A Challenge

I'm finding the novel I'm now writing now particularly challenging. I've had to research farming methods in the 19th century, trigonometry, the history of Poland, political philosophy and now all about sailing three-masted square-riggers from Bremen, Germany to Indianola, Texas (I may cheat a little and make it Galveston).

To all who read this, do you know anyone with knowledge of square-rigged sailing vessels? They are obviously more awkward to maneuver than steam ships and I'm wondering if to get to the Atlantic they would brave the Strait of Dover or head north around the British Isles. I would think it likely that it might have to sail into a westerly wind.

I have no idea how narrow the Strait is and I haven't found the answer (to the question of which path a square-rigger would take) on the internet. So, if you happen to know the answer or know someone who might, could you contact me?

Thanks,

Jan