This Sailing Adventure can be booked via our partner Reederij Oosterschelde
Sailing Adventure: From Cape Verde to Den Helder on the Morgenster
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Amilcar Cabral Airport on the island of Sal, Cape Verde. From here, you can take a taxi to the quaint town of Palmeira, where the Morgenster awaits, anchored in the bay. We highly recommend booking accommodation in Santa Maria if you wish to spend a few days exploring the island before the journey. Once in Palmeira, you’ll be transported to the ship by tender, and your true sailor’s adventure begins! From this point on, you are no longer just a passenger but an active member of the crew, taking part in the watch system and learning what it takes to sail a traditional schooner brig.
Life Onboard: Learning the Ropes
Before departure, the crew will provide an in-depth explanation of the voyage and introduce you to the ship’s operations. Along the way, you’ll receive regular instruction, learning about navigation, meteorology, and how to handle the ship’s maintenance. Each task you complete brings you closer to the true sailor’s life, and the crew is there to guide you every step of the way.
Cape Verde sits in the trade wind belt, meaning you can expect steady winds from the north and east as we set sail. We aim to steer as close to the wind as possible, making the most of the favorable conditions. After a few days, the weather will shift as we leave the trade winds and enter the westerlies, a region with more variable weather. Here, we might encounter a low-pressure system, which could bring westerly winds, light rain, and clearer skies after the passage of the front. As the wind changes, so too must our sails, and you’ll be part of the crew tasked with adjusting the sails and plotting new courses to keep us on track.
Wildlife and Ocean Wonders
As we sail closer to the Azores, the chances of spotting wildlife increase significantly. This region is famous for whale sightings, and there’s a good chance we’ll spot these majestic creatures. You’ll also notice plenty of seabirds, even this far out to sea. With a little luck, you may catch sight of flying fish, dolphins, or perhaps even a moonfish. Every day on the open ocean offers new surprises, and being part of the crew makes these encounters even more special.
We expect to reach the lush island of Faial in the Azores by March 14th, where we’ll make a short stop to explore. Spring is the best time to visit this island, as the vegetation is at its most vibrant. Faial’s oceanic climate is unpredictable, often described as experiencing four seasons in one day, so while you’ll want to pack shorts, a rain jacket will also come in handy. After a brief exploration of the island, we’ll set sail once again for the final leg of our journey.
The Final Leg: From the Azores to Den Helder
As we leave Faial behind, the journey continues towards the English Channel. As we near the channel, you’ll notice the deep blue waters of the Atlantic begin to turn green—a sign that we’re approaching the continental shelf, where the sea depth rises sharply from five kilometers to just 200 meters. This area is rich with marine life, and it’s common to see hundreds of seabirds and fishing vessels working in these waters.
If weather conditions allow, we’ll make one or two stops at an English or French port, or perhaps even one of the Channel Islands. Each stop offers a unique opportunity to stretch your legs and experience local culture before we sail through the Strait of Dover and into the North Sea. As we approach the final stretch of the journey, you’ll become even more attuned to life at sea, working alongside the crew to ensure a safe and smooth arrival at our final destination, Den Helder, where we expect to dock by March 29th. After a farewell breakfast on March 30th, you’ll disembark in Willemsoord, the historic maritime heart of Den Helder.
A Unique Sailing Experience
Sailing aboard the Morgenster is an exceptional way to experience life at sea, where you’ll quickly learn how to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of the ocean. The crew will assign you to a watch and guide you through the fundamentals of sailing, steering, and navigation. You’ll also learn how to manage daily life on board and what to do in emergency situations. Whether you’ve sailed before or are new to the experience, there’s no need to worry—no prior sailing experience is required, and the crew is happy to teach you everything you need to know. Most guests find the work on board to be incredibly rewarding, but your level of involvement will always be based on your preferences and any physical limitations.
An Adventure Unlike Any Other Whether it’s the thrill of adjusting the sails, the excitement of spotting a whale, or the satisfaction of working as part of a crew, this Cape Verde to Den Helder sailing adventure is unlike any other. You’ll forge lasting memories, gain new skills, and connect deeply with the ocean and those around you. Are you ready to set sail on this unforgettable journey?
This Sailing Adventure can be booked via our partner Reederij Oosterschelde