Step aboard the tall ship Morgenster for a special English Channel crossing from the Netherlands. This voyage begins in the historic harbour town of Enkhuizen and first takes you through Dutch waters before Morgenster sets course for the North Sea, the English coast and finally Plymouth.
This gradual build-up makes the voyage especially attractive. You start in a traditional Dutch harbour, get to know the ship and crew, and slowly settle into life aboard. Then the real adventure begins: sailing towards England under traditional square sails. Aboard Morgenster, you are not simply a passenger. You become part of life at sea. You can help set the sails, stand at the helm, join the watch system, share meals and experience how a large traditional sailing ship keeps going day and night.
From Enkhuizen towards the open sea
The voyage starts in Enkhuizen, a historic town on the IJsselmeer with a strong maritime heritage. After boarding, you meet the professional crew, your fellow travellers and the ship itself. The crew explains the safety procedures, the watch system and the tasks you can take part in during the voyage.
Morgenster then leaves the harbour and begins the first section towards the open sea. Depending on wind, weather and voyage planning, the route may lead across the IJsselmeer to Den Oever and Den Helder, or via the Markermeer and Amsterdam towards the North Sea. This varied stretch through Dutch waters gives you time to get used to the ship, the crew, the watch system and everyday life aboard.
As the Dutch coast slowly fades into the background, the atmosphere aboard also begins to change. The voyage opens up, the water becomes wider and the crossing to England comes closer.
Crossing the English Channel
The central part of this voyage is the English Channel crossing. This busy and historically important stretch of water has connected mainland Europe and England for centuries.
Aboard Morgenster, you experience the crossing in a truly memorable way. Not by plane or ferry, but slowly, under sail and as part of the crew. You feel the wind, the current, the changing weather and the special moment when the English coast begins to appear.
The destination is Plymouth, one of England’s great maritime cities. After several days underway, sailing into this harbour feels like a real arrival. You have not simply travelled to England; you have helped sail there.
Hands-on sailing aboard Morgenster
Sailing on a square-rigged tall ship such as Morgenster is very different from an ordinary sailing holiday. The sails, lines, yards and watches shape daily life aboard.
You may help hoist and trim the sails, handle lines, stand at the helm or follow navigation and position fixing at sea. You can also assist in the galley or take part in simple handcraft tasks on deck.
The experienced crew guides you through the work and adapts the tasks to your interests and abilities. You do not need to be an experienced sailor. Curiosity, team spirit and a willingness to take part are much more important.
Standing watch during the crossing
Morgenster sails day and night, so life aboard is organised around three watches. During your watch, you help keep the ship sailing safely and smoothly. You may keep lookout, take the helm, assist with sail handling and learn how a longer sea voyage is organised.
The watch system often creates a strong bond between the people aboard. You share quiet nights, early mornings, changing light, fresh wind and focused moments with your watchmates.
Between watches, there is time to sleep, eat, read, sit on deck or simply look out over the sea. The rhythm of the voyage is shaped by wind, water, ship and crew.
An extra challenge: climbing the rigging
Those looking for an additional adventure may have the chance to climb the rigging of Morgenster under supervision. This is, of course, optional, but for many participants it becomes one of the most memorable moments of the voyage.
From the yards, you look out over the ship, the sea and the horizon. You feel the scale of the vessel and gain a new appreciation of traditional seamanship. For some guests, it is a personal challenge; for others, it is a dream come true.
Safety and clear guidance always come first..
Dutch waters as an extra part of the voyage
Because this voyage starts in Enkhuizen, you get more than just the English Channel crossing. The first part of the trip takes you through Dutch waters and creates a natural transition from sheltered waterways to the open sea.
This adds variety and gives the voyage a pleasant sense of progression. You begin in calmer waters, get familiar with the ship and gradually move into the larger adventure. From Dutch inland waters and harbour atmosphere, the route opens out towards the North Sea, the English Channel and finally England.
For those new to longer sailing trips, this build-up is a real advantage. For more experienced sailors, the combination of square-rig sailing, offshore waters and a Channel crossing offers plenty of interest.
Food aboard
Food is an important part of life aboard Morgenster. Each day, the gong announces the start of a shared meal. The ship’s cook prepares three tasty and nourishing meals per day, along with an afternoon snack.
During the night watches, warm toasted sandwiches are served. In the middle of the night, while the ship continues sailing and your watch is on duty, this simple warm snack can feel surprisingly special.
Whenever possible, fresh vegetables and fruit are brought aboard during port visits. The freezers are stocked with quality meat, and perhaps a fish may even be caught along the way. Eating together is more than a practical break. It is a moment to share stories, build friendships and feel part of the crew.
Who is this voyage suitable for?
This English Channel crossing is a good match for you if you:
- want to take an active role aboard a traditional tall ship;
- would like to experience a sailing voyage from the Netherlands to England;
- are curious about square-rig sailing, watchkeeping and seamanship
- want to become part of life aboard;
- enjoy working together with crew and fellow travellers;
- would like to experience both Dutch waters and the open sea;
- are not looking for a passive cruise, but for a voyage where you can take part.
No sailing experience is required. The crew explains the tasks and guides you along the way.
Arrival in Plymouth
After the crossing, Plymouth comes into sight. This city in southwest England has a long maritime history and is a fitting destination for a voyage under traditional sail.
When Morgenster enters the harbour, you look back on several intense and rewarding days at sea. You have stood watch, perhaps taken the helm, helped set sails, met new people and experienced what it is like to sail to England aboard a tall ship.
Book your place aboard and experience this special sailing voyage from Enkhuizen to Plymouth.
