A New Sailing Season Begins for Tall Ship Morgenster

The winter maintenance period in Den Helder is behind us, the sails are drawing once again, and the Tall Ship Morgenster has officially started a new sailing season.

After months of preparation by our dedicated crew and volunteers, the ship left her home waters and set course for Northern Spain. The crossing provided exactly what makes traditional sailing so rewarding: changing weather, teamwork on deck, and the feeling of complete freedom that only life at sea can offer.

For everyone on board, it was a reminder of why the Morgenster continues to attract sailors, adventurers, and maritime enthusiasts from around the world.

Crossing the Bay of Biscay

The voyage south took the ship across the famous Bay of Biscay. Here, the crew and trainees quickly settled back into the rhythm of life under sail.

Watch systems were re-established, sails were set and trimmed, and new friendships formed as the ship made her way through the Atlantic swells.

Aboard the Morgenster, every voyage is a shared experience. Guests are not spectators but active participants. Whether steering the ship, helping with sail handling, or simply enjoying a sunrise watch, everyone becomes part of the crew.

That sense of belonging remains one of the most appreciated aspects of sailing on a traditional square-rigger.

Northbound to the South Coast of England

After the Spanish crossing, the Morgenster turned north again towards the south coast of England. The arrival in Shoreham marked the beginning of a series of day sails and short voyages. Expectations were high, but even the crew was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm shown by visitors. Every sailing trip during the busy Whitsun weekend was fully booked.

For many guests, it was their first opportunity to experience life aboard a historic sailing vessel. For others, it was a welcome return to a ship they had sailed on before.

The combination of beautiful weather, favourable winds, and the unique atmosphere aboard the Morgenster created a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Setting Course for Ostend

After a successful weekend in Shoreham, the ship cast off her lines and headed across the English Channel towards Belgium.

The departure itself was spectacular. With sails drawing and the English coastline slowly disappearing astern, the Morgenster once again showed what she was built for: travelling under sail between historic ports and bringing people closer to the sea.

The crossing to Ostend offered changing skies, fresh winds, and the timeless beauty of a traditional sailing ship making her way across open water.

Arriving at the Ostend Harbour Festival

The Morgenster has now arrived in Ostend to participate in the famous harbour festivities.

Events like these bring together sailing enthusiasts, maritime professionals, families, and visitors who share a passion for traditional ships and maritime heritage.

For the crew, it is always a pleasure to welcome visitors on board and to share the story of a vessel that continues to sail actively more than a century after her original design first took shape.

The harbour festival provides an opportunity not only to admire historic ships but also to discover what sail training and traditional seamanship can offer in today’s world.

Looking Ahead

The season has started exactly as we hoped: successful voyages, enthusiastic guests, and a ship performing beautifully under sail.

As the year progresses, many more adventures await. New voyages, new ports, and new crews will continue to write the next chapter in the story of the Morgenster.

For those who dream of experiencing traditional sailing, now is the perfect moment to step aboard.

The sea is calling, and the Morgenster is once again underway.