Sail Morgenster from Falmouth to Cherbourg, crossing the Channel under square rig on a hands-on tall ship adventure.
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Embark
Disembark
Vessel
Duration
Voyage No
Sun 15-06-2025, 17:00Falmouth, Cornwall
Sat 21-06-2025, 10:00Cherbourg, France
Morgenster
6 Nights
MS250615
Sailing the English Channel is a true seafaring experience. This six-day voyage from Falmouth to Cherbourg offers a mix of coastal and offshore sailing, giving you the chance to take the helm, handle sails, and navigate one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
Departing from the maritime town of Falmouth, the journey begins along the Cornish coast before heading out into open water. With steady winds and shifting tides, every day will bring new challenges and rewards. By the time we reach Cherbourg, you’ll have covered real sea miles, learned new skills, and shared the experience with a crew of like-minded adventurers.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Sail across the English Channel on a square-rigger, from Falmouth to Cherbourg.
Take part in hands-on sailing, steering, trimming sails, and navigating at sea.
Experience night sailing, standing watch under a sky free of light pollution.
Arrive in Cherbourg, a historic port with deep maritime roots and a lively waterfront
The Channel has long been a testing ground for sailors. Fast tides, shifting winds, and busy waters make it an exciting place to sail, especially on a tall ship where teamwork is key. This is a hands-on voyage where you’ll stand watch, trim sails, and experience the rhythm of life at sea.
With its deep maritime roots, Falmouth is the perfect departure point, while Cherbourg, with its historic harbour, provides a fitting end to the passage. Whether it’s your first time sailing offshore or you’re adding another crossing to your logbook, this is a journey that connects you to the long history of sailing between Britain and France.
Setting sail from Falmouth
Falmouth is one of England’s most famous sailing ports, steeped in maritime history. If you arrive early, take a walk along the waterfront, visit the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, or explore Pendennis Castle, which has guarded the harbour for centuries.
Morgenster will be waiting alongside, her masts rising high above the harbour. Once aboard, you’ll settle into your bunk, meet the crew, and go through a safety briefing before preparing to set sail. As the last sight of Cornwall fades behind us, the open sea stretches ahead.
Along the Way
The first hours are spent adjusting to the ship’s movement, getting familiar with her rigging, and learning the ropes—literally. The route takes us past the Lizard Peninsula, the southernmost point of mainland Britain, where cliffs drop steeply into the sea. From here, we set a course for France, crossing one of the most historic and well-travelled stretches of water in the world.
The Channel is a dynamic sailing ground. Conditions can shift quickly, and working with the wind and tide becomes second nature. Standing watch at night is an unforgettable experience, with navigation lights flickering on the horizon and the steady sound of the ship moving through the water.
Wildlife is often part of the journey. Seabirds follow in our wake, and if we’re lucky, we may see dolphins or even a curious sunfish breaking the surface.
As Cherbourg draws closer, the Normandy coastline takes shape, with its historic forts and lighthouses marking the approach. The final stretch into the harbour is a rewarding moment, the culmination of days at sea and miles of teamwork under sail.
Arriving in Cherbourg
Cherbourg has long been a safe haven for sailors, from naval fleets to transatlantic liners. The harbour is one of the largest artificial ports in the world, offering a striking contrast to the open sea we’ve just crossed.
If you have time before heading home, visit the Cité de la Mer maritime museum, explore the town’s lively waterfront, or simply enjoy a well-earned café stop after days at sea. The journey may be over, but the experience of sailing a tall ship across the Channel—feeling the wind in the sails, the ship moving beneath your feet, and the satisfaction of navigating by the elements—stays with you long after you step ashore.
Wind, Waves & Weather
June is an excellent time for a Channel crossing, with long daylight hours and steady westerly winds. The sea state can vary, from calm stretches to rolling waves, making for an engaging passage. Expect to experience both offshore and coastal sailing, with conditions that keep you alert and involved in running the ship.
HANDS ON HOLIDAYS
Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. While we hope you will enjoy taking part in the many aspects of sailing a traditional ship, please be aware that we can’t control the weather – there will be occasions when the conditions are just not congruent with sailing to your anticipated destination and an alternative itinerary will be offered. There may also be occasions when there isn’t the wind needed to sail and so the crew will utilise the ships engines (if installed). On rare occasions, the voyage may need to be delayed or cancelled – please see the vessel’s Terms and Conditions before booking.
SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD
We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.
AGILITY & FITNESS
Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
Start & End Port
Falmouth, Cornwall
We now have several vessels that use Falmouth as a joining or leaving port. As every vessel is different, and we do not have our own pontoon there, all joining instructions are slightly different. Any changes will be communicated to you before your voyage start date.
This is a list of the likely joining locations, but sometimes the ship can also be at anchor. Read the vessel’s joining instructions carefully for full details.
Port Pendennis is the small marina behind the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the nearest rail station is ‘Falmouth Town’ (3 mins walk). The Maritime Museum has a big tower like a lighthouse so aim for that and at the entrance, turn right and walk down the side of the museum. The gate to the marina is behind the museum building.
