A unique opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing aboard a traditional square-rigged tallship is coming to Cowes this September, with the arrival of the historic Morgenster.
From Thursday 17 September to Sunday 20 September, members of the public will have the chance to step aboard the magnificent tallship for a series of three-hour sailing trips departing from the Trinity Landing Stage on Cowes Esplanade.
The Morgenster offers an authentic sailing experience for all ages, whether you are a seasoned sailor or stepping aboard a tallship for the very first time.
The ship is specially rigged so that sails can be set from deck level, giving passengers the opportunity to get involved and assist the crew in sailing the vessel. Those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the experience can relax on deck, perhaps take the wheel and have a go at steering, or simply enjoy the spectacular coastal views as they glide silently past.
Sailing Information
Dates: Thursday 17 September – Sunday 20 September 2026
Departure: 14:00 hrs each day
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Boarding: Trinity Landing Stage, Cowes Esplanade
Tickets:
- Adults: £60
- Children under 15: £45
Book online here:
Advance booking is strongly recommended. Passengers are asked to arrive for boarding at least 20 minutes before departure.
A complimentary tea or coffee will be available on boarding, while the onboard bar will remain open throughout the voyage, offering soft drinks, beers, wines and hot beverages for purchase.
Comfortable clothing, a windproof jacket and suitable footwear are strongly recommended.
Experience has shown that these day sailings are best suited to participants aged 12 years and over.
Meet the Morgenster
Launched in 1919 as a herring lugger, Morgenster has a remarkable maritime history spanning more than a century.
Originally operating as a commercial North Sea fishing vessel, the ship later saw wartime service before being seized by the government in the 1970s following suspicions of pirate radio activity.
In 1983, the vessel was acquired by Dutch tallship specialist Harry Muter and his wife Marian, who embarked on an extensive restoration project. Following decades of work, Morgenster was recommissioned in 2008 as a classic clipper-brig.
Today, the vessel operates from Den Helder in the Netherlands as a world-class sail-training ship. She regularly participates in major European maritime festivals and Tall Ships Races, undertakes public adventure voyages and is also used by the Royal Dutch Navy to provide an ‘afore the mast’ experience.
Morgenster’s traditional clipper-brig rig is itself steeped in maritime history. The design was originally developed by the Americans during their fight for independence, with the emphasis on speed and agility allowing lighter vessels to outmanoeuvre larger British ships.
These fast schooner and brig designs would ultimately become precursors to the legendary clipper ships, renowned for their speed and ability to navigate challenging waters around the globe.
Free Open Ship Visits
There will also be an opportunity for members of the public to explore Morgenster free of charge when the ship is open at the Trinity Landing Stage before and after the sailing trips.
Members of the crew will be available to welcome visitors, answer questions and explain more about the ship, her fascinating history and how she operates.
Press & Media Opportunity
Morgenster will arrive in Cowes on Wednesday 16 September and will be available for press and media to view the vessel and meet the Captain and crew.
Media representatives wishing to arrange a specific viewing time are encouraged to contact the Morgenster organisation in advance.
For further information about Morgenster, the sailing trips, press opportunities and high-resolution images, please contact:
Email:
Telephone: +31 653 46 44 69
With its combination of maritime heritage, hands-on sailing and spectacular coastal scenery, Morgenster’s visit promises to be a memorable addition to Cowes’s busy September calendar — and a rare chance to experience traditional tallship sailing from the heart of Cowes.
