Mini Cruise from Ostend to Ramsgate and Back

IDEAL VOYAGE FOR…

Those wishing to travel with a reduced carbon footprint. Take either a single journey one way or the other, replacing a flight or car journey, or treat the whole mini-cruise as a holiday in and of itself, with some fantastic sailing and opportunities to explore.

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

In 2013, after 175 years, the ferry service between Ostend and Ramsgate was taken out of service. Fair Ferry is now investigating whether this line can be restored in an environmentally conscious way. The adventurers who join for this ‘Pioneervaart’ (‘Pioneer Canal’) trip will be rewarded with a nice memento, and the knowledge that they are helping towards a vision of a greener transport network.

You come on board in Ostend, the ‘City by the Sea’. Belgium’s largest seaside resort was once located on an island, but since the 14th century it has been slowly walking inland, after which the sea reclaims the deserted areas. Every now and then remnants of earlier versions of the city are rediscovered!

We enjoy a meal on board and in the evening we can have a walk through Ostend. Next morning it is off to sea. 

Leaving Ostend we navigate between the sandbanks to the open sea, and together we’ll hoist the sails. The crew will be your guides as you literally ‘learn the ropes’ and get involved in active travel.

Most of your passage will take place at night, so you can have a restful sleep, or stay up with the crew to experience the fascinating night time navigation across one of the busiest waterways in the world. 

Arriving in Ramsgate, you’ll see the impressive harbour walls as you make ready to moor the ship.

For those on a single fare, you’ll disembark after breakfast and make your onward journey, for those on the ‘mini cruise’ you can explore Ramsgate at your leisure, visiting the Viking ship, the fascinating maritime museum or the sailor’s church. There are also amazing tunnels beneath the city, and nature reserves in the surrounding area where hikes and bicycle hire are possible.

Mini-cruise guests have accommodation on board the ship each night, and breakfast provided each morning, as Morgenster is your unique B&B! When the sea calls it’s everyone back on board for the return leg of the voyage. The ropes are thrown loose and the bow turns back towards the open sea, sailing back to Ostend. Those of you who have done the round trip can help teach those on the return leg only how the sails go up! You’ll be amazed how much you’ve learned even on such a short trip.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

The north sea can be a bit exciting, but the crew know exactly how to set the sails to keep the ship as stable and balanced as possible, and sailing (rather than motoring) is always a more comfortable way of moving through the water. Be prepared for the itinerary to change, however, if there are any very strong winds or foul weather forecast, as the captain will have to make the most of the conditions provided to them.

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

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.

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.

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.

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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