About us

Making dreams come true

Growing up in the Dutch coastal provinces of Zeeland and South Holland, the sea has always drawn us in.

Gerlé Blaak began his maritime career as a 17-year-old deck hand and worked his way up to become a captain with an unlimited navigation license. As a captain he sailed on cargo ships, container ships, and dredgers. When his wife Jacobine participated as a guest in the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race in 1995, she could never have imagined that she would one day become the owner of an impressive two-masted ship. Together with their sons Levi and Ben, they are running the beautiful topsail schooner Ocean Sherpa. A very robust, luxurious ship with the look and feel of a yacht. It was love at first sight!

With the purchase of topsail schooner Avatar in November 2023, they started a new family company. Buying and managing their own ocean-going vessel is not new to them, as they owned cargo ship ‘Sardijn’ from 2005 and later became co-owners of the coaster ‘Bente’.

Now, Ocean Sherpa is a sailing basecamp for adventurers and sporty travellers worldwide, taking guests for sail-ski and Arctic expeditions in Norway and Svalbard.

Join us and make your adventurous dreams come true! 

Levi

It was exciting to approach Svalbard for the first time: we had to navigate through ice fields to get there. Then the ship proved her suitability for the Arctic, it’s amazing to see what she is capable of. I do most technical work on board, I like mathematics and that helps me to think practically. I don’t stress easily, that’s an advantage at sea when you get confronted with problems you have to solve yourself. I learn a lot this way, I meet a lot of people and the variety of tasks give me the opportunity to learn a broad set of skills. When we’re at home, I like to work out and I like to cook, but on board I’m happy to delegate that to the chef.

Ben

I’m the youngest crewmember, but it doesn’t really feel that way. I have equal responsibility. I prefer the work on deck as the weather doesn’t bother me. I also like navigating, but the best part of the job is cruising with the Zodiac or rib. Then I feel free! And it’s also a nice opportunity to interact with the guests. Sometimes it’s a challenge to find a good landing spot, especially when there is a lot of ice. Or when, at low tide, there isn’t enough depth to return to the pick-up spot. Then it’s up to me to find a good solution. I like a challenge – and I’ll be happy to help you up into the mast, I’ll probably join you!

Jacobine

I didn’t hesitate to start this company with my family (okay, to be honest: a little bit …), and I haven’t regretted it for a second! It is a wonderful opportunity to be together and see the boys develop their character and skills. As a primary school teacher I know a little bit about a lot of things, that comes in handy  now.No day is the same, and time flies. Of course it can be challenging at times, but in those moments you grow. Now, I
like to make sure everyone is comfortable on board, while I enjoy the amazing beauty of Svalbard myself!

Gerlé

This has been my dream: to be a sailor and have my family on board. I’m really proud of them, as they helped make this adventure a success. It’s a great feeling navigating this beautiful ship while your wife makes sure everything runs smoothly and your boys are helping the guests or doing maintenance. The steering wheel is a great spot to reflect and also for a good conversation. It’s interesting to see the wide variety of
guests on board, also passionate about their work and adventures. Or ready to make a change. As I started my career as a 17 year old, I can tell quite some stories about my adventures as a sailor and choices as an entrepreneur. And this is the thing: every day is the chance to start a new adventure.

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