In the late afternoon, you will board the “Morgenster” in the Portuguese port of Cascais. After you have met the crew and other people on board, the captain will discuss the plans for the trip, the safety procedures and rules of life on board. The next morning, we will leave Cascais and hoist the sails together. You will receive extensive instruction for this from the crew and for those who want to go aloft, there is a climbing instruction as well. 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. Guests who do not sail with us to Cape Verde will say goodbye the next day, after breakfast.

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.