She sails consciously and alone, always at the limit of the weather.
The story
The bow cuts the water, leaving foam in its wake. The wind puffs against the coat, the fabric briefly striking her thighs. Meike stands slightly leaning, her hand on the rail, the knot at her nape loosening from the pull. A wave strikes the hull, spray flying over the planks. She waits to see if the light breaks through once more.
The setting
The deck slopes gently forward, the mast angled in the backlighting, the lines wet and dark. Beyond, the wave crests churn in gray and gold.
Who she is
The Sailor
Meike spent two years alone on the small schooner yacht, putting in here and there to carry cargo, mail and sometimes letters from the mainland. She needs little company but a sharp eye. When you asked if you could photograph her work she only nodded. The coat stays closed until it is decided what will actually be shown.
Her world
Her schooner is small, in the 25 to 40 foot class that can still be handled singlehanded.[1]
She works like a mail ship, delivering mail and everyday goods to islands, similar to the vessels that supply North Sea islands such as Helgoland.[6][12]
A freighter brings the mail to Juist in a truck trailer. Once unloaded and distributed on the island, small schooners like hers step into the gap when the weather turns rough.[7]
A short glossary
Mail ship
A vessel that regularly supplies islands or remote areas with mail and often also with everyday goods and sometimes carries passengers.[6]
Singlehanded sailing
Sailing in which one person alone handles the boat, plans and executes every maneuver, and also stands watch, navigates, and performs repairs.[1][10]
Lifebelt
A harness attached to the life jacket that allows you to clip yourself to the boat with a tether so you cannot go overboard in heavy seas.[1][3]
Jackline
A safety line stretched fore and aft on deck into which you hook your lifebelt so you can move safely even in a storm.[1]
