Why Europa?

When we bought our boat back in 2016, we decided to change her original name, so it somehow better corresponds to our feelings. Those of you who own a boat know how attached you can get to it, so we were looking for a name, we can easily identify with, and which would be easy to use and to remember. At the beginning we have established a list of some 10 to 15 possible names and slowly narrowed it down to 2 or 3. After a while, "Europa" came out of this reflection as a clear preference. Here are two main reasons why. 

Firstly, when somebody asks you what is it you like the most on sailing, the first word which comes to our mind is "liberty". Nowhere else you feel so free than on the sea. And for our generation, born in totalitarian Czechoslovakia, the vector of liberty has always been Europe and its (re-)integration. We studied in France and Denmark, lived in several European countries, speak several languages, and we became really attached to values and liberties today's Europe has offered to our generation. We are both convinced the "European dream" is worth of being actively defended and "Europa" aims to help spreading the message of liberty and solidarity, both of which are also values of any sailor and seaman.  

Secondly, we really like the very origin of the name "Europa". According to the Greek mythology Europa was a woman with Phoenician origin (they were really good sailors btw.), born in Tyre, Lebanon. Zeus was enamored of Europa and decided to seduce her. He transformed himself into a tame white bull and mixed in with her father's herds. While Europa and her helpers were gathering flowers, she saw the bull, caressed his flanks, and eventually got onto his back. Zeus took that opportunity and ran to the sea and swam, with her on his back, to the island of Crete. He then revealed his true identity, and Europa became the first queen of Crete and mother of King Minos of Crete. Zeus later re-created the shape of the white bull in the stars, which is now known as the constellation Taurus.

One day, we would love to sail Europa "back" and make her/us visit again the beautiful island of Crete…