The ‘Morgenster’ is berthed at Willemsoord, the historic naval dockyard in Den Helder. Should you be brought by friends or family, there will be plenty of time to show them around the ship. Once everyone is on board, the captain will call all those on board together. Plans for the upcoming voyage will be discussed, as well as safety procedures and rules of life on board. This is a voyage for the seasoned sailor. You will be part of the crew and rotate in the watch system.

Across the North Sea we will sail through the Dover Strait to the English Channel. During this part of the trip, we may encounter adverse weather and this time of year it can be quite cold. We relieve each other at the helm regularly and especially this part of the trip there will be frequent hoisting, lowering, or adjusting the sail. When there is no work on the rig, there is plenty to see for those on watch. These are the busiest waters in the world and all around us we see ships of all shapes and sizes.

We might make a stop in a Belgian, French or English coastal town – or on one of the Channel Islands – before sailing into the Bay of Biscay. The Bay of Biscay has a bad name, but it is very interesting waters. As soon as we leave the continental shelf, the depth under the keel increases to as much as 5 kilometers! Exactly how we will cross the Bay of depends very much on the weather and wind direction.

After the crossing we hope to make a stop in a Spanish port such as Muros or Vigo. Along the Portuguese coast we sail further south. There is a much greater chance of a northerly wind here, making it very pleasant sailing especially with a square-rigged ship.

On Nov. 17, 2024, we will arrive at our destination, the Portuguese city of Setúbal, an hour’s drive from Lisbon. The next day, we will continue our voyage to Tenerife. It is noticeably warmer here than in the Netherlands, with temperatures around 15 degrees and as we get further south the weather gets better and better. Near Cabo São Vicente the first shorts will come out and we can expect good weather and a favourable wind for the last five hundred nautical miles to the Canary Islands. Before we start the crossing to the Canary Islands, we make a stop at Porto Santo, Madeira. Underway, there is plenty to see. Seabirds in the air around us and in the clear, dark blue ocean waters we may encounter dolphins, whales, or a school of flying fish. These are chased by Dorado’s (Mahi Mahi), and with a little luck we will catch this green and yellow hunter for dinner.

Tenerife has the highest mountain in Spain, the volcanic Teide. In clear weather, we can see the island from afar. No later than November 24, 2024, we will arrive in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

From this Canary Island we sail directly to the Cape Verde Islands. This part of our trip is always very enjoyable. By now we are so far south that the temperature is pleasant day and night. The northeast trade wind as well as the Canary Current give us a welcome boost. With a running wind – as it is called – and with this good weather, we spend a lot of time on deck. There is not as many ships here, but if you pay attention there is a lot to see. Seabirds, dolphins, flying fish and the occasional sunfish. If we are lucky maybe even a sea turtle or whale!

We hope to cover the 700 miles from Tenerife to the island of Sal quickly. So, we may arrive a little earlier, but no later than December 1, we will drop anchor in the bay near Palmeira, Cape Verde. The next day, after breakfast, say goodbye to each other and the ship. There is plenty of accommodation to be found on Sal and we recommend you extend your stay in Cape Verde for a few days before flying back home.

Sailing on a large square rigged sailing ship is a special experience. Especially on an ocean-going voyage like this one. On the long ocean swell the ‘Morgenster’ feels perfectly at home. On board the ‘Morgenster’ you are not a passenger but guest crew. You will be assigned to a watch together with the crew and receive instruction so that you can actively help sail, steer and navigate the ship. Conditions at sea are changeable and on a sailing ship the natural elements have to be constantly taken into account. You will also be explained how to help yourself and your fellow guests with life on board and in emergencies. Sailing experience is not required. The crew will be happy to explain to you what all the lines, halyards and sheets are for. Most sailors like to actively participate in the work on board, but of course your wishes and possible limitations will be considered.

Level 3

Level 3-voyages are only suitable for the experienced and fit (sea)traveler. The weather could be challenging and during a crossing, there a few if not any options to divert to a harbor. We sail out of reach of helicopters and medical care from shore is usually not available.

The shipping company would like the ‘Morgenster’ to be accessible to the widest possible audience, but you must realize that you are making a voyage aboard a seagoing tall ship. This requires more of your physical ability than a daily walk. Some voyages are more challenging than others. With the different levels, we give an indication of how heavy the voyage can be. If you are unsure whether a voyage is suitable for you, it is important to contact shipping company ‘Morgenster’ for advice.