Sailing & Island Hopping in Cape Verde

YOUR SAILING AREA

CAPE VERDE

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, about 600 kilometres before the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is home to 10 islands all boasting diverse landscapes, steep terrace fields growing bananas and coffee plantations, sandy deserts, black volcanoes and a fiercely deep blue ocean. The sailing waters are a haven for spotting wildlife and are full of fly-fish, tuna, sea turtles and humpback whales, making a sailing holiday in Cape Verde the perfect way to see this island chain.

In recent years, the islands have gained an unfortunate reputation for mass tourism, large hotel resorts, and a fly-and-flop mentality. Sailing with Morgenster will take you away from this tourist hustle and bustle. Discover the rich culture the locals are proud of as the crew connects with local guides for excursions to explore the islands’ warm tropical climate, floral landscapes, delicious cuisine, and great sailing grounds.

Read more about sailing in Cape Verde here.

Morgenster will organise excursions on each island but participating is not mandatory and you can also explore the islands at your own free will. During the sailing passages, you are invited to help with all the activities on board; hoisting the sails, steering and navigating. Guests are divided into relaxed watches so that everyone gets the opportunity to learn the ropes in a safe and supported environment and, in turn, get to relax on board at their own will. Those who dare can climb the mast to see the world from a big sailing vessel! After each sailing passage between islands, we will take the time to explore the island of our destination. At night, we will primarily be anchored, but in some cases, we will keep sailing through the night.

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Island Hopping

All voyages for Morgenster

Morgenster

Guest berths: 24 Rig: Brig

Owned and skippered by Dutch sailing couple Harry and Marianne, Morgenster has spent many years participating in International Tall Ships Races, youth training programmes and adventure sailing holidays across Europe and to the archipelago of Cape Verde. 

Built in 1919 and still showcasing her traditional brig rig, Morgenster runs a relaxed ship with a laid-back sailing style. Operating with ten experienced crew, part of the magic of sailing with her is getting involved in all aspects of life on board. From taking watch, hoisting the sails together to steering at the helm and some basic rope work, the crew will always be on hand to show guests the ropes. 

Morgenster offers generous communal spaces both above and below decks, from a covered deckhouse and bar to a spacious saloon and comfortable private cabins. 

Read more about what to expect from Life on Board here >

Life on board Morgenster

Over the years, Morgenster has become a firm favourite for sea lovers. She is perfect for those wanting an active sailing holiday while exploring bucket list locations on a beautifully historic tall ship.

You really don’t need any experience to sail with Morgenster, just a lust for adventure. Sailing alongside a seasoned crew of ten, the onboard experience is truly unforgettable as guests immerse themselves in every aspect of life at sea. From standing watch and raising the sails as a team to taking the helm and mastering fundamental rope work, the crew is always ready to guide and teach guests the intricacies of sailing. Try climbing the mast or out on the bowsprit spotting for dolphins!

RELAXATION AND SLEEPING

Morgenster is a spacious boat both above and below decks. She has her “Riggers Bar” at deck level, serving drinks throughout the day, and a small deckhouse with two toilets to prevent you from going down below under sail. There is also another undercover area at the deck level with bench seating, perfect for relaxing under the watch.

Below decks, Morgenster has four 2-berth twin cabins and four 4-berth cabins. All bedding and towels are included, and each cabin has a ventilation/heating system and a wash basin. All cabins share communal toilets and showers.

The saloon and dining area are wonderfully spacious, with plenty of seating for all guests, whether enjoying freshly cooked meals from the galley or sharing sea-faring stories after dinner. The ship’s captain is also a keen musician, so feel free to bring your guitar or chosen instrument! Pirate chests full of games and musical instruments, including a piano, a library, a projector, and a roll-up screen.

EATING ABOARD

Life on board is enriched by the delicious meals prepared by our dedicated professional chef. All food will be freshly prepared on board to the highest standards. You can look forward to continental breakfasts, freshly baked bread, and delightful lunches and dinners using locally sourced produce. We can accommodate all dietary requirements, ensuring you are well taken care of after a day of sailing.

Kit list

Morgenster has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. Each bunk is allocated a storage chest to store your items, but there is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack. 

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those who have sailed before may have their preferences!

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• Please consider waterproof sailing boots.
• Small wash towel
• Flip-flops or crocs for wet room showering
• Swimsuit and swim towel (optional) 
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

• Warm, windproof and waterproof coat and trousers.
• Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Refillable water bottle (We have a water maker onboard – please do not drink tap water on the islands)
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Sleep masks and earplugs if sharing a cabin.
• Charging cables for personal devices
• EU 2pin adaptor
• A good book to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

Travel Documents

•  Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.

SAMPLE MENU FOR Morgenster

Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

BREAKFAST (Continental)

• Yoghurt, fresh fruit, cereal, bread, cheese, meats, jam
• Eggs (cooked, baked or scrambled) or pancakes or muffins or French toast

LUNCH

• Quiche, soup, lasagna, pasta and salad, breads, cheeses, meats

DINNER

• Lasagne
• Risotto
• Asian dishes 
• Baked potatoes and either fish or meat all accompanied with vegetables and a salad

DESSERT

• Fresh fruits, mousse, ice cream, cheesecake

What’s included

• Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Wash Towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and from the boat
• Lifejacket
• Use of onboard piano and library

What’s not included

• Alcohol and soft drinks (payable at the end of your voyage with cash (euros))
• Waterproofs
• Excursions ashore (these are charged a low cost, local rate once onboard and are not mandatory)
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel Insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol and soft drinks are not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for Vegetarians only.

• Are there any added extra's?

  There's an honesty bar for drinks and excursions ashore are not included. Both can be payable by cash (euros) at the end of your voyage.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4x twin cabins and 4x four-berth cabins

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  No but there is a light-well and ventilation system.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  There are two toilet/showers below decks for guests (split into male and female) and there is also two toilets up on the main deck.

• Is bedding included?

  Yes, all bedding a towel per person is included but we recommend your bring a hand towel if you wish.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Morgenster does not have laundry facilities on board.

• Is there heating on board?

  Yes, there is heating and a ventilation system running throughout the ship and in each cabin.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  Dutch & English

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes, please bring European adaptors.

• What is the currency on board?

  Euros.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Morgenster is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

Travel Planning

From: Palmiera, Sal

To: Palmiera, Sal

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There

Palmeira, Sal, Cape Verde

Several airlines fly to Sal. TUI runs regular non-stop services year-round from Manchester and Gatwick, which take around six hours to reach Sal.

TAP Air Portugal flies via Lisbon, which is reachable from most European airports. TUI offers direct flights to Ilha do Sal in some countries, such as Germany.

It is then a ten-minute taxi ride into the port of Palmeira. Please use a registered taxi from the airport.

Entry Requirements

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of departure from Cape Verde.