~ 18-year-old David Henri finds opportunity on board ~
By Lisa-Davis-Burnett
Eendracht. It’s a Dutch word with no easy or clear translation to English. Unity, teamwork, togetherness – these ideas come close. “We all work together towards a common goal,” offered one crew member of the three-masted schooner moored in Galisbay this week. “Yes,” said another. “Everyone’s noses are pointing in the same direction.” It seems an apt name for this particular sailing ship.
For the youth of St. Martin/St. Maarten, though, Eendracht means adventure, opportunity, and real-world seamanship. The ship is a graceful vision, often seen in our harbours. Owned by Rotterdam Nautical College, the vessel commands the Atlantic waters from Europe to the Caribbean Seas.
The ship’s mission is to bring youth in touch with the sea. “Especially those youth who would likely not be able to have such an experience without our program,” explained the ship’s chief officer, “we extend invitations to those young people who have an interest in learning about the ocean, boats or exploring careers in the marine industry.”
A second step after a voyage on Eendracht is often to intern on a larger vessel, something more commercial such as a freighter or a cruise ship.
All these opportunities are made possible here on the friendly island by Caribbean Sail Training. Caribbean Sail Training is a non-profit association with the aim of providing education and sail training for young people of all nationalities, cultures, religions and social backgrounds.
They have agreements with 19 traditional sailing vessels to provide youth with real ocean experiences free of charge. They especially focus on helping Caribbean families gain footholds in this exciting career field.
Jan Roosen and his wife Veerla teach a wide variety of professional courses that can earn certificates needed for employment in the yachting industry. Over the years, many local youths have passed through their coursework and now are crew, even captains, of mega yachts.
And so, this is how David Henri, an 18-year-old student from the French side of the island came to be crewmember on Eendracht last month. He heard about the opportunity from his kick-boxing coach, or “sensei” who had read about this unique chance from an article in The Daily Herald.
With encouragement from his sensei, he filled in the application and found he was selected to join a cruise scheduled for nine days. At first, he was thrilled, but as the departure day drew near, he wondered, ‘What have I got myself into?’
He asked his parents if he should really fly to Martinique and get on a 200-foot-long sailboat headed out to open sea. His mother said, “Go! This is your dream!” and so he went.
It was David who reached out to The WEEKender and invited us on board for a tour of the boat, from stem to stern, above decks and below. He also showed his parents Tansa and Eric Henri, at the same time.
We were shown all around the galley, his berth and sleeping quarters and the engine room. We met the friendly crew members and other sailing guests on the ship, and even shared a lunch put out by the ship’s professional chef.
All had praise for the hard work and positive attitude that the young St. Maartener had demonstrated during his time onboard. He shared that he really loved sailing at night, sitting near the bow of the boat and looking at the stars and the water. “It’s very special,” he said quietly, with a reflective memory flickering across his face.
“All in all, this was an amazing experience. I am so grateful to have this chance, and I hope to do more sailing in the future.” First though, he has to finish his last year of secondary school. Then he hopes to study abroad. His chosen area? Marine maintenance.
With a resumé that includes crewing on Tall Ship Eendracht, he will likely be moved up to the short list for any such openings he pursues. The WEEKender wishes him fair winds and smooth seas.
Eendracht is also available for sailing charters. Sign up for a short cruise or a long one, be part of the fun of sailing a Tall Ship and keep this charitable program afloat with your support! Check out their website www.eendracht.nl for details, or find them on Facebook.
Photo: David with ship’s captain Jan Willem Ouwekerk.
