Sail the Atlantic with Morgenster – From Belém to Den Helder

From the Equator to Europe – Setting Sail from Belém
After attending the Climate Conference in Belém, the Tall Ship Morgenster will begin her transatlantic return voyage to Den Helder on November 23, 2025. Anchored in the river near the city, the ship will be fully stocked and ready for sea. You’ll be picked up with our RIB (rigid inflatable boat) at the agreed location and brought aboard. Once on deck, you’ll meet the crew and your fellow sailors, and we’ll guide you through the safety briefing and ship orientation.

We expect the voyage to take around five weeks, with an estimated arrival in Den Helder on December 28, 2025. Of course, with ocean crossings and a shifting climate, our ETA may sway a bit. Mother Nature still has the final word.

Trade Winds, Flying Fish & a Sporting Sail North
From Belém, we set course non-stop to the Azores. The route hugs the Brazilian coastline for a while, aided by the current flowing toward the Caribbean. Both day and night temperatures remain pleasantly warm, perfect for standing watch under the stars. Keep your eyes peeled for flying fish, often chased from below by Mashi Mahi and from above by frigate birds. Nature’s version of a nautical sandwich.

As we sail north, we’ll likely encounter the northeast trade winds, giving us a lively breeze on the beam or just forward of it. Once we reach the latitude of Bermuda, the westerlies take over, delivering the dynamic weather patterns of the North Atlantic. Winds will vary from northwest to southwest, demanding frequent sail adjustments, bracing the yards, reefing in stronger gusts, and shaking them out again when it settles. With the wind behind us, the Morgenster sails beautifully square-rigged, braced square and flying free.

Sailing the North Atlantic in winter isn’t for the faint of heart. This voyage is adventurous and physically demanding. You’ll need to be fit and in good health, as medical evacuation options in mid-ocean are extremely limited.

Azores Pit Stop & Final Stretch to Den Helder
Our only planned stop is in Horta on Faial, one of the Azorean islands. There, we’ll replenish with fresh fruit and vegetables, stretch our legs, and perhaps leave our mark at the famous sailor’s wall. After a short rest, we set course northeast to rejoin the westerlies, steering for the English Channel.

As we approach the Channel, keep your binoculars ready, dolphins often escort us during this leg. If the crossing goes smoothly (and it often does aboard the fast-sailing Morgenster), we may treat ourselves to a brief recreational stop, perhaps at one of the Channel Islands.

The Channel, however, is a different world. After the calm of the open ocean, we’ll navigate the heavily trafficked shipping lanes, where global commerce squeezes through the Narrow of Calais. Here, your seamanship matters most.

Final Landfall: The North Sea & Den Helder
As we enter the North Sea, we’ll maneuver past offshore wind farms and familiar traffic zones, aiming for our home port Den Helder, also known as the capital of the North Sea. By then, you’ll have crossed an ocean, learned the ropes (literally), and earned a logbook full of unforgettable memories.

Ready to sail from equator to Europe? Book your place aboard via the form below and become part of the Morgenster’s ocean crossing legacy.