On March 16, you will board the ‘Morgenster’ in the port of Horta on the island of Faial. We recommend traveling to Faial a few days earlier. The island is lush, and spring is the most beautiful time to visit it. At this latitude, spring sets in early and it is not cold. But the Azores has a true maritime climate: four seasons in one day, they do say. So, in addition to shorts, you should also bring a raincoat. As soon as you come on board, the crew will give you a detailed instruction on life on board, safety procedures, as well as the journey we are about to undertake.

An ocean voyage is on the agenda for us. This means we will make few stopovers. After a good night’s sleep, it is time to leave. It is still spring and the weather here is changeable. There is a chance that we may encounter a low-pressure area. At this latitude, that usually means westerly winds, drizzle and, after the front passes, clearings. The wind is changeable and so we regularly have to set the sails, reef, unreeve or change course. Fortunately, just in these cases, the wind is westerly and thus favourable for us.

Close to the Azores there is a good chance that we will see whales, but even later during the trip we are not alone. Even this far out at sea there are birds around us and occasionally we see a moonfish, dolphins, and other sea creatures. As we approach the English Channel, the colour of the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean changes to green. A sign that the continental shelf is beginning. Here the seabed rises steeply from a depth of five kilometres to a depth of 200 meters. Hundreds of seabirds and fishing boats mark these nutrient-rich waters.

If the trip goes well, we will certainly have time for one or two stopovers in an English or French port. Or on one of the Channel Islands. In the last week of March, we will sail through the Strait of Dover into the North Sea for the final miles to Den Helder, where we will arrive on March 29. On March 30, after breakfast, you will disembark at Willemsoord, the historic maritime heart of Den Helder.

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.