News from on board: After around 20 days on her transatlantic passage, the GORCH FOCK found herself just off Bermuda.
More than 90 per cent of the route was covered under sail, at an average of around eight knots. The nautical training benefited from stable trade wind conditions and continuous seamanship on watch.
But a long Atlantic passage is not just about watchkeeping, training and seamanship. Parallel to the training service, the traditional Atlantic sports festival was organised on board - this time in the „Bermuda Edition“. With 18 teams, almost the entire crew was involved. The programme included tried and tested disciplines such as hammock twisting, relay races, cliffhangers and the beam climb. The aim is to hold on to a leak defence beam for as long as possible - an exercise that requires considerable strength in the thighs.
The final event was the Tall Ship Race. Each team made a wooden blank into a small ship, painted it and then pulled it across the centre deck as quickly as possible using a line reel. On Saturday evening, the free guards Cinema on the upper deck a tried-and-tested format that noticeably shortens the long days at sea and strengthens camaraderie.
On its way to the US East Coast, the GORCH FOCK also encountered the French training association. The meeting under sail emphasised the close maritime ties between the two nations and their navies. Two German exchange officers are currently serving in the association, while a French cadet and a Franco-German sailing officer are deployed on the GORCH FOCK.
This mutual integration demonstrates active co-operation and trust between the two navies. The GORCH FOCK passed the association in full dress and with a large naval flag - a visible sign of traditional seamanship and good comradely relations.
Text/Pictures: Bornkessel/German Navy
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