Morgenster

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Sun 17-05-2026, 17:00Pasaia, Northern Spain	Mon 25-05-2026, 10:00Shoreham, West Sussex	Morgenster	8 Nights	MS170526

Voyage Description

IDEAL VOYAGE FOR…

Meet the Morgenster: A Floating Masterpiece
The Morgenster is no ordinary ship; she’s a square rigger, demanding a good sized 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 under the expert guidance of the skipper/Captain/Conductor Jakob, he just makes it look so easy. 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.

You should know that you are ok on a longer voyage that may include rough seas.

A Biscay Crossing

Begin your voyage in the historic Basque port of Pasaia, a natural harbour set between steep green hills and colourful fishermen’s houses. It’s a working port with deep maritime roots, where traditional boatyards and waterfront cafés still thrive. Spend a little time ashore before departure to explore nearby San Sebastián, just a few miles away, famed for its curved bay, golden beach and lively pintxo bars serving local Basque delicacies.

Once aboard the square-rigged Morgenster, you’ll leave the shelter of Pasaia and head out across the Bay of Biscay, one of Europe’s most formidable and rewarding stretches of ocean. This is true passage sailing, the horizon is wide, wide,wide, the wind strong, and the ship alive beneath you. You’ll take your turn at the helm, stand night watches under brilliant stars, and help set the great square sails as the crew call the rhythm. Make the most of the crossing, land is out of sight and you get the feel of how it used to be.

The days bring the steady pulse of the Atlantic swell, the cry of seabirds, and a shared camaraderie that only life at sea can create.

As you leave the Biscay behind and Ushant to starboard you enter the English Channel, or as they described it in the old days, when there were soundings. (Depth measurable with a lead line.)

Depending on the weather, there may be a chance to anchor or call at a harbour en route, perhaps to rest and explore before the final run east, English or French ports may be available in your time frame, who knows, that’s all part of the fun.

Then comes the English Channel, with the Sussex coast rising ahead. You’ll make your landfall at Shoreham-by-Sea, a small working port with a friendly yacht harbour and easy links to Brighton and the South Downs.

The voyage ends within reach of Brighton’s famous seafront, art galleries and lively lanes — well worth a day or two before heading home. This is a classic Biscay crossing for those who want to experience real offshore sailing, with time to savour both the quiet rhythm of the sea and the coastal character at each end of the voyage.

Going out on the bowsprit gives you a great perspective of the rest of the ship!

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

On this voyage you could have strong winds and big seas and also calm waters and light winds, be prepared for all varieties and go with the flow.

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. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.

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.

Start & End Port

Pasaia, Northern Spain

Pasaia

Worthwhile Journeys
You are going to be spending some time in the ports you embark and disembark from. These aren’t just logistical points; they’re opportunities for further exploration. Take an extra day to discover what’s beyond the harbour. It’s not merely about filling time; it’s about making the entire journey worthwhile.

Keeping in Touch
The exact location of your ship may not be known until closer to your joining time. You will be informed by email once the exact position has been confirmed. Make sure you take a note of the ship’s mobile or cell phone number with you in case you are delayed or there are any other problems on the day.

What to Do in Pasaia
Pasaia, on the rugged Basque coast near San Sebastián, is a working port framed by steep green hills and a narrow entrance that opens to a sheltered harbour. It’s small but steeped in maritime heritage and character—perfect for sailors who appreciate authenticity over polish.

History
The port’s past runs deep. Pasaia has been a shipbuilding and fishing hub for centuries. The Albaola Sea Factory of the Basques is a must-see for anyone with an interest in maritime craft, where traditional shipbuilding techniques are still used to reconstruct historic vessels such as the 16th-century San Juan. The small historic centre of Pasai Donibane is a maze of old stone houses and narrow lanes that recall its seafaring roots.

Culture
This is a proud Basque community with strong traditions. If you visit in late spring or early summer, local festivals feature music, dancing, and rowing regattas that bring the harbour to life. San Sebastián, just a short ride away, offers further cultural events including the Jazzaldia jazz festival and the renowned International Film Festival.

Sites of Interest to a Sailor
The approach to Pasaia by sea is striking—its entrance appears suddenly between high cliffs. The nearby Jaizkibel ridge provides spectacular coastal walks with sweeping views over the Bay of Biscay. From the sea, the rocky headlands and lighthouses that guard the entrance have guided sailors for generations.

Entertainment
Though compact, Pasaia has several harbourfront bars where sailors can enjoy a quiet drink with views of the fishing boats. San Sebastián, only 10 minutes away by bus or taxi, offers vibrant nightlife, live music, and cultural venues for those wanting more after time at sea.

