(Almost) Losing My Drone 1,000 Miles at Sea | Bark Europa Day 9

July 4th, Day 9

The winds have been so strong since we embarked from Horta that I was beginning to think that I would never have the chance to see Europa from the skies. I woke up this morning after a few games of late night poker with the Voyage Crew to a cool grey sky with an eerily calm sea. The wind was low enough that I thought flying could be a possibility and I apprehensively retrieved my drone from my cabin. My cabin mates and I have been sharing the extra bunk and using it as a storage center for clothes, jackets and my camera bag. I returned from below deck to the helm where Richard and Hidde Bol stood watch. 

The Permanent crew were working on hoisting the Main Skysail Yard after taking it down for repairs but as I waited the wind started to increase once again. I used my short opportunity and launched the drone from my hand off of the stern nearby the helm. The dark and cloudy weather created an eerie background while the Europa cast its mysterious shadow onto the ripples and waves of the Northeastern Atlantic.

If you look closely at the main mast (the middle), you can see Hanjo working on the royal sail.

I took my time watching the ship from above and began the journey back to the poopdeck. The rise and fall of the ship over the waves made it increasingly difficult to catch the Bird. Richard took the helm when Hidde Bol offered to catch it so I quickly moved out of the way. In a battle between the increasing wind and the speed of the sailing ship, we soon realized that our time was quickly decreasing after receiving notifications of a critical battery level.

If you look closely at the left side of the ship, you can see Hanjo working on the royal sail.

Our Captain Klaas appeared behind us in a watchful manner and after watching a few failed attempts, offered some advice: “Crash it into the sail if you need to!”

I considered the proposal as I would much rather have to fix some broken pieces than have our little Metal Bird at the bottom of the ocean. After seeing the power at an alarming 3%, mobility was rock bottom and our heart rates were sky high. In one last ditch effort to fight against the wind, Hidde reached out and grasped the Bird from the belly to take it safely onto the deck of the Europa. Blood, sweat and tears were shed as the Bird had cut Hidde’s finger while taking to safety. 

Tonight I will buy him a drink as thanks.

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