Ties joined the tall ship De Eendracht, from Esbjerg to Harlingen in 2022 as a 17-year-old. What started as a spontaneous application grew into an adventure he will never forget. The trip was exciting, but above all unifying, says Ties. Now, several years later, he often thinks back to life on board and the special bond that was created there.

How did you come to be a trainee?

'When I was younger, I often went to Terschelling for summer camp. One of my memories is when the tall ships sailed to the island before arriving in Harlingen. It was impressive and that image stuck with me. Years later, I received a message through De Friesland that I could apply to be a trainee. I actually thought: I can always sign up, you will never be accepted with so many applications. Until I suddenly received an e-mail saying I could join. That came as a huge surprise, of course you don't expect something like that!

Did you have to prepare for the trip?

'Yes, especially mentally. I was on my phone a lot during that period. At sea, you have no coverage, so you have to accept that you are unreachable for three or four days. That was a special experience, but also instructive. You are actually forced in a fun way to connect with the rest of the group.'

What was your role on board like?

'At first I found it quite exciting, but that feeling quickly disappeared. Everything was explained step by step. We were really taken through the process: how to tack, what to do and why. What went well was mentioned. And if something could be done better, they explained how to do it faster or more conveniently next time. Above all, you learn that by listening well, you won't need help next time. Of course, on such a big ship you need explanations for everything and they help you with everything. But if something then succeeds without help, that's really cool!'

What made it such a special experience?

'The lack of coverage. Or rather, what that provided. You build a bond with your team very quickly, because you really engage with each other. You can be on your phone, but it doesn't do anything anyway. So you have to do things together and make contact.'

What did you find most challenging?

'Changing tack with such a big ship. Then for a moment you think: soon it will go wrong because of me. But of course it all worked out fine.

Were there any moments that surprised you?

'Sure. The weather, for example. During a night shift from twelve to four, it was blowing really hard. Everyone was in rain suits, clinging to the railings and watching the ship go up and down in the waves. I will really never forget that image. We went to sleep at four and when we woke up the next morning, the ship was bobbing in dense fog. A bizarre contrast.'

How did the trip to Esbjerg go?

'Beforehand, there was a meeting in Harlingen to get to know each other in advance. That gave confidence: you knew who you were in the bus with and which ship you were going to end up on. On the day of departure, we gathered early in the morning in Harlingen and left by bus for Esbjerg. There we arrived in the evening, in the middle of a big closing party of the previous trip. The next morning, we left on the tall ship.'

What did you take away from this experience?

'Of course I learned a bit of sailing, but the social aspect made the most impression. Even when you arrive back in Harlingen, you stay on the ship together for a few days. You do fun things on the ship and ashore. Socially, you gain such fun experiences that you wouldn't go through in everyday life. For instance, you're already celebrating big with someone you may have only just known, as if they were one of your best friends.'

Which moment will stay with you forever?

'The Crew Parade! We went through Harlingen with the crew of all the ships. It was hugely busy there. All partying in that parade and stirring things up a bit. As icing on the cake, we even won! I still think about that sometimes.'

You work in a school now. What would you give your students?

'Do fun things, and learn and enjoy those things. So if you also want to sign up as a trainee on a tall ship: just do it! This journey will stay with you forever.'

Would you also like to sail as a trainee on a tall ship?