Mainland Europe to the Canary Islands

Setting Sail from Cascais

Cascais (not far from Lisbon and easy to get to) is a town with deep maritime connections, golden beaches, and a relaxed southern European atmosphere. If you have time before embarking, explore town’s historic centre, the Maritime Museum at Lisbon, visit the monastery at Belém, or simply sit by the water, watching the ships come and go.

In the late afternoon, you will step aboard Morgenster. After you have met the crew and your fellow guest sailors, the captain will discuss the plans for the trip, the safety procedures and rules of life on board. Enjoy a hearty dinner and your first evening aboard, settling in to your bunk. The next morning, it’s time to slip lines and hoist sails!

Along the Way

You will receive extensive instruction from the friendly crew, and will soon know your way around the lines on deck, and feel confident steering the ship. For those who want to go aloft, there is climbing instruction as well. We would HIGHLY recommend you get up in the rigging if you can. This is the real essence of tall ship sailing and a fantastic experience.

Underway, there is plenty to see. Seabirds in the air and clear, dark blue ocean waters… you may encounter dolphins, whales, or a school of flying fish. These are chased by Dorado’s (Mahi Mahi), and with a little luck the crew might catch this green and yellow hunter for dinner!

This is round-the-clock sailing, so get involved and stand a navigational night watch with the professional crew, helping steer Morgenster under clear starry skies.

Arriving in Tenerife

Tenerife has the highest mountain in the Canary Islands (and, in fact, the highest in Spain), the volcanic Teide. In clear weather, you’ll see the island from afar. As the peak enlarges on the horizon, you can slowly readjust to the idea of life on dry land again! Your final night will be spent on board in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This offers a great opportunity to go ashore and celebrate with the rest of the crew, raising a glass to a sea well sailed and a job well done.

Santa Cruz is a big port, and a fairly large city. It offers all the best of city life, with lots of bars and restaurants, where you can try the amazing local food. Papas Arrugadas, Canary Islands chilled wine and the best seafood! 

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

September offers one of the best windows for this passage, benefiting from settled Atlantic weather, consistent NE trades, and long daylight hours.

This voyage will likely be dry and sunny, with a good sailing breeze of 10 to 25 knots (Force 4 to 6). Be prepared for stronger winds at times. The sea can get choppy, particularly near headlands as you sail down the Iberian Peninsula. Later, as you sail the open ocean, the Atlantic swell increases. Be prepared to exercise your sea legs! Temperatures at this time of year average 22-28°C by day, 15-19°C at night. Night time temperatures will increase steadily as you near the Canaries, getting up to the low 20s°C.

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 the vessel pages.

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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