Training at the German yachting school Hanseatishe Yachtschule Glucksburg

Alluring Baltic. A bird's eye view of the Hanseatishe Yachtschule Glucksburg yachting school.

100% German quality

Friends decided to go by car so that after training they could take a ride through the towns of northern Germany and visit the famous Treptower Park in Berlin on May 9. The price of a 7-day course of 580 euros with accommodation and three meals a day attracted another person to our company, an already experienced yachtsman “I have long dreamed of sailing on folk boats and in the Baltic. And here everything is together, and even for such a price. " For me, the word folkbot then it didn’t mean anything yet.

We got to our destination quite late and, unfortunately, did not make it to the party, which was traditionally organized at the beginning of training to meet a new group. We were hospitably greeted and accommodated in a cozy nautical-style room with a large window overlooking the Baltic Sea. The word was written on the door of the room "Martinique". As it turned out, every room in the hotel for students of the school was named after an island, and we got a room with an island in the Caribbean - Martinique.

In the morning, German speech burst into my deep sleep, coming from a loudspeaker somewhere in the corridor. My friend, a German translator, said that they wished us good morning and in an hour we are expected for breakfast. The quality of the food was not inferior to a good restaurant, and besides, it was unlimited :).

Going out into the street, we managed to take a closer look at the school. The fairly large building includes superbly equipped classrooms, a library, a dining room, a bar and rooms for 4 people. Also, the school owns a huge fleet of yachts, has its own boathouse, workshops and berths.

In the courtyard of the school there was a flagpole on which the flags of those countries whose students were trained at the school were flying, and to our surprise, among the many flags was the flag of Ukraine. According to the old tradition, every morning, school employees raised flags, and any student could take part in this process. Looking ahead, I want to say that one day we still solemnly raised the flag of our country.

our group

Solemn raising of the Ukrainian flag

For breakfast we had a buffet table with a large selection of fruits and vegetables, coffee, tea or juice, cheeses and cold cuts, cereals with sour cream or yogurt, jam or honey and a large selection of bread and rolls. In general, bread is an important part of the German table; it is eaten for breakfast and as part of sandwiches in the evening and is very rarely served as a side dish. My favorite bread with sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

After a good breakfast, we went out into the courtyard to meet our German group, the headmaster and instructors. We were given life jackets and our names were pasted on them. By the way, if you do not have special equipment, then for only 5 euros you can get a full set of waterproof clothing, I chose for myself: overalls Gill, boots Musto and a jacket Henri Lloyd.

Having met and passed safety instructions, we started learning how to knit sea knots. According to our instructors Peter and Ingrid, it turns out that there was a time when knotting was an art and the secret of their "creation" was passed down in the family only by inheritance. When the time came for seafarers and pioneers, knots began to acquire a new meaning. The fate of the vessel depended on their strength and correct tying.

Learning to knit knots.

My first node

It was necessary to learn how to tie a bow knot, figure eight, clew, bayonet and bleached knot, which I learned to knit and remembered as "Mickey Mouse ears" (as Peter calls this knot). A little patience and perseverance, and on the 5th day I knitted the bow knot in 6 seconds.

The training took place on folk boats - classic sailing yachts. We practiced all the skills only under sail, there was no motor on the boat at all.

The theory took 20-30 minutes a day, and then we spent the whole day from 9 to 18 (returning only for lunch) were at sea, practicing dozens of times changing tacks (turning stern and bow), mooring and anchoring. After mooring, all the sails were folded into rolls, and the ropes were folded into neat coves. The German approach was felt in everything; it was not for nothing that the Germans are famous throughout the world for their accuracy and striving for order.

Training at the German yachting school Hanseatishe Yachtschule Glucksburg

After mooring, the boat was brought into perfect order.

To practice anchoring the boat, a trip by sea from Glucksburg to the opposite bank to Denmark was organized for us, where, in addition to practicing the necessary skills, we also tasted delicious ice cream with licorice and cocoa.

All training in a very friendly and fun atmosphere. During the week of training, everyone became friends, we sincerely rooted for each other, helped and rejoiced at each other's successes. Qualified, experienced and very friendly instructors created an atmosphere of relaxation rather than training, and at the same time, a week of training provided an opportunity to acquire the basic knowledge necessary to operate any sailing yacht: yacht design, steering technique, actions in extreme situations.

I was very surprised how different people were on our team: she is both an English teacher and an entrepreneur, a simple worker, an investor and a housewife - a mother of 4 sons. There it is not a hobby for privileged people, but a form of active recreation available to everyone.

Glucksburg embankment

One day we got to the city. Myself Glucksburg very cozy and all imbued with a purely German spirit town. Small houses with colorful roofs and flower gardens, a lake with ducks and swans, souvenir shops and cozy cafes create the impression of a fairy tale. But the main attraction of these places is the ancient castle of the 16th century. Germany is generally famous for its castles, but this one is one of the most beautiful and largest in the Renaissance style, surrounded on all sides by water. It is located in the middle of the island, and there is a beautiful park nearby. In addition, the residents of the city are very hospitable and rest assured that they are really glad to see you.

After training, they had to pass an examination, which consists of written testing, passing knot-tying skills and a practical exam at sea. The exam was easy and fun, in an atmosphere of friendliness and mutual assistance.

After passing the practical exam, we, a little tired, but in a great mood, returned to the shore, where a pleasant surprise awaited us for dinner: a barbecue of sausages and schnitzel chops with a side dish of potatoes, sauerkraut and traditional German beer. Then there was the official presentation of certificates confirming the completion of the basic course, and a farewell party in the school bar.

The school's mascot is a pug named Admiral

Seven hours of invigorating Baltic sailing daily

To my surprise, I didn't want to leave. Even the cold sea has become dear and cozy. For me, yachting has become a special kind of recreation, a way to break away from the usual everyday life, to get a feeling of freedom and an incredible charge of positive emotions.

Two years have passed since that trip, and my passion for sailing has radically changed my life. During this time, I saw other schools, but DHH remains in many ways an ideal. The spirit of the sea, maritime brotherhood and mutual assistance is present here.

Text: Tanya Lisetskaya
Photo: Sasha Goron, Vladimir Lezhnenko

07.06.2014