ATYLA
SHIP

SLOW TRAVEL Against all odds

Our journey aboard Atyla Ship consisted in a series of art residences and sailing workshops, along a 400km maritime journey.

"free to live out my passion DURING A SAILING ADVENTURE"

The youth exchange on board of Atyla was a truly unique and unparalleled experience. The program was well-organized and the staff were knowledgeable and supportive, ensuring the well-being and safety of all participants. It fostered important life skills that we will apply in our future endeavors: Teamwork, Intercultural communication, Emotional Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Responsibility, Courage and Resilience.

”The Atyla ship tour happened at a moment of my life, when it was maybe just what I needed. I am a freelance musician and the reality of artist freelancing had been tough and stressful in 2022. Before I went to Atyla ship in September 2022, I had little energy left for being creative, I was exhausted from my everyday responsibilities, and had trouble sleeping and focussing. I did not know what to expect from Atyla, but I knew I needed an escape from my current environment.

On the ship, even though our schedule was packed, there was plenty of time for me to think. While pulling on ropes, climbing up the masts, brushing the deck, there was much time to enjoy the fresh air of the sea, to look at the horizon and daydream. Traveling without land in sight is incredibly freeing, and this helped me to relax my brain and to organise my thoughts. I could finally have some space and time to take some distance to my own life, and reflect how I want to live it, what was going wrong so far and reflect how I can change things. It is difficult to do this when you are trapped in everyday life.

Meeting and working with all kinds of people was also a great experience. Many languages are spoken on board, different mentalities and characters shape the social life of Atyla. Getting along with people has never been a problem for me and I like companionship. However, there were also times when I needed some alone time, which can be hard in such a confined space. The cabins are very small and uncomfortable, and it is difficult to sleep at night with the motor noise and people passing through to go to the bathroom. But somehow, in these extreme conditions, I also felt very alive and happy. It is fun to dream about how it would be to live the life of a seaman, traveling with the wind.

The nightwatches (shifts of 4 hours, with 3 people to watch the boat’s course at night) were the best. Long nightly hours of steering the boat lead to some fun conversations, a few crazy laughs and the creation of a few good friendships. The disconnection to my previous life was amazing. I returned from my trip on Atyla with fresh thoughts, many creative ideas and a new thirst for extraordinary life experiences.”

- Frin Wolter

FEEDBACK FROM THE ADVENTURE

Youth exchange and artistic residency during a travel journey on board of Atyla.

Learning about the technical aspects of sailing provided a valuable educational experience for participants. The program incorporated opportunities to learn about the history and traditions of sailing, which helped to deepen their understanding of this fascinating form of transportation. A list of activities on board would include:

1) Sailing training: lifting sails, climbing masts, pulling ropes, making knots
2) Navigation training: geographical position and mechanics check
3) Nightwatch
3) Galley Duty: cooking
4) Happy Hour: deck scrubbing, general cleaning
8) Swimming, Fishing
10) sleep, nap, rest whenever possible

The program brought opportunities for personal reflection and growth. Spending time at sea, away from distractions and the routines of daily life, provided a safe space for participants to reflect on their goals, values, and aspirations. This aspect of the program helped participants to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and direction, and to gain a greater sense of confidence and resilience. Participants were given the opportunity to take on various roles and responsibilities on the ship, which helped them to develop confidence and autonomy. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and their insights with the entire crew, which helped to deepen their understanding of themselves and others.

Along with ample time for personal reflection, more structured opportunities for group discussions and reflection were offered to foster a deeper sense of community and connection among participants. The exchange allowed young people from different cultures to come together and share experiences, and provided a safe and welcoming space for all. The cultural exchange aspect of the program was especially valuable, as participants had the opportunity to learn about different cultures, customs, and ways of life. Participants were able to share their perspectives and insights, which enriched the experience for everyone involved. It fostered a sense of community and teamwork as participants worked together to participate to many tasks on board.

"WHAT I REMEMBER THE MOST ARE THE tasks that are part of life on the boat, such as THE "galley duty" at the kitchen, the "happy hour" WHEN everyone washed the boat, THE NAVIGATION and regular checks on the geographical position and the mechanics. How to survive seasickness by lying in the sun with THE eyes closed. BUT PARTICULARLY: THE Incredible sunrises and sunsets."

