Cross the Equator and the Atlantic Under Sail

Setting Sail from Mindelo

Just a short taxi or bus ride from Cesária Évora International Airport, you’ll arrive in Mindelo, a vibrant, sun-drenched harbor town wrapped in dusty volcanic hills that could pass for the moon on a budget. While rain is rare here, smiles are not. The locals are warm and the streets are alive with colour. You’ll see Morgenster anchored in the bay, ready for her next adventure!

A member of crew will collect you by tender from the Floating Bar. After you have met the crew and your fellow guest sailors, the captain will discuss the plans for the trip, the safety procedures and rules of life on board. As soon as this is out of the way, it’s time to weigh anchor and set sail!

Along the Way

As Morgenster passes between São Vicente and Santo Antão, the breeze funnels through the channel with a punch. It’s the perfect way to wave goodbye to the islands, sun on your face, sails full, and adventure ahead.

Within 24 hours, you’ll glide past Ilha Brava and, if visibility allows, you’ll spot the impressive cone of Fogo in the distance. Morgenster won’t stop this time…the Atlantic calls, and you’ve got an equator to cross!

Onboard, you’ll quickly become part of the Morgenster’s working crew. No passengers here, just guest crew eager to learn the ropes. You’ll stand watch, hoist sails, steer, navigate, and explore the sailor’s arts like celestial navigation, weather reading, and rigging maintenance. Don’t worry, no experience required, just a willing spirit (and perhaps some sunscreen).

Along the way, we’re often joined by pods of dolphins, soaring seabirds, and the occasional moonfish or flying fish, usually being pursued by a hungry Mahi Mahi.

A highlight of the voyage is the stop at the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago A tiny collection of rocky outcrops in the middle of nowhere, formed not by volcanoes but by the earth’s crust itself rising from the abyss. With the ocean floor over 3,000 meters deep, this is one of the most remote spots you’ll ever visit. And then, of course, comes the crossing of the equator, where landlubbers-turned-sailors must answer to King Neptune in a salty ceremony you won’t soon forget.

Arriving in Fernando de Noronha

Your final destination? A volcanic archipelago about 220 miles off Brazil’s northeast coast. The largest island is a protected ecological sanctuary and national marine park, renowned for empty beaches and a huge array of wildlife, including turtles, rays. dolphins and reef sharks.

It feels like arriving in paradise, and for divers and snorkelers, it truly is! We recommend staying a few days after arrival to soak it all in. 

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Conditions at the start and end of this voyage will be fairly reliable. Expect NE trades of Force 4 to 5 leaving Cape Verde, and SE trades of a similar strength approaching Brazil, with established Atlantic swell but fairly comfy for it. However in the equatorial area things can get more confused- lighter winds and a lumpier sea.

Cape Verde will be dry, hot and sunny, the middle portion of the voyage around the equator can be cloudy and squally, with sometimes sudden torrential rain. Things will stabilise again south of the equator…showery at times but mostly fine tropical weather. Across the voyage, temperatures will be around 28–33°C, dropping a few degrees at night. High humidity and strong sun throughout.

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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