YACHT: Tell me, Mr Zuspann, does a Smutje never retire?
Elmar Zuspann: Not really, because it's pure passion!
And how did you become a chef on a tall ship?
It all started with a pink slip from school. My father was so angry that he quickly put me on an apprenticeship with a strict French chef. After that, I just wanted to get away and dreamed of a life at sea. So I ended up at the Naval Supply School in List on the island of Sylt, where I trained to become a ship's cook. As the best in my year, I was allowed to choose my future galley myself: It was the one on the "Gorch Fock".
So your dream job turned out to be a compulsory apprenticeship?
Yes, it was like winning the lottery. I was able to meet illustrious guests such as the then royal couple Rainier and Gracia Patricia on the trips. We also took part in tall ship regattas. And what could be nicer than standing on the foredeck of this proud ship after a hard day's work? However, the salt in the soup is the community on board.
But after three years it went ashore again ...
Not entirely by choice (laughs). There was a woman involved and I had to marry her quickly as we were expecting children. But I never let go of life on board. Just thinking about it gives me goose bumps.
Is that why you signed on to a tall ship again at the age of 75?
This came about by chance during Kieler Woche, when I was on the "Alexander von Humboldt II" with my son-in-law. Smutjes are desperately needed and the spark was immediately ignited. All we had to do was pass the fitness test and we were ready to go again.
Is there actually a secret recipe for storms?
Scrambled eggs! The eggs are pushed up in the large pan and come down all by themselves. Of course, you have to peck yourself.
Have you ever complained about the food?
No, never. But the audience is very grateful and they can't run away either. No allergy sufferers or vegans are allowed on the "Alex-2", as the small galley crew would not be able to cope.
Finally, a little anecdote, please!
We once moored the "Gorch Fock" in front of Tower Bridge in London and hosted a reception. A blind passenger had fun naked in the captain's bathtub. The little scandal even made it into the "Bild" newspaper at the time.
About Elmar Zuspann
The Palatinate-born chef runs a family business whose origins date back to 1702. His most formative time was his service as a cook on the "Gorch Fock".
