From Den Helder to Cascais: A Deckhand’s Diary on the Morgenster

Ahoy there! Let me take you on a journey through the first leg of our epic voyage aboard the Tall Ship Morgenster, sailing from Den Helder to the sun-soaked shores of Cascais, Portugal. This was the beginning of a grand adventure, with the full journey destined to end in the vibrant islands of Cape Verde. While every day at sea has its own rhythm, this stretch of the trip offered calm waters, a touch of excitement, and a generous helping of laughter among the crew and guest sailors.

Fair Winds… and a Few Lazy Days

We left Den Helder with the sails full of promise and spirits as high as the topmast. The weather was fair, with a light breeze carrying us southward along the coastline. There were moments of pure sailing bliss when the wind was just right—enough to keep the Morgenster slicing through the water gracefully. But, as any seasoned sailor will tell you, not every day at sea is filled with roaring winds and dramatic maneuvers. We had a couple of low-wind days that required a bit of patience and creativity to keep the crew entertained. (Let’s just say the art of rope coiling competitions reached new heights of ridiculousness.)

Sailing, Smiles, and Starry Nights

For our guests, this leg was the perfect introduction to life aboard a tall ship. From learning how to trim the sails to mastering the watch system, everyone found their rhythm. The teamwork was inspiring, and the laughter never stopped—even when the wind did. And speaking of stops, we made one quick anchorage along the way to stretch our legs and savor the view. The nights were an unexpected treat: the stars blanketed the sky, undisturbed by city lights, as the Morgenster glided through calm seas. It’s hard to describe the magic of a starlit deck watch—you just have to be there. And if you weren’t on watch? The deckhand-approved method of “stargazing flat on your back” became quite popular.

Onward to Cascais

As we neared Cascais, the weather warmed, the winds picked up just enough, and the promise of Portuguese pastries fueled our final push. By the time we docked, the crew and guests alike had formed a bond that only comes from shared adventure. Cascais welcomed us with its sunny charm, marking the end of this leg and the start of a new chapter for those continuing to Cape Verde. So, there you have it—a glimpse into life on the Morgenster from a humble deckhand’s perspective. Fancy joining us? Trust me, there’s no better way to sail into adventure. See you on deck!