| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 07-06-2025, 17:00Brest | Fri 13-06-2025, 10:00Falmouth, Cornwall | Morgenster | 6 Nights | MS250607 |
Join Morgenster for a six-day adventure from the historic naval port of Brest to the renowned maritime town of Falmouth. This passage takes you across the English Channel, a route steeped in maritime history, offering a mix of offshore sailing, coastal navigation, and the satisfaction of making landfall in Cornwall.
This is a hands-on voyage where you’ll be fully involved in running the ship. As part of the crew, you’ll steer, trim sails, stand watch, and navigate as we cross one of the world’s busiest seaways. With a mix of steady offshore sailing and potential coastal stops along the way, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience square-rig seamanship while covering real sea miles. The voyage concludes with Morgenster arriving in Falmouth in time for Falmouth Classics, a highlight of the UK’s traditional sailing calendar.
| Vessel type / Rig | Brig |
| Guest Berths | 24 |
| Beam | 19.6ft |
| Draft | 8ft |
| Deck Length | 125ft |
| Overall Length | 151ft |
| Tonnage | 159 tons |
| Year Built | 1919 |
Crossing the English Channel under sail is a rite of passage for many sailors, and doing so aboard a square-rigged tall ship adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement. This is an active, working passage—no cruise ship comforts here. Expect to stand watch day and night, trim sails to shifting conditions, and feel the ship respond as she moves through the open water.
The Channel is one of the most historic and well-travelled seaways in the world, with a coastline that has seen explorers, naval battles, and legendary sailors for centuries. By the time we reach Falmouth, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the sea, a strong bond with your fellow crew, and the memory of seeing England’s coastline appear on the horizon after days at sea.
Brest is one of France’s great maritime cities, shaped by centuries of naval history. If you arrive early, visit the National Maritime Museum, set within the Château de Brest, or take in the ship-filled harbour, where fishing boats, naval vessels, and traditional sailing ships share the water.
Morgenster will be easy to spot among the smaller craft, her masts rising high above the quayside. Once aboard, you’ll meet the crew, stow your gear, and get a safety and deck briefing before slipping lines and setting sail. As we clear the harbour and turn west, the last glimpse of Brittany fades behind us, and the open sea awaits.
Brest is one of France’s great maritime cities, shaped by centuries of naval history. If you arrive early, visit the National Maritime Museum, set within the Château de Brest, or take in the ship-filled harbour, where fishing boats, naval vessels, and traditional sailing ships share the water.
Morgenster will be easy to spot among the smaller craft, her masts rising high above the quayside. Once aboard, you’ll meet the crew, stow your gear, and get a safety and deck briefing before slipping lines and setting sail. As we clear the harbour and turn west, the last glimpse of Brittany fades behind us, and the open sea awaits.
Making landfall in Falmouth is always special, but this arrival coincides with Falmouth Classics, a major event in the UK’s traditional sailing calendar. While Morgenster isn’t formally part of the festival’s racing fleet, the town will be buzzing with classic vessels, maritime celebrations, and a strong sense of seafaring heritage.
If you have time to explore, Falmouth offers narrow streets filled with maritime history, lively harbourside pubs, and the excellent National Maritime Museum Cornwall. The journey may be over, but the memories of crossing the Channel under sail, working as part of a tall ship crew, and arriving in a port filled with traditional sailing vessels will stay with you long after you step ashore
June is an excellent time for a Channel crossing, with long daylight hours and a good chance of favourable winds. Expect a mix of steady westerlies and shifting conditions as we navigate tides and shipping lanes. The sea state varies—some days could bring fast, exhilarating sailing, while others may see light winds requiring careful sail trimming. Whatever the conditions, this voyage promises real sailing, real challenges, and real rewards.
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.
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.
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.
You are going to be spending some time in the ports you embark and disembark from. These aren’t just logistical points; they’re opportunities for further enrichment. Take an extra day to discover what’s beyond the harbour. It’s not merely about filling time; it’s about making the entire journey worthwhile.
Keeping in Touch The exact location of your ship may not be known until closer to your joining time, you will be informed by email once the exact position has been confirmed. Make sure you take a note of the ship’s mobile/cell phone number with you in case you are delayed or there are any other problems on the day.
History Brest is a living history book where the pages keep turning. The Château de Brest is a must-see, revealing layers of the city’s past, from medieval fortifications to WWII history. The National Navy Museum within the castle adds another layer of maritime heritage.
Culture The city’s festivals offer a glimpse of Brittany’s unique heritage. Astropolis, a summertime electronic music festival, may not be traditional, but it’s thoroughly Breton in spirit. The Festival of the Sea, held biennially, is a celebration of all things maritime and resonates deeply with any sailor’s soul.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor Head to the Pointe de Corsen for an awe-inspiring view where the Atlantic meets the Channel. While you’re at it, visit Phare du Petit Minou, a lighthouse that’s more than just a beacon for ships. It’s a beacon for the soul, especially during sunset or sunrise.
Entertainment Brest isn’t exactly Ibiza, but it’s no slouch either. The dockside bars offer local ciders and ales, while you’ll find a smattering of live music venues tucked away in the heart of the city.
Eating Out Brittany is famed for its seafood, so make a beeline for a waterside bistro and ask for the catch of the day. Don’t forget to try a local crêpe, or galette if you prefer something savoury.
Nature A bit further afield, the Armorique Regional Natural Park offers unparalleled hiking opportunities and splendid coastal scenery. If you’re looking for a bit of surfing or beachcombing, Plage du Moulin Blanc shouldn’t disappoint.
Unique Features What sets Brest apart is its gritty charm. This isn’t a glamourous Riviera resort; it’s a working port city with an edge, and that’s precisely its appeal.
Accommodation Well-known places include the Hôtel Center and the more upscale Oceania Brest Centre. For some relaxation, consider a day at the Les Sables Blancs Spa, though I suspect most sailors might find the sea breeze enough.
Official Tourist Website For more information, the Brest Tourist Office is your best bet.
Weather Brest Winter can be cold, wet, and windy but rarely extreme. Spring offers milder temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer is the most pleasant time, though it can get busy, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C. Autumn is similar to spring but with more unpredictable weather.
Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide Since you’re already investing in a unique sailing adventure, why not extend that spirit to your travel choices? Opt for more sustainable methods of transport where possible like trains, coaches or sharing a car. If you fly, and we realise this may well be the case, you could research some ways to offset the carbon created by the flight.
Special Interests If you have a special interest that you would like to find out about for this port or to tell us about, we would love to hear from you.
UK Direct flights to Brest from London take under two hours. Trains from London to Brest are also an option, requiring a change in Paris.
Europe From Paris, you can catch a high-speed TGV train that will whisk you to Brest in about four hours. There are also regional flights from cities like Lyon and Marseille.
North America No direct flights, so you’ll likely connect through Paris or another European hub. Then take either a domestic flight or train to Brest.
Australia The most straightforward route involves a long-haul flight to a major European city like London or Paris, followed by a shorter connecting flight or train journey to Brest.
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.
- 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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