Eating Out
Pasaia is known for its seafood. Restaurants along the waterfront serve hake, cod, and sardines grilled over open fires. The nearby Basque cider houses are worth a visit for a hearty local meal. For refined dining, San Sebastián’s pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants are world-famous.

Nature
The surrounding hills and cliffs provide excellent hiking routes with panoramic views over the coast. The nearby Jaizkibel and Ulía mountains offer trails rich in flora and birdlife. Beaches such as Zurriola and La Concha in San Sebastián are within easy reach for a swim or stroll.

Unique Features
Pasaia’s combination of a dramatic natural harbour, deep maritime roots, and authentic Basque culture makes it a special destination for sailors. Few ports blend such working heritage with immediate access to wild coastal scenery.

Accommodation
Pasaia offers a mix of small harbour inns and boutique hotels. Hotel Donibane and Hotel Sagarlore provide comfortable stays with easy access to both the port and San Sebastián. For something more indulgent, consider the Akelarre Hotel near San Sebastián, which includes a renowned spa and restaurant.

Official Tourist Website
https://www.pasaia.eus/

Weather in Pasaia
Winter brings mild temperatures around 8–12°C with frequent Atlantic rain. Spring is fresh and greener, with temperatures between 12–18°C. Summer is warm but rarely hot, typically 20–26°C, with cooling sea breezes. Autumn is calm, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds, though showers are common.

Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide
Since you’re already investing in a unique sailing adventure, extend that spirit to your travel choices. Opt for trains, coaches, or shared transport where possible. If you must fly, consider offsetting the carbon from your journey through a verified scheme.

Special Interests
If you have a special interest you’d like to explore in this port or to tell us about, we’d be glad to hear from you.

How to Get There

From the UK
The nearest airport is San Sebastián (EAS), just 10 km away. There are flights from London via Madrid or Barcelona. Alternatively, Bilbao Airport (BIO) offers more frequent flights and is about 1 hour away by car or bus. Brittany Ferries operate services from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Bilbao and Santander, both within easy reach. Train travel via Paris to Hendaye, then a local train to Pasaia, is a comfortable alternative.

From Europe
Regular flights to Bilbao or Biarritz connect the region with most major European cities. Trains from France and Portugal also reach the area easily, with connections to San Sebastián and local buses to Pasaia.

From North America
There are no direct flights to San Sebastián or Bilbao from North America, but Madrid and Paris both offer convenient connections. Typical routes from New York, Toronto, or Montreal connect through Madrid or Paris to Bilbao or Biarritz.

From Australia
Travellers from Australia can fly to Madrid or Paris via Singapore, Doha, or Dubai, then take a connecting flight to Bilbao or Biarritz. A scenic onward train journey or hire car will complete the trip to Pasaia.

When Is the Best Time to Book a Flight?
Domestic travel: Book 1–2 months in advance.
International travel: Plan to book 3–6 months ahead.
Holiday travel: Secure tickets 3–10 months in advance.
High-demand periods: Start monitoring fares early.
Spring, summer, or autumn trips: Look at least 4–6 months before departure.

Extra Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
Travel off-peak and midweek where possible. Explore alternative airports such as Biarritz or Santander. Check airline websites directly for deals. Avoid high-demand dates and consider travelling on the holiday itself for lower prices. Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper for alerts, and browse in incognito mode to avoid dynamic pricing changes.

Tools to Help You Save
Tools like Skyscanner’s Savings Generator can identify the best booking windows for your trip, ensuring good value without compromising convenience.

Shoreham, West Sussex

Worthwhile Journeys
Shoreham, West Sussex, sits neatly between the South Downs and the sea, just west of Brighton. It’s a quiet working port with a strong maritime identity and a welcoming local community. If your Classic Sailing voyage starts or ends here, take time to explore before or after your trip. This isn’t simply a staging point; it’s a destination worth discovering. The harbour, the river, and the coastal paths all tell stories of trade, tides, and the English Channel.

Keeping in Touch
Your ship’s exact berth will be confirmed closer to joining time. You’ll receive details by email. Make sure you have the vessel’s mobile number with you in case of delays or last-minute questions on the day.

What to Do in Shoreham

History
Shoreham’s maritime history is woven through its narrow streets and old harbour. The Shoreham Fort, built in 1857, stands guard over the harbour entrance, offering panoramic views of the coast. The Marlipins Museum, one of the oldest secular buildings in Sussex, holds a fascinating collection of local maritime artefacts, ship models, and trade memorabilia.

Culture
A short stroll from the quay, Shoreham’s town centre hosts regular markets, local art galleries, and live performances at the Ropetackle Arts Centre. Summer brings outdoor concerts and community festivals on the riverfront. Brighton, just ten minutes east by train, adds further cultural weight with its theatre scene, independent shops, and coastal events.

