As ship engineer aboard the sailing ship the Duyfken, Susan Vandermark is arguably one of if not the most important cog in the human machine that makes sailing a vessel like the Duyfken possible in the 21st century.
Susan’s responsibilities aboard the Duyfken are to maintain and operate the ships engines and navigational equipment, vital technology for modern sailing ships.
“Sailing has changed since the days these ships were in use, nowadays we need engines aboard these ships, that’s where I come in, to make it easier to make port and navigate.”
The role seems perfectly suited to the rough and tumble lifestyle the Australian born woman of Dutch descent has chosen for her life.
“I feel the ocean is in my blood, I’ve been sailing for years and years now, I own a yacht and even when I’ve finished a tour aboard the Duyfken and I’m back on land, I’m thinking about getting back out to sea,” she said.
When aboard the Duyfken the sailor said she lives for the moments at night when it’s calm and the stars and moon are visible.
“There’s nothing like seeing the stars at night in that setting, it’s lovely and there’s nothing quite like it,” Susan said.
“But the flip side to that are the moments when the calm is broken and the weather picks up and it’s about hoisting the sails and getting all hands on deck.
“So it’s nice to know I can find peace in those moments but I also like those thrills when things get a little more intense.”
Susan’s mother owned and operated a fishing company back in Holland and Susan’s own daughter is cruise director aboard the cruise liner True North, making clear the ocean and Susan’s family have a bond that spans generations.
“Some people might say girls can’t sail a ship, because they don’t have it in them, but I come from a line of very strong-willed Dutch women, and we have a feisty confidence,” she said.
“I have my master five skippers ticket, I can sail this ship I needed to, if something happened to our captain – god forbid because he’s great – I could take over and bring the Duyfken into port.”
When Susan was a child growing up with three brothers she discovered her natural affinity for motorcycles and machines, which she has successfully combined with her passion for sailing.
It felt natural for Susan to be out at sea, but her hands-on life doesn’t stop her changing roles and pursing her second passion, music.
“I love music and perform in a duo called Waterborne, so as I get older I’ll probably slow down on the ship,” she said.
“But I’ll always have music, and I’ll always be sailing in some form, I’m tied to the ocean.”
Blayde Grzelka
Journalist for the Bunbury Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Journalist for the Bunbury Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