Custom House Quay is a stone quay enclosing a small wet dock in the Centre of Falmouth Town. It is used for some of the foot ferries to St Mawes in the peak summer. Only 5 minutes walk from Falmouth Town Station if you head towards the town centre. Situated at the Maritime Museum end of the high street and has its own short stay car park between Trago Mills Store and the Chain Locker Pub if you are driving and want to drop your bags first.
Falmouth Visitors Yacht Haven is about 100 yards beyond Custom House Quay but if walking from the rail station towards town it is best if you walk accross Custom House Quay short term car park and nip through the alley tunnel through the Chain Locker Pub. The yacht haven is a small marina only yards from Falmouth main shopping street (Arwenack St), tucked away down the bottom of Quay Street.
Cherbourg, France
For Joining Morgenster – head to the Bassin du Commerce which is roughly ten minutes walk from the train station. The ship will be located in front of the casino.
Kit List
What to pack for a sailing holiday on Morgenster
Included
Sailing Instruction
All meals to include refreshments throughout the day
Duvet, pillow and sheets
Hand towels
What is not Included
Waterproof jackets and trousers
Alcoholic drinks but there is a bar on board
What to Bring
Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.
Morgenster does not supply waterproof jackets and salopette type trousers. Please bring your own waterproof clothing.
A mix of warm and wind proof clothing.
Lots of thin layers is better than one thick layer in cold destinations.
In tropical countries - long sleeves and long trousers to protect you from the sun
Footwear on board needs a good grip and soft soles- the decks are wood or steel.
Ashore stout, waterproof walking boots are best if you are in remote places.
Morgenster has European 2 pin sockets 240 V
Cameras, chargers and video recorders
Binoculars are handy for bird watching etc.
Suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses
Dont forget any regular medication, persciption glasses and spare
Euros for bar bill
Passport, travel insurance, tickets etc
To get ashore is usually by dinghy so be prepared to get wet feet. Rubber boots or quick drying sandals - depending on the location.
Review
Online Reviews
I loved it.
I loved everything about my week. The crew were fantastic, the ship was beautiful, the singing on the deck was great fun, the dolphins were around a lot. It was brilliant!
Least enjoy - Nothing.
Why do I Sail?
I love the ocean and have always loved boats. For this particular voyage I was also researching a children's book involving mermaids and pirates!
Liz K sailed in 2017
What was the best bit?
Climbing in the rigging, unfurling the sails on the yardarm.
The cameraderie between the paid and guest crew was second to none. A fantastic atmosphere. Singing in the evenings on deck accompanied by guitar and trumpet. New Year on St Lucia, we celebrated the New Year 3 times (once for Dutch/European time, once for GMT and once for Caribbean time).
The sun glinstering off the ocean surface like a thousand shards of broken mirror.......flying fish like small humming birds skimming over the surface of the water, dolphins on New Years day: what a start to 2019!
Too wonderful to describe, a life changing experience, I want to pack in my job and sail the world! (making plans now) - Carol from Caribbean Season 2019.
Great experience, will definitely be doing it again. Climbing the rigging was the best bit. 'First time' sailor. John M July 2018
"Thank you for a very nice trip, some hours on Kattegatt this afternoon. Beautiful boat, nice and joyful captain and crew. I loved it! Wish you all a really nice trip during Tall Ships Races. And I would love to join again someday for a longer trip." Camilla A. June 2017
Thank you Harry, Mariann and all your wonderful crew for an amazing week on Morgenster. Great food Will, such patient climbing instruction Michelle, fun birthday outing Evy and lovely guests from 80 to 22 years old. So many highlights but sailing at night with sparkling dolphins at the bow was truly breathtaking!" Sue G.
Just returned from 11 days sailing round Cape Verde. The whole experience was exceptional - friendly, knowledgeable and caring crew; wonderful sailing (the 4am night watch experience was particularly magical!); interesting trips exploring the islands; and great food." Julia G-F
The View from Aloft by Virginia Spencer
Thank you Harry, Marian, Joost, Rene, Hessel & Willie for a fantastic week's sailing. I'll be humming sea shanties and saying "o nay!!!" for days! I really hope to sail with you again. Happy New Year" Kerry Mc C.
Had a fantastic trip around Cape Verde, Jan/Feb 2016. Lovely crew, felt like a family. Thanks to you all xxxx. Really special people and a holiday to remember. My penguins X" Louise G
What a fantastic time, thanks to everyone on the Morgenster both crew and passengers hope to see you all again, maybe next year?" George Mc L
Harry, Marian and their crew make your stay on board the Morgenster wonderful!" Aleike K
What was the best bit?
The trip was fabulous. The crew were incredibly supportive and even helped me overcome enough of my fear to get out onto the first yard. I felt that I was included in everything and that my contribution, however small, was appreciated. The food was excellent and there were plenty of drinks and snacks throughout the day. We had gorgeous weather all the way. I really enjoyed it. - Caribbean Season 2019 by Amanda G.
Vessel Gallery
Tall Ship Morgenster in action and images. Photos from Classic Sailing customers, ships crew and professional photographers. We hope it gives a flavour of her sailing, life on board, the people that come, her beautiful sailing grounds and what it is like to live below decks.
