden var et af de magiske øjeblikke, som får én til at stoppe op og smile.
Noget af det, der altid imponerer mig ved Oceans of Hope, er, hvor hurtigt mennesker knytter bånd. Allerede efter to dage flød samtalerne let, latteren fyldte båden, og følelsen af at være en del af et fællesskab voksede sig stærkere. Det er utroligt, hvor hurtigt fremmede kan føles som venner på et Oceans of Hope-togt.
Vores rejse var kun lige begyndt, men den mindede mig allerede om, hvorfor Oceans of Hope er så meget mere end en sejltur. Det handler om venskab, læring, fælles oplevelser og om at skabe minder, der bliver hos én længe efter, man er kommet hjem.
Jeg glæder mig til at se, hvad resten af ugen bringer.
