Crossing the North Sea with Tall Ship Morgenster

We make this trip with the Morgenster and we sail as much as possible, we use the engine to sail out and into the harbor and only for safety reasons at sea. That means that we depend on the wind to reach our goal and the journey from Ostend to Ramsgate or vice versa takes between 10 and 30 hours.

This crossing can be booked as a one-way or mini-cruise. We will leave Ostend on May 1 and arrive in Ramsgate in the course of May 2. People taking the mini-cruise stay on board in Ramsgate and use the ship as a base to explore Ramsgate and the surrounding area. A fast train departs from Ramsgate every hour and travels to London in 1.5 hours. On May 4 we sail back to Ostend where we moor on May 5.

The exact time of departure is determined shortly in advance based on the weather conditions. But most likely there will be a night sail at sea.

1-5th of May 2023

• 4-person-cabin: € 790,- p.p.
• 2-person-cabin: € 1.080,- p.p.

What you can expect during this trip:

• We sail from Ostend to Ramgate and back.
• 1 to 5 May 2023.
• We make this trip with the ship Morgenster
• We make this trip with a select group of a maximum of 24 passengers.
• At night we just keep sailing and enjoy the stars.
• Everyone is assigned to guards, together we sail the ship. This is not mandatory, but this way you get the most out of your trip.
• All meals at sea are included in the price. Drinks too, except soft drinks and alcoholic drinks.
• When we are in Ramsgate only breakfast is served.
• All overnight stays are included in the trip.
• On board we eat vegetarian as standard, but if you like to eat meat or fish, you can indicate this on the booking form.
• This trip includes additional costs such as port charges and local taxes.
• Travel to arrival and departure port is not included in the trip. We can arrange this for you.

In 2013, after 175 years, the ferry service between Ostend and Ramsgate was taken out of service. Ten years later, Fair Ferry investigates whether this line can be restored by means of a "Pioneers' trip". A Pioniersvaart is the first journey Fair Ferry makes on a certain route. The adventurers who join this trip will be rewarded with a nice souvenir!

The trip departs from Ostend, “City by the Sea” and Belgium's largest seaside resort. Ostend was once on an island and was the most easterly place. But since the 14th century it wanders inland, after which the sea takes over the deserted part. Every now and then remnants of an earlier version of Ostend are rediscovered.

Today's Ostend has a large fishing fleet, which is one of the reasons why Ostend is renowned for its shrimp croquettes.

When we leave Ostend we navigate between the sandbanks to the open sea where we see huge seagoing ships steaming towards the mouth of the Western Scheldt. Together we hoist the sails of the Morgenster. The crew explains exactly how to do this. This is how we glide silently on sail through the shipping traffic. When it gets dark we see buoys, wind farms, ships and drilling platforms light up around us. We also ignite our navigation lights ourselves. The crew reads what is happening around us from the different light combinations and likes to tell about it. Sailing at night is magical,

Halfway we cross the traffic separation scheme. The North Sea is one of the busiest waterways in the world and because the channel here is already quite narrow, it becomes so busy that a shipping highway is needed to keep everything running smoothly. Sailing among the mastodons of the sea you feel insignificant and realize the enormous amounts of goods we ship around the world. Meanwhile, the coast of England is already in sight.

Ramsgate has impressive walls projecting into the sea that protect the harbor from waves. The harbor exudes a maritime past and feels welcome after a time at sea. Classic ships such as the Morgenster are therefore hospitably received here. Remarkably enough, the North Sea has a different color here.

Ramsgate is unmistakably English, be careful crossing the road, traffic drives on the left here! Those who want to learn more about the history here can visit the Viking ship, the Maritime Museum or the sailor's church, but also the tunnels under the city or the nature reserves just outside Ramsgate where you can enjoy walking and cycling are worth a visit.

When the sea calls, everyone goes back on board, the mooring lines are thrown loose and the bow is turned to the open sea. We set sail and head back to Ostend where this adventure ends.

Sail with us!

Experience the nostalgic feeling of traveling with a tall ship. The Morgenster is a fullblood sailing training ship. The many sails with their halliards, sheets and many lines requires great teamwork. The trainees are full members of the crew. They are involved in all aspects of life at sea. The sensation of real sailing with a rigged clipper brik breeds team spirit, promotes smooth cooperation and trains functional leadership. That is why we provide Sea Experience trips for various schools, nautical schools and the Royal Netherlands Navy.