On 29 October 2013, my husband, Rich, and I boarded the Bark Europa and set sail from Auckland, New Zealand, for the Falkland Islands along with 17 permanent crew members and 37 other “Trainee” Crew members. Although the Europa does have an engine, we were committed to sailing without engines for 49-day duration of the southern seas voyage. Crossing the 50th latitude, we encountered several storms as we approached the Horn. The “Roaring Forties” a test of our endurance, the “Furious Fifties” made us dig down to find what we had left to give. When you look at a four-story wave coming at you straight on, all you can do is pray and hang on for the ride! And what a ride! Successfully rounding the Horn and sailing back up to the 50th latitude made us eligible for the International Society of Cape Horners. Would I do it again? I just might… some day!
Diana Lynn Gibson 