The Tall Ships Races, which visited Antwerp for the eighth time, turned the city into a major public celebration. Until the 14th of July, the 34 sailing ships were moored along the Scheldt Quays and in the Docks. Over four days, they attracted more than 500,000 visitors who came to enjoy not only the ships themselves but also the atmosphere, the performances, the fireworks, and delicious food and drinks.

It was not just the historic tall ships that drew a massive crowd. The many side activities also made this edition a great success. Sunday was the absolute highlight of the day, featuring sports and games competitions for trainees, the traditional Crew Parade, the awards ceremony, and a spectacular fireworks display to conclude the event. 

The live concerts at Schengenplein, Steenplein, and the Scheldt Quays by Regi, Piet Piraat, Omdat Het Kan & Average Rob, Miss Angel, and many others were also hugely popular. The Sail Out was organised again after 10 years, and the people of Antwerp turned out in large numbers to wave goodbye to the departing ships.

Mayor Els van Doesburg (N-VA): “The Scheldt is our source of prosperity, and our city has grown by looking at the world openly and freely. You can feel that during The Tall Ships Races in every street and on every quay. For four days, the Scheldt brought people together: Antwerp residents, visitors from home and abroad, and crews from all corners of the globe, just as our river has done for centuries. I am particularly proud of everyone who once again made this edition an unforgettable public celebration.”

Alderman for Port and Economy Johan Klaps (N-VA): “Once again, The Tall Ships Races have proven how strong the bond is between our port, the city, and its inhabitants. For four days, thousands of visitors enjoyed the impressive sailing ships, while the international crews and hundreds of trainees, in turn, fully appreciated the warm welcome and unique atmosphere in Antwerp. The absolute highlight for me was the Crew Parade, where the enthusiasm, energy, and friendship between young people from all corners of the world vibrated through the streets. That is exactly what The Tall Ships Races stand for: connecting people across national borders and bringing Antwerp’s maritime DNA to life.”

Alderman for Tourism Koen Kennis (N-VA): “That Antwerp and The Tall Ships Races are a perfect match was confirmed again this weekend. The ships docked in the historic heart of the city, and that is precisely what makes an edition in Antwerp special every time. Visitors flocked to our quays. Antwerp proves time and again that major international events truly come into their own here. I am already looking forward to the next edition, where we hope to welcome even more ships.” 34 ships from 13 different countries participated in this year’s route from Harlingen to Antwerp, bringing together young people from all over the world to work together to reach our city. 43 young people from Antwerp boarded the ships in the Netherlands and sailed – some for the first time – towards their home port of Antwerp. Today, 89 trainees departed on an adventure towards Stavanger in Norway. An experience that Team Antwerp will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

On to the next race

The Tall Ships Races 2026 consist of three races. The first race started in Aarhus (Denmark) and ended in Harlingen (the Netherlands). From there, the ships set course for Antwerp and docked on 10 July. After a fantastic weekend in Antwerp, the ships are setting course again today for the second race. This takes the fleet to Stavanger in Norway, after which the third and final leg ends in Aalborg (Denmark).

Moreover, the future of The Tall Ships Races in Antwerp is secured. As an Anchor Port, the city is allowed to host the Races every four years. This recognition underscores the strong cooperation between the city, the port, and the organization, and confirms Antwerp as a permanent international home port for the event.

So see you in 2030? This year’s press release doesn’t explicitly says so, but four years ago, the commitment was more firm.