| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 07-04-2024, 17:00Castellón de la Plana, Spain | Fri 12-04-2024, 10:00Port Vendres, France | Morgenster | 5 Nights | MS240407 |
Jump aboard for a six-day maritime journey from Castellon, Spain, to Port Vendres, France, aboard the Morgenster. Boarding commences at 17:00 on 7th April, followed by a brief orientation. Over 330 nautical miles, you’ll integrate into a three-watch system, culminating in your arrival at Port Vendres at 10:00 on 12th April. Both ports offer rich cultural experiences worth exploring.
| Vessel type / Rig | Brig |
| Guest Berths | 24 |
| Beam | 19.6ft |
| Draft | 8ft |
| Deck Length | 125ft |
| Overall Length | 151ft |
| Tonnage | 159 tons |
| Year Built | 1919 |
Morgenster is one of the best for your first tall ships experience. She is small enough not to feel overwhelmed, but big enough to try everything you find a square sailed tall ship.
Meet the Morgenster: A Floating Masterpiece
The Morgenster is no ordinary ship; she’s a square rigger, demanding a larger crew to make her truly come alive. It’s a bit like directing an orchestra; every hand plays a part in creating a harmonious journey. From hoisting the sails to steering the ship, there’s a role for everyone, and you’re encouraged to dive in as much as you wish.
Picture this: A six-day nautical odyssey that kicks off in the sun-soaked harbour of Castellon, Spain. Before you even set foot on the Morgenster, why not get lost in the tapestry of Castellon’s past? Meander through its maze-like alleys, taking a moment to breathe in the atmosphere at Plaza Mayor or to marvel at the El Fadrí bell tower. When the clock strikes five in the afternoon on the 7th of April, you’ll step onto the Morgenster, greeted like an old friend. A swift but thorough briefing with your shipmates and the crew will have you savvy with the vessel’s rigging and canvas in no time.
As evening cloaks the town, why not take a final saunter through Castellon? Absorb the local vibe, perhaps with a glass of something local in hand. Come first light, the real thrill begins: hoisting the sails. Over your six-day voyage, you’ll cover 330 nautical miles, becoming an integral part of the ship’s three-watch system (Red 8-12, White 12-4, Blue 4-8). It’s not just about getting from point A to B; it’s about becoming one with the ship and the sea.
Your maritime chapter closes as you pull into the picturesque Port Vendres in France at 10:00 on the 12th of April. This gem of a harbour town is a smorgasbord of fresh seafood and jaw-dropping scenery, offering the perfect backdrop for any land-based exploits you might fancy next. So, why not extend your adventure a bit longer on solid ground? After all, who says the journey has to end when you drop anchor?
This July voyage in the Eastern end of the English Channel and the southern part of the North Sea in July is unlikely to have strong winds and big waves but with the weather nothing can be guaranteed.
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.
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 01872 58 00 22 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
The 700-year Moorish invasion had a profound effect on the shaping of Spain, and nowhere more so than on the Mediterranean coast. Castellón is both a province and a city port situated 100km North of Valencia. It is on the same latitude as Mallorca. If you go a little way inland from the coastal resorts and up onto the mountain slopes you will see ancient Arab methods of irrigation still used in the fertile groves of orange, lemon, cherry and almond tree.you can smell the Valencia ‘orange blossom’
Certainly, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes Castellón de la Plana a destination worth dropping anchor for.
How to Get There
If you’re hailing from the UK, Europe, North America, or Australia, you’ve got a variety of travel options to reach Castellón de la Plana.
By Plane: Castellón-Costa Azahar Airport is your nearest landing spot, well-linked to major European cities. A quick taxi ride will land you in the city centre.
By Train: The city is well-served by Spain’s extensive rail network, making it a convenient option for travellers from within Spain or neighbouring European countries.
By Ferry: The closest port for international ferries is in Valencia, roughly an hour’s drive away.
By Coach or Bus: Various coach services offer long-distance routes to Castellón de la Plana from different parts of Europe. Once you’re in the city, local buses are a handy way to get around.
What to Do in Castellón de la Plana
History: The city is a living museum with landmarks like the El Fadrí bell tower and the Co-cathedral of Saint Mary. For art and history buffs, the Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see.
Culture: The city is a vibrant centre of Valencian culture. Keep an eye out for traditional festivals like the Magdalena Festivities, which offer a rich tapestry of local arts and traditions.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor: The coastline here is a feast for the eyes. Serradal Beach is perfect for a leisurely walk, and the surrounding area offers intriguing headlands and bays.
Entertainment: When the sun sets, the city comes alive with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Whether it’s traditional flamenco or modern beats, Castellón de la Plana has something for everyone.
Eating Out: The city’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its culture. From traditional Valencian paella to avant-garde fusion dishes, your taste buds are in for a treat. The Mercado Central is a haven for food lovers, offering fresh produce and local treats.
Nature: If you’re looking to swap sea legs for hiking boots, the Desierto de las Palmas Natural Park is your go-to. For those willing to venture a bit further, the Columbretes Islands offer diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Unique Features: What sets Castellón de la Plana apart is its harmonious blend of history, natural beauty, and a bustling cultural scene. It’s a place where you can enjoy a rich historical tour in the morning, a nature hike in the afternoon, and a lively night out, all without skipping a beat.
How to Get There
From the UK:
Your best bet is to fly into Perpignan or Barcelona and then take a train or hire a car. If you fancy a road trip, it’s about a 12-hour drive from London.
From Europe:
The train system is your friend. Direct routes from major cities like Paris and Barcelona make it a breeze. If you’re coming by car, the motorways are well-maintained and signposted.
From North America:
Fly into Barcelona or Toulouse and then take a connecting flight to Perpignan. From there, it’s a short train ride or car hire away.
From Australia:
You’ll likely have to make a couple of stops, but aim for Barcelona or Toulouse as your European entry point. From there, local travel options are the same as those from North America.
What to Do in Port Vendres
History:
Port Vendres has a rich tapestry of history. The town has been around since Roman times, and you can still see remnants of this past at the Obelisk Square. Don’t miss the Charles Rennie Mackintosh trail, which celebrates the Scottish artist and architect who spent his final years here.
Culture:
The local Catalan culture is vibrant and inviting. From traditional dances to the annual Fishermen’s Festival, there’s always something happening. The art scene is also quite lively, thanks in part to the town’s stunning natural light.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor:
Ah, now we’re talking my language. The harbour is a bustling mix of fishing boats, yachts, and cargo ships. And the coastal views? Simply breathtaking.
Entertainment:
The nightlife here is more laid-back than rowdy. Think wine bars with sea views and intimate live music venues rather than thumping nightclubs. It’s the sort of place where the entertainment often comes from the people you’re with and the stories you share.
Eating Out:
Seafood is the star of the show, as you’d expect. From casual beachside shacks serving up the catch of the day to fine dining establishments, the culinary scene is diverse. Don’t leave without trying the local oysters or Bouillabaisse.
Nature:
Beyond the harbour, you’ll find rugged cliffs and secluded coves, perfect for hiking or a bit of solitude. The nearby Alberes Mountains offer more challenging trails and panoramic views.
Unique Features:
What sets Port Vendres apart is its authenticity. This isn’t a tourist trap; it’s a working port town with real people going about their lives. It’s the sort of place that gets under your skin in the best way possible, compelling you to return.
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.
Sustainable Travel Carbon Offset Schemes
By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.
Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.
UK: One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.
North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.
Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.
Australia: “Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.
Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.
If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.
- 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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