Baltic tales from Tall Ship Brabander
Ten lucky
trainees who sailed in the Baltic Tall Ships Regatta 2015 were chosen as part
of a national TV contest on Lithuanian LRT television – to race from Klaipeda, Lithuania to Szczecin, Poland on board Brabander (Lithuania).
Each week contestants had to answer
questions about Tall Ships and sailing, out of those that gave the correct answer
one person was picked in a lottery.
This is the story of one
of those winners – Justas æukçtuloio (26 years old), from Zarasai, Lithuania. Occupation: Tour
Guide.
BEFORE sailing äó_
Have you sailed
before?
“This will be my first time sailing in the sea, I’ve only
been on a few sailing trips on lakes before this.”
Why did you apply?
What attracted you to take part?
“My company has a speedboat, water-skis and wake board,
so I am interested in the sea and have always been fascinated by how tall
ships. When I saw there was a possibility
to actually sail on one I had no doubt it was something I really wanted to do. Then – when I found out I’d been picked I
told all my friends and wanted it to happen as soon as possible.”
How do you feel about
the challenge of sailing to Poland?
“It looks a little bit scary and I am afraid of seasickness
– but I am prepared for it and will make the most of the experience.”
What are you most
looking forward to?
“I mostly want to experience a sunrise in the open sea
so I have picked the early morning watches, so when the sun rises I will be
able to see it.”
What are you least
looking forward to?
“Nothing really, everything is acceptable as a challenge
– I just want to have a full race experience.äó
“The Baltic Tall Ships Regatta is a great event. I am
feeling a little bit worried, but I think the stress will go as soon as we
leave and the race starts; though you never know what will happen at sea. I know this is a once in a lifetime
opportunity and I’ve heard it can be a life changing experience, so I am really
looking forward to see what happens.”
AFTER sailing äó_
So – what did you
think it?
“The biggest impression the journey has left on me is climbing
the mast. I’ve got off the ship now and
sometimes I can still feel like I am up there – right at the top. It was like standing on light and felt euphoric.
äóìOverall the race has left a big impression on me – everything
about it was special – from the beginning to the end. Being awake at 4am in the morning
