Sail Morgenster from the Netherlands to Portugal, crossing the Bay of Biscay and the open Atlantic

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Why choose this voyage?

If you’ve ever wanted to cross open water on a tall ship, this is your chance. A voyage of this length offers the time to settle into life at sea, gain confidence in ship handling, and feel the ocean change as we head south. The English Channel brings tides and shipping lanes, the Bay of Biscay brings deep water and the possibility of exhilarating sailing, and the Atlantic stretch towards Portugal often delivers warm sun and steady winds.

The further we go, the more you’ll feel the pull of the ocean, the quiet rhythm of the ship under sail, and the satisfaction of travelling by the power of the wind alone.

Setting sail from Den Helder

Den Helder, home to the Royal Netherlands Navy, is a maritime town through and through. If you arrive early, visit the Dutch Navy Museum, take a walk along the harbour, or explore the fortified island of Texel just offshore.

Morgenster will be waiting, her rig towering over the harbour. Once aboard, you’ll meet the crew, stow your gear, and get a full safety briefing before we slip lines and set sail. The breakwaters fall away behind us, and the open sea awaits.

Along the Way

The English Channel is one of the world’s busiest seaways, demanding careful navigation as we sail past the English and French coastlines. Expect to see everything from cargo ships to fishing fleets, and depending on conditions, we may pass close to Alderney or Guernsey, getting a glimpse of the Channel Islands from the deck.

As we clear the Ushant Traffic Separation Scheme, the vast expanse of the Bay of Biscay opens up. The water deepens, the land fades, and we settle fully into the routine of offshore sailing. Here, the wind and swell shape the voyage, with the possibility of strong, fast sailing or long stretches of steady, open-water progress.

South of Finisterre, the climate shifts. The sea temperature rises, the wind turns warmer, and we enter the Atlantic trade routes that have carried ships towards Portugal and beyond for centuries. There’s often a sense of real arrival, the point where sailors know they have left northern Europe behind.

Arriving in Cascais

Landfall after an ocean passage always carries a sense of accomplishment. Cascais, just outside Lisbon, is a fitting end to the journey—a town with deep maritime connections, golden beaches, and a relaxed southern European atmosphere.

If you have time before departing, take a train into Lisbon to explore its historic quarters, visit the monastery at Belém, or simply sit by the water, watching the ships come and go, knowing that you’ve arrived the proper way—by sail.

Wind, Waves & Weather

September offers excellent sailing conditions, with a mix of fresh northerlies in the Channel, the possibility of lively weather in Biscay, and often warm, steady winds along the Iberian coast. This route can bring anything from fast, exhilarating sailing to gentle rolling seas, and the crew will adjust sail plans to make the most of the conditions.

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. 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.

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.

AGILITY & FITNESS

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.

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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