The EUROPA was built in 1911 under the name of “Senator Brockes” at the Stulcken shipyard in Hamburg, at the request of the city of Hamburg. The ship was put into service as Elbe 3 lightship on the river Elbe, and later worked as a stand-by vessel. In 1986 the ship was brought to the Netherlands. Over a period of 8 years, she was completely rebuilt and rigged as a three-masted bark.
The rebuilding and conversion to a sailing vessel was carried out under the supervision of the Dutch Shipping Inspection, Bureau Veritas and Register Holland. She sails with worldwide certificates from each of these authorities and she complies with the highest requirements for sailing ships.
 

Europa in Greek

Mythology
Europa was one of the god Zeus's many love interests in Greek mythology. She was a beautiful mortal woman, and the noble daughter of a King Agenor (according to some sources, Agenor was the king of Phoenicia).

The legend of Europa and Zeus begins when the ruler of the Olympian gods glimpses the young woman one day. At first sight of Europa, Zeus is instantly overcome by her beauty and grace. Not being one to ignore his desires, the god immediately comes up with a plan - he assumes the form of aglorious white bull and swims to the shore on which Europa and her female companions are playing (it should be noted that in some versions of the story, rather than disguising himself, Zeus sends a real white bull to lure the girl).

The bull is so sleek and handsome, not to mention gentle, that the maidens all take turns stroking and petting the pretty creature. In time, Europa feels comfortable enough with the bull to climb upon his back for a little ride.
However, as soon as she is safely seated, the bull moves toward the sea, carrying the object of his affection with him. They together cross the water. Their strange but compelling journey leads them eventually to the island of Crete.

Upon arriving in Crete, Zeus finally casts off his disguise and reveals his divine identity to Europa. The mortal woman then becomes yet another of the god's lovers. Ultimately, Europa gives birth to a trio of sons - Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon.

It was said that Zeus so loved Europa that he gave her three priceless presents. The first was Talos, a magical man made of bronze, who served as a guard on Crete. The second was Laelaps, a dog that excelled at the hunt. And the third and final gift was a javelin that always hit its target.

In addition, as a last poetic touch, it is worth mentioning that the bull that "stars" in this story was transformed into the constellation Taurus.

A new figurehead now adorns Europa. Installed in March 2010, it replaces her previous one damaged by an iceberg while sailing in Antartica.

The new figurehead has been carved bij Lynx Guimond:
Lynx Guimond, born in 1981 on a farm near Sherbrooke, Quebec, spent his youth working in the forests of the Appalachains as a lumberjack. Upon completing high school, M. Guimond gained formal instruction in joinery at the National Woodworking School in Victoriaville Qc. He then embarks on a journey throughout the globe obtaining skills and experience in many fields of carpentry. From Eastern to Western Canada, Scandinavia, Asia and South America, Lynx honed his abilities in wood carving and artistry. His work is known and admired internationally, and his unique style of carving combines complex wood joints and imaginative design. Drawing upon the cultures he encounters, he seems to incorporate the warmth and hospitality of the people he meets into his art.

His work includes high end spec housing construction in British Columbia, Historic Building renovations in Sweden, Furniture making in Spain and Argentina, boatbuilding in Holland as well as his collection of fine art work from his travels.  Lynx now works mainly in the nautical industry, carving figureheads.

Built:  1911
Home port:  Scheveningen,  The Netherlands
Length overall:  56 m
Beam:  7.45 m
Draft:  3.9 m
Air draft: 33 m
Max sail area:  1250 m2
Engines:  2 x 365 hp
Call sign:  PDZS