Classic Sailing turns 30 – Sail and Celebrate!

Setting Sail from Enkhuizen

We join Morgenster in Enkhuizen, a small historic port town on the IJsselmeer in North Holland. This was one of the great trading ports of the Dutch Golden Age, and the old town still feels the part: canals, monumental buildings, and a working harbour that sits right at the heart of things.

Enkhuizen is not far from Morgenster’s home port, Den Helder, and it’s a fine place to begin a voyage. If you have time before stepping aboard, the Zuiderzeemuseum is well worth a visit, a fascinating open-air museum dedicated to the maritime heritage of this region. The old town is compact and easily explored on foot.

Once onboard, things are pretty straightforward. We’ll meet the crew, find our cabins, and start settling in. There’ll be a safety briefing, our first meal together, which is always a great chance to get to know the people we’ll be sailing with.

And then, we’re off! Leaving the Dutch coast behind and heading south and west.

As well as being shown the ropes (literally), training will take place for those that wish to go aloft. Climbing the rigging holds a special place for the Classic Sailing team. In fact, Adam was so impressed by Debbie showing him what to do on the yardarm that eventually he got to marry her! Since then we continue to go aloft and I intend to spend a good portion of time on this voyage clambering about.

Along the Way

We’ll sail day and night, settling into the rhythm of ship life. Morgenster runs a watch keeping rota, taking turns on deck, helming, keeping lookout, handling sails, etc. The crew are very knowledgeable about their ship and sailing tall ships so if you’re keen to know or see something in particular, just ask!

You don’t need experience, just a willingness to get involved. By midweek, we’re usually all a bit more competent (-ish), and the ship starts to feel like home.

Morgenster is a brig, so there’s always something going on. When the call goes out for “all hands on deck”, we’re all part of it, hauling together, setting or reducing sail, and figuring it out as a team. It’s one of the best parts of any tall ship adventure!

We’ve given this voyage a bit more time than a straight A to B passage, so we’ve got the best chance of doing what we all want to do: sail as much of it as possible! The North Sea and English Channel don’t always play ball, so having that extra time gives us options and means we’re not just pushing on under engine if conditions aren’t right.

If the weather gods are on our side and we make good progress, there’s even a chance we might tuck into somewhere like the Channel Islands for a short stop. It’s not something we can promise, but it’s a nice possibility to have.

When not on watch, there’s time to sit and relax on deck, chat, read, or just watch the sea roll by. Night watches are a personal highlight. Even in the Channel, you’ll see stars overhead and of course, ships on the horizon. I love that slightly surreal feeling of steering a tall ship in the early hours. People share stories; voyages they’ve done before, how they ended up here.

Arriving in Plymouth

Arriving into port is always a bit bittersweet. The end of a brilliant adventure and saying goodbye to newly made friends is eased by the promise of sleeping back in your own bed or exploring somewhere new. For that, Plymouth is a great place to arrive.

As we come in past the breakwater, Plymouth Sound opens up ahead of us, with the Hoe above and the Barbican to one side. It’s one of those arrivals that feels properly earned after a long week at sea. There’s usually time for a final coffee onboard, swapping contact details, and that slightly strange feeling of the voyage coming to an end. Stepping ashore and having solid ground under our feet again is always a bit of a moment.

This voyage is part of Classic Sailing’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, so there may well be a few familiar faces on the quayside.

If you’re heading straight off, Plymouth railway station has good links back up country, with direct trains to London, Bristol, and Exeter. It’s a short taxi or bus ride from the Barbican.

If you’ve got time to stay a little longer, the Barbican is well worth exploring. ‘The Maritime Inn’ is a proper pub with beamed ceilings, stone flagstone floors and regular live music. ‘The Ship’ is right on the harbour edge with al fresco dining and good food. The Plymouth Gin Distillery on the Barbican has been making gin since 1793 and offers tours and tastings.

The National Marine Aquarium is just across the Sutton Harbour footbridge and is the largest aquarium in the UK (the Shark tank is amazing!). Or just wander the cobbled streets of the Barbican, plenty of independent shops, cafes, and places to poke your head into. A foot ferry runs across to Cremyll in Cornwall for a different view back across the Sound. Not a bad place to end a voyage.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Late August is often one of the better times to sail this route. The North Sea has usually settled from the sharper weather patterns of spring, sea temperatures are relatively warm, and there is still good daylight for longer sailing days and evening watches. That said, this is still a proper offshore passage. You should expect a mixture of conditions rather than flat calm sunshine throughout. The voyage crosses busy commercial waters and open stretches of sea where wind strength and sea state can change quickly. Part of the appeal is experiencing a real sea passage aboard a working tall ship.

The prevailing winds at this time of year are commonly south westerly or westerly. If those winds cooperate, Morgenster can make excellent progress under sail across the southern North Sea and through the English Channel. Sea conditions are often moderate but can occasionally become lively, especially around headlands, tidal gates, or where wind opposes tide in the Channel.

Fog is always a possibility in the North Sea and Channel, though prolonged fog is less common at this time of year. If encountered, it becomes part of the seamanship of the voyage, with lookout routines, navigation lights, radar, and fog signals all playing their role.

One of the advantages of this voyage is the extra time built into the schedule. Rather than forcing a direct passage regardless of conditions, the crew has flexibility to make the most of favourable sailing weather, alter plans where sensible, and potentially include a stop along the way if progress allows

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 Morgenster’s Vessel page

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.

We have just returned home from our trip on Morgenster from Shoreham to Ostend and just wanted to thank you and the crew and to say how much we enjoyed it.  Jakob & the crew were outstanding, they were all welcoming, encouraging, patient and great company. A special thank you must go to Freida the chef, their cooking was incredible.  The whole trip was amazing, perfect weather and the other passengers were great fun.  It was an amazing experience and we are really sorry that our trip is over.

Diane & Katie

Adam, Jess & team, thanks for suggesting the beautiful Morgenster. Just back from a most wonderful week's sail from Falmouth to Cherbourg via Channel Islands. V. tidy, well run and brilliantly crewed boat. Skipper a 'yes you can' man, few rules, all very relaxed and Dutch. Fab sunny weather a bonus too. Utterly magical trip.

Naomi

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.

Miki

I have just had the holiday/trip of a lifetime. 11 days on board Morgenster in the Caribbean for Christmas and the New Year. Booking through Classic Sailing was easy and they were able to answer all my many questions, promptly and informatively. All the staff with whom I had correspondence (telefonisch or by e mail) were friendly and helpful. My time on board Morgenster was breath-taking and life changing. The camaraderie between the crew and the guest crew was second to none. We celebrated Christmas on board the ship and the New Year, 3 times over.... European time(Dutch), GMT and Caribbean time. Singing sea shanties and chart hits, under the stars to the accompaniment of Harry and Isabel on guitar. Heavenly: nothing beats the night sky on board a ship, sailing on an ocean. My next sailing trip is already booked through Classic Sailing!

Carol

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!

Liz

Great experience, will definitely be doing it again. Climbing the rigging was the best bit.

First time sailor John

Thank you wonderful crew for an amazing week on Morgenster. Great food, such patient climbing instruction 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

The whole experience was exceptional- friendly, knowledgeable and caring crew; wonderful sailing and great food.

Julia

Lovely crew, felt like a family. Really special people and a holiday to remember.

Louise

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.

Amanda

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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