Glassy Water & Swimming In The English Channel | Bark Europa Day 15

July 10, Day 15

Climbed into the shrouds and out onto the yards over the deep teal water near the coast of France. I just woke up and as usual, I started my work within a few minutes of getting on the deck. There is little to no wind so I help the deckhands cast some slack onto the bunt lines over the sails as preparation for any upcoming favorable winds. The water is glassy and smooth and from up on the mast, I could see the well defined shadow of Europa on the waters surface. 

ship shadow cast on glassy ocean surface bark europa english channel
ship shadow cast on glassy ocean surface bark europa english channel

After seeing the long dark shadows cast onto the glassy waters surface, I NEEDED to fly my drone. I was already picturing the images in my mind as I was standing on the yards with Rudi, working on the bunt line slack. I climbed down and removed my harness and nervously, as usual, prepared for the drone flight.

ship shadow cast on glassy ocean surface bark europa english channel

The good Doctor climbing out onto the yards at 71 years old.

 

CLIFFS OF DOVER

Around midday, we started to see the nearby coastline; the bright white Cliffs of Dover. We slowly sailed by while enjoying the red-striped lighthouse in the water. There was another lighthouse standing on the top of the eroding cliff that looked like it will fall into the ocean within this lifetime. I was wandering the ship attempting to make some candid images of the crew while I found Byron sitting on the sun covered sloop deck. Since the weather was incredibly calm and we still had the sails set,  encouraged him to fly his drone. He grumbled a bit but agreed that it was a good idea and within minutes of his flight, a small pod of dolphins began jumping around the Europa.

He was excited.

Byron was quickly realizing what I had gone through twice already; the absolute terror of trying to catch your drone from a moving ship.

cliffs of dover white cliffs lighthouse united kingdom UK
 

SWIMMING IN THE ENGLISH CHANNEL

After we lost all wind, the suns reflection warmed the captain up into stopping the Europa for an icy swim in the English Channel. One by one, crew and guests jumped off the side of the ship, plunging into the cold teal water. Just in case somebody needed help, Markus kept a watchful eye while slowly circling us on the zodiac. The guests kept swimming for around 30 minutes but I climbed back up the rope ladder to take some photos of everyone enjoying themselves.

ship shadow cast on glassy ocean surface bark europa swimming in the english channel diving
ship shadow cast on glassy ocean surface bark europa swimming in the english channel

After about 5 minutes, Markus circled back to the ship so I could climb into the zodiac to take some photos from the waters surface. Sarah joined us for the zodiac ride and handled the ropes to detach us from the ship. I thought I would need a lifejacket but after already being in the water, the lack of wind, the incredibly calm sea, and Markus’s watchful eye, I climbed right in with Klaas’s permission and we zoomed off skimming the tops of the waves.

Zodiac driving, sailing, powerboat level 2, powerboating, expedition, ferrying, guests
 

This is one of my favorite images from the entire trip.

After climbing onto the ship after swimming and jumping almost immediately into the Zodiac with Markus, I only had time to grab my camera with the lens still attached. Unfortunately the lens was my telephoto, useful for wildlife and long distances but not close by your subject on a small boat. We had already driven about 50 meters away from Europa but I turned to Markus and said: “How far are you willing to go?”

Understandably confused, he grumbled: “Huh?”

I showed him my view finder in the camera and he immediately understood the dilemma and started a route in the Zodiac to put some distance between us and the ship.

It was only about 45 seconds From the realization of a problem to everything working itself out. I was fortunate to have a competent, reliable, and flexible deckhand as a driver to help me make this striking image of our sun-kissed Tallship with the moon shining behind it.

 
 

If you would like to make a specific request for photos to print, please send me an email.

Jack Cox

Jack Cox is an Expedition Guide, Cinematographer and Photographer who specializes in in authentic adventure, wildlife, and landscape imagery.

http://www.jackwcox.com
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ANTARCTICA WEEK 1: THE ARRIVAL

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Guernsey and Sark Island Excursion | Bark Europa Day 14