All-women Ocean Voyagers: Introducing the Crew That Sailed Across the Atlantic Sea

In late 2022, a historic journey began as a ship named the Roald Amundsen, originally a supply lugger in the East German navy, set sail from the Canary Islands. On board was an all-female crew of 47 women, including Berlin-based photographer Verena Bruning, who documented the voyage with her camera.

The crew consisted of 17 seasoned seawomen and 30 trainees, each eager to embark on this groundbreaking adventure. The captain, Cornelia Rothkegel, navigated the ship safely across the Atlantic without resorting to aggressive or authoritative behavior, setting a tone of camaraderie and mutual respect.

New Year's Eve, four days into the voyage, was a particularly memorable moment as all 47 women gathered on deck, drank to the new year, and took part in a skinny dip in the middle of the ocean. These moments of empowerment were captured by Bruning, whose photographs were later published in a photo book named Windsbraut in February 2023.

The photos depict the daily labor, camaraderie, challenges, and moments of empowerment experienced by the all-female crew. They also show the crew overcoming doubts and hesitations, as they were encouraged to take on roles typically dominated by men. Friction between crew members was minimal, with an "incredible amount of talking" creating a space for people to check in on each other.

One of the crew members, Klara Marquardt, contributed a text for the photo book recapping the adventure. She mentioned that some women found new passions, such as ship's mechanics and boatbuilding. The final images of the book show the crew applauding the captain and the bittersweet tears as the Roald Amundsen reached the coast of Martinique.

The voyage lasted just over three weeks. During this time, Bruning took a picture of the ocean every day, collecting all the shades of blue as the water changed color with each nautical mile. The women paid around €2,950 each to cover provisions and training in the art of seafaring.

A male audience member was inspired by Bruning's photographs to take the same journey despite having no sailing experience. The women on board took turns steering the ship under the stars, creating a sense of unity and shared accomplishment.

The loo was the only place where crew members could find some privacy and solitude. Despite constant supervision and safety measures, accidents can still occur on the ship, making the crew's attention crucial.

The woman who published the photo book "Windsbraut" about the 24-day transatlantic journey of women on the Roald Amundsen is Wallis. Bruning aimed to capture the emotions and teamwork on the ship, as well as the intimate moments among the crew. This extraordinary journey not only marked a milestone in maritime history but also served as a testament to the power of women's empowerment.

All-women Ocean Voyagers: Introducing the Crew That Sailed Across the Atlantic Sea