Antwerp is preparing to welcome some of the world’s most spectacular sailing vessels as the 70th edition of The Tall Ships Races returns to the city from Saturday 11 to Tuesday 14 July. Organisers are putting the finishing touches to both the internationally renowned sailing competition and a four-day public festival that is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the Scheldt waterfront.
This year marks the eighth time Antwerp has hosted the event. A total of 36 Tall Ships will berth along the Scheldt quays and in the docks surrounding the Museum At the Stream (MAS), transforming the city’s historic waterfront into a showcase of maritime heritage and international friendship.
The Antwerp leg forms the second stage of this year’s races. After sailing from Aarhus in Denmark to Harlingen in the Netherlands, the fleet will continue to Antwerp before departing on 14 July for Stavanger in Norway. The final race then takes the ships back to Denmark.
Mayor Els van Doesburg (N-VA) said: “For centuries, the Scheldt has connected Antwerp with the rest of the world. During The Tall Ships Races, that rich maritime history literally sails into our city. In a city that lives by and with the water, these majestic sailing ships feel completely at home. And admit it: anyone who sees them arriving imagines themselves, if only for a moment, as a captain on the open sea.”
Alderman for Port and Economy Johan Klaps (N-VA) added: “Together with the City of Antwerp, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors once again to The Tall Ships Races. Together, we are turning this event into another powerful moment of connection between the port and the people of Antwerp. The Tall Ships Races also bring Antwerp’s maritime DNA to life in a unique way. The impressive ships, the international crews and the hundreds of young people on board demonstrate what our port has stood for for centuries: craftsmanship, adventure, international solidarity and opportunities for young talent.”
Alderman for Tourism Koen Kennis (N-VA) said: “Antwerp and The Tall Ships Races share a story of mutual affection. These magnificent ships enjoy coming to our city: they can count on impeccable organisation, a warm welcome and the opportunity to berth in the historic heart of the city, close to the Scheldt Quays. The fact that 36 ships will dock this year, including 13 ‘cathedrals of the sea’, shows that this affection is very much alive.”
Cathedrals of the sea return
The fleet will feature 13 Class A vessels – the largest Tall Ships – alongside 23 ships in Classes B, C and D. Visitors will also be able to explore historic vessels at the Varend Erfgoed exhibition in Kattendijkdok.
Belgian entries such as Rupel, Saeftinghe, Op Stok 3 and Patricia will be among the local favourites, joined by returning Dutch vessels Gulden Leeuw, Wylde Swan and Urania. Norway’s Sørlandet and Statsraad Lehmkuhl will make their first appearance in Antwerp since 2016, while the Portuguese replica caravel Vera Cruz will visit the city for the first time.
Ships from 13 countries are taking part, each bringing its own story. Crews and trainees will share their experiences of life at sea and explain how participation in The Tall Ships Races has shaped their personal development. Visitors aboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl can learn more about the vessel’s One Ocean Expedition 2025-2026, which seeks to highlight the vital role oceans play in creating a sustainable future. Meanwhile, the crew of Vera Cruz will introduce visitors to the history of Portuguese exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Team Antwerp trainees set sail
A major recruitment campaign by the city and the port attracted 132 young people from Antwerp to participate as trainees during the races to or from the city. They will learn how to operate aboard a sailing ship, work as part of an international crew and develop practical skills that can benefit them in everyday life, education and future careers.
Participants gain experience in teamwork, problem-solving and taking responsibility, while embarking on what organisers describe as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Their experiences will be shared through Team Antwerp‘s social media channels.
Four days of celebrations
As host port, Antwerp and Port of Antwerp-Bruges are organising an extensive public programme around the races.
The fleet’s arrival, known as the Sail In, is expected to attract the largest crowds on Friday 10 July.
Most ships will be open to visitors from 12:00 to 18:00 on Saturday 11 July, and again from 10:00 on Sunday 12 July. Sunday’s programme also includes sporting competitions for trainees along the Scheldt Quays, a Crew Parade departing from Zuidpark at 14:30 and arriving at the southern event zone at 15:45, followed by prize presentations. A fireworks display at 22:15 will bring the day to a close.
Ships will remain open from 10:00 to 18:00 on Monday 13 July before bidding farewell during the Sail Out on Tuesday 14 July from 16:30.
Three festival zones at Schengenplein, Steenplein and the Scheldt Quays will host live entertainment each day from 14:00. The programme includes performances by Average Rob, DJ Licious and Regi, while younger visitors can enjoy appearances by Piet Piraat, the Ketnetband and Rinus & Bobette.
Visitors can also enjoy food and drinks aboard the Floating Terrace on the Oceandiva Future, a floating event venue moored near Gerlachekaai.
Exploring the fleet by water and air
Those wishing to experience the Tall Ships from a different perspective can join sightseeing cruises on the Scheldt and through the city harbour.
The ships can also be admired from above. Panoramic views are available from the rooftop of the MAS, the renovated Noord viewing terrace overlooking the cruise pontoon and the giant Ferris wheel along the quays. For the adventurous, helicopter flights will offer a unique aerial perspective of the fleet.
Sustainability at the forefront
Sustainability remains a central theme of this year’s event.
Organisers have partnered with Equans to provide shore power in the city harbour, reducing reliance on onboard generators. Reusable cups and plates will help minimise waste, while environmentally friendly sanitation solutions supplied by When Nature Calls will be tested as part of efforts to make city events more sustainable.
Accessible facilities will include a wheelchair viewing platform, wheelchair-accessible toilets and an adapted bar area near the main stage.
The Tall Ships Races Antwerp 2026 are organised by the City of Antwerp and Port of Antwerp-Bruges under the umbrella of Sail Training International, with Sail Training Association Belgium serving as a partner. Event production and sponsorship are managed by Balthazar Events.
Ethias is the main sponsor of The Tall Ships Races 2026, alongside MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Water-link.
The Tall Ships Races Antwerp will take place from Saturday 11 July to Tuesday 14 July 2026.