- Cata

"I PERSONNALY RECALL THE NAVIGATION COURSES, AS WELL AS THE teambuilding ACTIVITIES: undoing knots, solving ENIGMAS as a team... On the SHIP, I even learned to Fish and PREPARE IT TO BE COOKED."

- Max

One of the highlights of the program was the opportunity for participants to visit and explore different ports of call, despite body fatigue. This allowed participants to experience the culture and history of different regions. This cultural immersion aspect of the program was particularly valuable to deepen participants' understanding of the regions they visited.

One potential area for improvement could be to provide more opportunities for participants to engage in service or community projects while on land. While the program provided opportunities for cultural exchange and exploration, engaging with local communities could help participants to feel a greater sense of connection and purpose in the regions they visited.

By working together to maintain and navigate the ship, participants learned about the importance of cooperation, respect, and responsible decision-making. The program brought together participants from different backgrounds and cultures: one aspect of the program that particularly stood out was the emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. The program also incorporated fun and engaging activities such as sea shanty singing and group games, which made the experience both educational and enjoyable, in a supportive and inclusive environment that allowed participants to form meaningful connections with their peers. This dimension of the adventure helped to foster a sense of belonging among participants, and contributed to a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures. With all these activities, participants could develop a greater sense of global citizenship and social responsibility.

One potential area for improvement could be to provide more structured opportunities for language exchange. While participants were able to communicate in English, providing opportunities for participants to practice and learn each other's languages (Basque, Luxembourgish, German, French…) could further enhance the cultural exchange aspect of the program.

Finally, it's important to note that the program was not without its challenges. Living and working in close quarters with people from different cultures can sometimes be difficult and may require a degree of flexibility, patience, and open-mindedness. However, the challenges were outweighed by the benefits of the program and helped to contribute to a deeper sense of understanding and appreciation for different perspectives.

In addition to the cultural exchange, the program also provided participants with a sense of adventure and exploration. The tall ship provided a exciting way to travel and explore new places, and participants were able to experience a variety of activities that gives goosebumps such as climbing the highest masts from or swimming in the deepness of the ocean. This sense of adventure helped to make the program a memorable and exciting experience for all.

Another notable aspect of the program was the emphasis on environmental sustainability, particularly given the ecological impact of maritime transportation. Participants learned about the impact of human activity on the oceans and were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices while on the ship, such as reducing plastic waste and conserving water. This emphasis on sustainability helped to cultivate a sense of environmental responsibility and awareness among participants, to think critically and develop a greater understanding of their roles as global citizens.

Incorporating educational modules on ocean conservation and sustainability practices could further enhance the program's educational value - a module that could be developed during workshops on board by the pedagogical team of ATKA.

Overall, the youth exchange was a transformative experience that provided participants with valuable learning, cultural exchange, personal growth, social responsibility, leadership development, environmental sustainability, adventure, and exploration.

The program was effective in promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding, with all participants engaging in meaningful conversations with individuals from different countries and cultures, which allowed us to gain insight into different ways of thinking and living and develop a feeling of European belonging.

This cross-cultural communication helped to foster a greater sense of empathy and respect for others, with the potential to become lifelong friendships. We strongly believe it was a rewarding model for future exchange programs.

SOUNDS OF THE SEA

Listen on the recordings of the sea captured during the sailing journey.

In the world of graffiti, where vibrant colors and bold expressions are synonymous with city walls and urban landscapes, there exists a trailblazing artist who's chosen a canvas unlike any other. Meet FOSR, an innovative graffiti artist who embarked on a unique artistic journey during the art residency and youth exchange aboard Atyla Ship.

As the Atyla Ship cut through the open seas, FOSR found herself immersed in an environment that was a far cry from the concrete jungle that graffiti artists are accustomed to. The rhythmic sway of the ship and the endless expanse of the ocean served as his inspiration to adapt his artistic style to the ever-changing equilibrium and surroundings. He seamlessly blended the ship's masts and decks textures with colors taken straight out of the rainbows.

Armed with spray cans, he used old sails as his new canvas. Every gust of wind, every ray of sunlight, every splash of salted water played a role in shaping his new creations, imbuing them with an ephemeral quality that mirrored the transient nature of the sea. The art of FOSR took on a fluidity that echoed the waves beneath him. The Atyla Ship, a vessel with its own stories to tell, became during the whole journey a living gallery of his work, each piece a testament to the fusion of art and adventure.

- Maxime Hego

Build your own dreams

DJ set by Irénée recorded on board of the ship during the sailing journey.