Two sailors, one lake – and many stories

From the bus to the ship: Sailors Sepp Herzog and Andy Meier on teamwork, swells and quiet moods.

Andy throws the lines, while Sepp stands on stern watch, radio in hand, to signal to the captain that the ship is clear to sail during the reverse manoeuvre. Such procedures are routine for Sepp: the bus driver has mainly been travelling on the lake in summer since 2011. He retired in July, but he is happy to stay on board - the water is his element. "Lake Zug has a calming effect on me. You look into the water and are immediately calm, refuelled."

From the road to the water
Andy has only been with us since April. The Zug bus driver was "recruited" by colleagues. From road transport to the water - that was a conscious step for him. "Working on the lake is a real contrast to the bus: teamwork, variety, direct contact with people. I really like that."

Favourite moments and trips
He learnt a lot during his first season on the course: mooring, checking tickets, safety and emergency drills, greeting guests over the microphone, telling stories about Lake Zug, assisting with servicing, checking the engine room. The work of a sailor is very varied. His favourite moment: when he is allowed to briefly relieve the captain. "Then I'm standing on the bridge with the helm in my hand - it's just a cool feeling."

Sepp, on the other hand, likes the encounters with the guests the most. "People enjoy the view, relax, are interested in information - that's the best thing for me." His favourite trips are the relaxed evening trips with sunset and, as a highlight, the Cruising Party trip, where you can look over the shoulders of top local chefs. Andy, on the other hand, looks forward to the brunch cruises on Sundays - "with the delicious breakfast".

Every trip is a different story
And when it gets stormy at sea? Like that autumn storm when waves pushed the ship off the jetty? "Stay calm and focussed and you'll be fine," says Sepp - an attitude that Andy has long since adopted.

Of course, the lake can also be completely different: calm and atmospheric. Sepp's tip: even in the rain, when the shore glows lush green, or on autumn mornings, when the mist slowly lifts over the water - Lake Zug shows its magical side.