From the Amilcar Cabral airport, you can take a cab to the town of Palmeira. We recommend that you book accommodation in the town of Santa Maria, should you wish to enjoy a few days on the island of Sal prior to your trip. In the bay of Palmeira, the ‘Morgenster’ is anchored. The crew will bring you aboard by dinghy and your adventure has begun! This trip you step into the real sailor’s life. You are part of the crew and participate in a navigational watch. Together we do everything necessary to arrive safely and quickly at our destination.

Before we leave, the crew will give a detailed explanation and there will be regular instructions along the way. You will learn – in the process – more and more about sailing a clipper-brig, about navigation, meteorology and maintenance. Ahead of us lies the Atlantic Ocean and during this journey we will not make any stops. Nevertheless, the trip is very versatile.

Cape Verde is situated in the trade wind belt. That means good weather, and winds from a northerly to easterly direction. So, we try to steer as close to the wind as possible. After a few days, the trade wind becomes less resistant and the temperature slightly lower. Suddenly we are now sailing in a climatically very different area: the west wind belt. The weather here is changeable and every so-many days low-pressure system passes. At this latitude, that means mostly westerly winds, drizzle and, after the cold front passage, clearing again. The wind is changeable and so we regularly must set the sails, reef, unreeve or change course.

Closer to the Azores, there is a good chance of seeing whales. Even this far offshore there are still many birds around us. With some luck we will see not only schools of flying fish, but also dolphins, a sunfish, or other marine animals. We expect to arrive in Horta on the island of Faial no later than March 14. Unless you sail with us to Den Helder, you will say goodbye to ship and crew the next morning 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.

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 the shipping company for advice.

Level 1 

Level 1 voyages are suitable for anyone with good mobility and health. Often these voyages are in sheltered areas or close to the coast. However, it is still a journey on a sailing ship, at sea and so you must weigh up for yourself whether you can cope.

Level 2

Level 2 voyages are often heavier or further from home. You must be able to cope well under sometimes challenging conditions, but in case of need, the ship can be in a port within 24 – 48 hours. There is no age limit, but you may be asked to provide additional proof of fitness or health.

Level 3 

Level 3 voyages are only for the experienced and fit sea traveler. The weather can be challenging and there are no ports to call at, along the way. We are out of helicopter range and medical care  from shore is not available. These trips are open to people up to 73 years of age, and you may be asked to provide additional proof of fitness or health.