Sail round Finistère and up the English Channel

Setting Sail from Port Blanc

Port Blanc is a small harbour just opposite the Île-aux-Moines in the Gulf of Morbihan. Usually a peaceful spot, the whole bay will be absolutely buzzing with activity on the water as the ‘Semaine du Golfe’ festival comes to a close. While Morgenster will be busy during the event, it is well worth booking some local accommodation as early as you can, and arriving a few days early to watch the spectacle. There will be plenty happening ashore too, with wandering musical troupes and a generally festive atmosphere right round this beautiful bay. For more information on the event, see the ‘Semaine du Golfe’ website.

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 enjoying dinner on board with your fellow sailors.

Along the Way

Departing the Gulf of Morbihan will be a very exciting way to start your voyage- not only is this a highly picturesque place, studded with islands, and home to very tricky tidal streams which make pilotage quite demanding, there will also be hundreds of other ships trying to leave at the same time! You’ll find yourself glued to the rail, watching all the goings-on and marvelling at how few collisions there are!

Leaving the Gulf, the land opens up, revealing Brittany’s wild, windswept coastline. This stretch of water is famous for its tides—some of the strongest in Europe—making for an exciting and ever-changing sail. You’ll learn to work with these currents, adjusting sail and speed as Morgenster navigates past rocky outcrops and sweeping bays.

Further west, you’ll pass some of France’s most famous maritime landmarks, including Pointe du Raz, the westernmost tip of Brittany, where Atlantic swells crash against towering cliffs. Expect to see seabirds riding the updrafts and, if you’re lucky, dolphins playing in the bow wave.

If progress is good, there may be time to make a stopover as you sail up the English Channel. On the North side you could visit Plymouth, Dartmouth or the Isle of Wight (among MANY other options!). South of La Manche you may visit ports like Cherbourg, St Malo and the Channel Islands.

Soon you will  pass through the Dover straits. The timing of this is important, as not only is this a very busy stretch of water, it’s also where the Atlantic tries to funnel through into the North Sea, so it can get a bit exciting! The professional crew will pick the best window for the clearest and most comfortable passage through the Strait, before striking out up the North Sea.

Arriving in Amsterdam

There is so much to explore in Amsterdam it would be rude not to stay for a few days to acclimatise back to life on shore after your passage.

The maritime museum is spectacular. It features over 500 years of naval history, a massive collection of maritime artefacts, and a full-scale replica of an 18th-century East Indiaman which you can get on board. Take a walk around the historic docks of Oudezijds Kolk & Oosterdok to see countless traditional Dutch flat-bottomed boats (tjalken and klippers). The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are also both fantastic.

A Note on Voyage Descriptions

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage.

Wind, Waves & Weather

In May, wind patterns are predominantly from the west and southwest, with typical strengths around Force 4–5; you may encounter the occasional stronger system bringing Force 6 conditions and heavier showers. Sea state will range from slight to moderate, with waves generally 1–2 metres and occasionally building to 2–3 metres in exposed waters.

Temperatures are cool—air ranging from 14–18°C during the day, dropping to 8–12°C at night. The extended daylight hours (roughly 15–16 hours) make for long sailing days. You should expect variable weather with fair spells and showers alternating; visibility is generally good, though the Channel can produce fog banks.

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.

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.

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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