Sail the North Sea to Aarhus

Setting Sail from Amsterdam

The Dutch capital, renowned for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades, is a picturesque start to your voyage. If you have time before joining the ship, a visit to the Maritime Museum is almost obligatory for any sailor, or perhaps you’d enjoy a canal tour, making the most of someone else handling the ropes!

Your first evening on board will involve meeting the crew, your fellow passengers and a safely briefing. After a cosy night in your bunk, Morgenster will set sail. You’ll pass the vast expanse of Amsterdam’s port and maritime industry as the ship sets a course for the Noordzeekanaal estuary.

Along the Way

Once underway aboard Morgenster, you’ll quickly fall into the natural rhythm of life at sea. You’ll head up the North Sea toward Denmark. Along the way, you’ll experience everything that makes tall ship sailing so special: the teamwork, the wind in the sails, and the camaraderie that forms naturally among the crew.

Depending on the weather, Morgenster may make a stopover en route (there are lots of great options!) or sail directly to Aarhus. Either way, you’ll take part in daily life at sea. Hoisting sails, steering the ship, standing watch under the stars, and sharing meals and laughter in the galley.

Arriving in Aarhus

The reason for Morgenster’s voyage to Aarhus is to take her place among the world’s most beautiful tall ships for the start of the Tall Ships Races 2026. When you arrive, the harbour will already be buzzing with ships, sailors, and visitors from all over the world.

Stay in town for a while after disembarking if you can. Events continue until the 27th June. Soak up the festival atmosphere, step aboard other tall ships for tours, and watch the fleet depart.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

June offers long daylight, manageable sea states, and reliable winds for this North Sea route. Weather systems still pass through, and you should be prepared for a variety of conditions, but prolonged gales are uncommon at this time of year. Expect daytime temperatures of 15 to 20°C, dropping to around 9 to 12°C at night. Fairly steady winds of around force 4, but increasing in weather fronts. Sunshine and potential showers.

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. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’

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.

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.

Adam, Jess & team, thanks for suggesting the beautiful Morgenster. 

Just back from a most wonderful week's sail from Falmouth to Cherbourg via channel islands.  

V.tidy, well run & brilliantly crewed boat. Skipper a 'yes you can' man, few rules, all very relaxed & Dutch. Fab sunny weather a bonus too. 

Utterly magical trip.

Churrrrs,

Naomi 

Thank You all, guys.

I've had a wonderful time, i've got hooked. I fell in love with the ship, the sea and sailing.

You'll be hearing from me.

Cheers,

Miki 

May 2025

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

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. 

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.

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