Five Weeks of Ocean Sailing

Setting Sail from Belem

After attending the Climate Conference in Belém, Morgenster will begin her transatlantic return voyage to Den Helder. Anchored in the river near the city, the ship will be fully stocked and ready for sea. You’ll be picked up by RIB (rigid inflatable boat) at the agreed location and brought aboard. Once on deck, you’ll meet the crew and your fellow sailors, and we’ll guide you through the safety briefing and ship familiarisation.

Depending on the latest forecasts, Morgenster will either weigh anchor and set sail immediately, or leave the following morning. Either way it’s straight into the adventure! The voyage is expected to take around five weeks although, with ocean crossings and a shifting climate, the ETA may sway a bit. Mother Nature still has the final word!

Along the Way

From Belém, Morgenster sets a course non-stop to the Azores. The route hugs the Brazilian coastline for a while, aided by the current flowing toward the Caribbean. Both day and night temperatures remain pleasantly warm, perfect for standing watch under the stars. Keep your eyes peeled for flying fish, often chased from below by Mahi Mahi and from above by frigate birds.

As you sail north, the northeast trade winds give a lively breeze on the beam or just forward of it. Around the latitude of Bermuda, the westerlies take over, delivering the dynamic weather patterns of the North Atlantic. Winds will vary from northwest to southwest, demanding frequent sail adjustments, bracing the yards, reefing in stronger gusts, and shaking them out again when it settles. With the wind behind us, the Morgenster sails beautifully square-rigged, braced square and flying free.

Sailing the North Atlantic in winter isn’t for the faint of heart. This voyage is adventurous and physically demanding. You’ll need to be fit and in good health, as medical evacuation options in mid-ocean are extremely limited.

Azores Pit Stop
The only planned stop is in Horta on Faial, one of the Azorean islands. There, Morgenster will be replenished with fresh food and water. You and the crew can stretch your legs, and perhaps leave the ship’s mark at the famous sailor’s wall. After a short rest, you’ll set course northeast to rejoin the westerlies, steering for the English Channel.

Approaching the Channel, keep your binoculars ready, dolphins often escort the ship during this leg. If the crossing goes smoothly (and it often does aboard the fast-sailing Morgenster), we may treat ourselves to a brief recreational stop, perhaps at one of the Channel Islands.

The Channel, however, is a different world. After the calm of the open ocean, you’ll be navigating the heavily trafficked shipping lanes, where global commerce squeezes through the Narrows. Here good seamanship matters most.

Arriving in Den Helder

Enterint the North Sea, Morgenster will steer past offshore wind farms and through familiar traffic zones, aiming for her home port Den Helder, also known as the capital of the North Sea. By then, you’ll have crossed an ocean, learned the ropes (literally), and earned a logbook full of unforgettable memories.

Enjoy an evening of celebration with the rest of the crew, raising a glass to a sea well sailed and a job well done, before disembarking the following morning.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

This is a long voyage across a big chunk of the globe, and you should expect to encounter a wide range of weather conditions. Stable tropical sunshine up the Brazilian coast, strong trade winds and big swells on the North Atlantic, choppy and changeable conditions in the Channel and North Sea. Be prepared for anything and everything!

A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice. 

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.

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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