ON THE NORTH SEA — Most Sea Trek 2001 participants aboard the full-rigged Norwegian Sorlandt have now recovered from the seasickness that first afflicted them during rough weather, and the mood is cheerful as one watch takes over from another.
These descendants of emigrant ancestors have come to appreciate the sacrifices made by their forebears who gave up their homes in Norway, Denmark and Sweden and sailed to America. Seasickness was a common feature of most emigrant voyages and no less so on this trip.
Some 10 of the 45 passengers were laid low for a couple of days. Most of that is now forgotten, and nearly everyone is up on deck standing around chatting, taking photographs and enjoying the sea air.
The 1927-built Sorlandt, named after the southwestern part of Norway, was one of as many as eight ships hired for this trip. Sea Trek 2001 is a private venture retracing the 19th century overseas migration of converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many of the 1,400 participants have purchased passage for just a few stops on the European leg of the journey, but some will travel all the way to New York, where the two-month voyage is to end Oct. 4.
As the Sorlandt turned south-westward it sailed past the Orkney Islands, a part of Great Britain that few people have ever visited. Light clouds raced across the deep blue sky. Over the port side participants could see the high cliffs of one of the Orkney Islands.
Throughout the day, not far from the ship, the occasional whale has made an appearance, to the delight of the passengers and crew alike.
To take advantage of the pleasant weather Wednesday, the Sea Trek participants held their daily history and religion study class out on the open deck. Then, Capt. Agner Dragevik brought out maps to explain to the company the ship's position and route through the western Scottish isles to the port of Greenock.
Each passenger on the voyage is also part of a four-hour watch and assigned different duties for the safe operation and maintenance of the voyage.
The young sailors responsible for their respective watches take pride in organizing the various duties and teaching participants elements of sailing such as the different types of sailing vessels or the tying of knots.
Some of the Sea Trek participants climbed the rigging to help set and pull down the sails. While at first there were grumbles about watch duties, the Sea Trek participants realize that many of them are essential for the comfort and the safety of all.
David Mason of Holladay, who is voyaging with his wife, Connie, said, "If you had asked me about the watches on Monday, you would have gotten a different answer. But I've had some time to reflect. At first, you could say that when I learned that these ship duties were expected to be mandatory, I was irritated, especially since I didn't think there was any point to some of them. . . . But it has probably been a good experience for me to be part of this, and there has been a purpose to it, I can see that now. Actually, I've come to love the ship."
Mason explained that his wife has some physical limitations, "but she's learned from the watch duties. She can't do everything, but she's doing everything she can."
Mason and his wife are assigned the midnight-to-4 a.m. watch. "Last night the two of us were at the helm," Mason said. "It was a neat experience with husband and wife, sitting together at the wheel, steering this great ship together, and quietly talking to each other about our feelings. It was an interesting bonding experience, if you will."
The Norwegian watch crew members, somewhat frosty at first, have thawed with the friendship and kindness of the Sea Trek participants.
"I'd be surprised if some of these relationships (among Sea Trek voyagers) didn't continue," said Michael Wilcox, Sea Trek ship leader and a University of Utah Church Education System Institute instructor. "I imagine it was the same with the emigrants too; after all they passed through."
David M.W. Pickup is a barrister from Burnley, Lancashire, England, sailing on Sea Trek 2001 from Gothenburg, Sweden, to Portsmouth, England.