Sites of Interest to a Sailor
Approaching Shoreham from seaward, sailors pass the distinctive breakwaters and modern harbour entrance, marked by twin green and red lights. To the west, Worthing’s broad sands stretch out; to the east, Brighton’s skyline rises with its pier and observation tower clearly visible. From the South Downs above Mill Hill, you can look down over the River Adur and the sea lanes beyond—perfect vantage points for weather watching.

Entertainment
Evenings in Shoreham are relaxed and friendly. Riverside pubs such as The Bridge Inn and The Ferry serve local ales and seafood. The Ropetackle hosts jazz, folk, and comedy nights year-round, and Brighton’s nightlife is close enough for those seeking something livelier.

Eating Out
Fresh fish from the harbour features on many local menus. The Sussex Produce Company and Into the Blue restaurant both champion regional ingredients. For something casual, Shoreham’s beach cafés and riverside eateries make ideal spots to watch the sunset over the Adur.

Nature
Shoreham Beach Nature Reserve is a haven for coastal wildlife and seabirds. The South Downs National Park lies just inland, offering excellent walking routes with sea views. The Adur Ferry Bridge links the town to the beach, creating easy access for anyone wanting to combine sailing with coastal exploration.

Unique Features
Shoreham combines small-town calm with direct access to Brighton’s vibrancy and London’s transport links. It remains a working port where fishing boats, yachts, and cargo vessels share the same water—something increasingly rare on the south coast.

Accommodation
The Crabtree Guest House and The New Sussex Hotel both provide good mid-range options near the waterfront. For a touch of luxury, the Harbour Hotel in Brighton is just a short train ride away and ideal for a night ashore.

Official Tourist Website
https://visitshoreham-by-sea.com

Weather in Shoreham
Winter brings cool, often windy conditions with average temperatures around 6°C. Spring is mild, with increasing sunshine and calmer seas. Summer is pleasantly warm, usually between 18–22°C, ideal for coastal sailing. Autumn often stays settled until late October, with crisp air and changing light—excellent for photography.

Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide
If you’re travelling to or from Shoreham, consider taking the train. Brighton and Shoreham are both on the mainline between London and the south coast, with direct services from London Victoria, Gatwick Airport, and other regional hubs. Trains are frequent and reliable, cutting your carbon footprint significantly compared to driving or flying.

Special Interests
If you’d like us to help you explore a personal interest—perhaps coastal walking, maritime art, or historic shipyards—let us know when you book.

How to Get There

From the UK
Shoreham-by-Sea railway station lies on the main coastal route between Brighton and Portsmouth. Regular trains run from London Victoria, London Bridge, and Gatwick Airport to Shoreham (average journey 1 hour 20 minutes). Drivers can use the A27 coast road, connecting Shoreham easily with Brighton, Portsmouth, and Southampton.

From Europe
Ferries from Dieppe, Caen, and Le Havre arrive at Newhaven or Portsmouth, both within easy reach of Shoreham by train or road. London Gatwick Airport, less than an hour away by train, offers numerous European flight connections.

From North America
Fly into London Gatwick (the closest airport) or London Heathrow. From Gatwick, take the direct train to Shoreham-by-Sea. From Heathrow, transfer by train or coach to Gatwick or central London before continuing south.

From Australia
Flights from Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth connect via Middle Eastern or Asian hubs to London Heathrow or Gatwick. From either airport, it’s straightforward to reach Shoreham by train or hire car.

When Is the Best Time to Book a Flight?
Domestic travel: book 1–2 months ahead.
International: 3–6 months in advance.
Holiday travel: 3–10 months early.
High-demand periods: monitor prices early.
For spring to autumn voyages, book 4–6 months ahead for the best value.

Extra Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
Travel midweek and off-peak. Compare nearby airports like Heathrow and Gatwick. Use flight trackers such as Google Flights or Hopper to watch fares. Subscribing to flight deal alerts like Jack’s Flight Club can reveal sudden discounts.

Tools to Help You Save
Skyscanner’s Savings Generator and Google Flights’ Explore tool can both help identify the cheapest times to fly. Staying flexible with dates often makes a significant difference.

Parking
Public parking is available around Shoreham Harbour and the town centre. To find or reserve a space, visit https://www.justpark.com.

Kit List

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.

Review

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 & brilliantly crewed boat. Skipper a 'yes you can' man, few rules, all very relaxed & Dutch. Fab sunny weather a bonus too.

Utterly magical trip.

Churrrrs,

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.

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.

Vessel Gallery

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.