Maartje Rol - sailor on an ocean-going sailing ship
On this website, women from the maritime sector share their stories. This is the story of Maartje Rol.
What kind of work do you do?
I work as a deckhand aboard the square-rigged three-masted clipper Stad Amsterdam. We sail all over the world with passengers. When we’re in port, we usually host events on board. We try to sail as much as possible - meaning without using the engine. We do this using 31 sails that we have to set by hand. Our passengers help with this, as they join us on watch. The ship is kept running by 30 crew members, divided into different groups.
Does being a woman play a role in your work?
Fortunately, the male-to-female ratio on board is 50/50, something that’s very rare in this industry. That makes it more enjoyable for me, and it better reflects working life on shore. I work on deck, and that requires a tremendous amount of physical strength, but with teamwork you can get just as far - and that’s what it’s all about for us on board. You’re just as welcome here as a man as you are as a woman. It creates a healthier work atmosphere.
My advice is to do what you love, and not let your gender hold you back. The retirement age is getting higher and higher, so you’re better off doing what you love and seeking out and seizing every opportunity, rather than spending 40 years just looking for security.
What do you like most about your job?
I think I have a really fun and special job. I often hear from ‘landlubbers’ that they didn’t know ships like this still sail and that this kind of work still exists. That shows just how small the industry is. I love that, as a team, we sail the ship from A to B, visiting so many beautiful places and getting to know so many wonderful people and cultures along the way. I also think it’s really cool to work on a ship that strives to remain as authentic and traditional as possible. You could definitely call this my dream job.
My advice is to do what you love, and not let your gender hold you back
