| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 01-04-2024, 10:00Sète, France | Fri 05-04-2024, 10:00Castellón de la Plana, Spain | Morgenster | 4 Nights | MS240401 |
Join in Sete, a lively port town worth exploring. Safety is our first priority, followed by an enriching sailing experience. We navigate the Mediterranean with a three-watch system, led by experienced Mates. Sail aboard the Morgenster, a square rigger that demands teamwork. The voyage is not just a trip; it’s a soul-stirring experience. Consider extending your stay in Castellon, a destination with its own allure.
| Vessel type / Rig | Brig |
| Guest Berths | 24 |
| Beam | 19.6ft |
| Draft | 8ft |
| Deck Length | 125ft |
| Overall Length | 151ft |
| Tonnage | 159 tons |
| Year Built | 1919 |
Morgenster is one of the best for your first tall ships experience. She is small enough not to feel overwhelmed, but big enough to try everything you find a square sailed tall ship.
Meet the Morgenster: A Floating Masterpiece
The Morgenster is no ordinary ship; she’s a square rigger, demanding a larger 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. 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.
Embarking in Sete: The Gateway to a Grand Adventure
When you step onto the deck in Sete, you’re not just greeted by a crew passionate about traditional sailing; you’re entering a world of maritime camaraderie. Each of your shipmates brings a unique tale and a sense of anticipation that adds a special flavour to the journey. Sete itself is a gem worth exploring, a bustling port town known for its canals and seafood. Why not arrive a day early to soak in the local culture and perhaps enjoy a plate of oysters?
Safety and Seamanship: The Cornerstones of Our Voyage
Before the anchor is lifted, we’ll run through a detailed safety briefing. We’re romantics when it comes to the sea, but we’re also sticklers for safety. You’ll get hands-on training on the ship’s safety measures and learn the essential skills for handling ropes and sails. This isn’t just a protocol; it’s your ticket to a worry-free adventure.
Charting the Mediterranean: Around-the-Clock Vigilance
We’ll navigate the Mediterranean’s azure waters using a three-watch system, ensuring the ship is always under expert supervision. Each watch is spearheaded by a seasoned Mate and a Sail Instructor, who’ll impart the art and science of sailing a traditional vessel. Whether you’re an old hand at sailing or a complete novice, you’ll find the experience both enlightening and deeply fulfilling.
The Ultimate Payoff: A Voyage for the Soul
Once the Morgenster is in full sail, the experience is transformative. It’s not merely a trip from Sete to Castellon; it’s a voyage of discovery, teamwork, and a profound connection with the elements. Speaking of Castellon, it’s a destination in its own right, with its beautiful beaches and historic sites. Consider extending your stay to explore what this charming Spanish port has to offer.
This July voyage in the Eastern end of the English Channel and the southern part of the North Sea in July is unlikely to have strong winds and big waves but with the weather nothing can be guaranteed.
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.
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.
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 01872 58 00 22 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
“Sète is the most fascinating small town on the French Mediterranean coast precisely because it doesn’t go out of its way to be charming. It doesn’t have the time. This is an attractive – but serious – port full of working people with stuff to ship out and turbot to sell.
The site is wonderful. Sète encircles a lone hill, the Mont St-Clair, on the otherwise flat Languedoc coast. And it is all-but an island. There’s the sea out front, of course. Behind, though, is the Thau lagoon – a vast expanse of salt water, colonised by oyster- and mussel-beds. Between the two, a network of canals brings the scramble of port and fishing activity right into the town centre.
The canals both define the town and provide the current that energises the place. Many townsfolk have their own little boats to take them shopping. Anglers with apparently unlimited time on their hands line the banks and, come summer, the main Canal Royal is the theatre of Sète’s famous water-borne jousting. Sète is, in short, a swirl of a spot, with constant movement on land and canal.
It helps, of course, that Sète has the finest unsung beaches of the French Med – eight miles of them stretching along the spit of land separating the lagoon from the sea. An enormous scheme to tidy up access and the shore-side promenade is under way. But don’t wait. Go now to find the unfiltered boisterousness of the real Mediterranean. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Anthony Perigrine, Telegraph travel
The 700-year Moorish invasion had a profound effect on the shaping of Spain, and nowhere more so than on the Mediterranean coast. Castellón is both a province and a city port situated 100km North of Valencia. It is on the same latitude as Mallorca. If you go a little way inland from the coastal resorts and up onto the mountain slopes you will see ancient Arab methods of irrigation still used in the fertile groves of orange, lemon, cherry and almond tree.you can smell the Valencia ‘orange blossom’
Certainly, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes Castellón de la Plana a destination worth dropping anchor for.
How to Get There
If you’re hailing from the UK, Europe, North America, or Australia, you’ve got a variety of travel options to reach Castellón de la Plana.
By Plane: Castellón-Costa Azahar Airport is your nearest landing spot, well-linked to major European cities. A quick taxi ride will land you in the city centre.
By Train: The city is well-served by Spain’s extensive rail network, making it a convenient option for travellers from within Spain or neighbouring European countries.
By Ferry: The closest port for international ferries is in Valencia, roughly an hour’s drive away.
By Coach or Bus: Various coach services offer long-distance routes to Castellón de la Plana from different parts of Europe. Once you’re in the city, local buses are a handy way to get around.
What to Do in Castellón de la Plana
History: The city is a living museum with landmarks like the El Fadrí bell tower and the Co-cathedral of Saint Mary. For art and history buffs, the Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see.
Culture: The city is a vibrant centre of Valencian culture. Keep an eye out for traditional festivals like the Magdalena Festivities, which offer a rich tapestry of local arts and traditions.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor: The coastline here is a feast for the eyes. Serradal Beach is perfect for a leisurely walk, and the surrounding area offers intriguing headlands and bays.
Entertainment: When the sun sets, the city comes alive with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Whether it’s traditional flamenco or modern beats, Castellón de la Plana has something for everyone.
Eating Out: The city’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its culture. From traditional Valencian paella to avant-garde fusion dishes, your taste buds are in for a treat. The Mercado Central is a haven for food lovers, offering fresh produce and local treats.
Nature: If you’re looking to swap sea legs for hiking boots, the Desierto de las Palmas Natural Park is your go-to. For those willing to venture a bit further, the Columbretes Islands offer diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Unique Features: What sets Castellón de la Plana apart is its harmonious blend of history, natural beauty, and a bustling cultural scene. It’s a place where you can enjoy a rich historical tour in the morning, a nature hike in the afternoon, and a lively night out, all without skipping a beat.
- 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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