Practical information

Yes, but only through an association. Are you a member of a youth movement, sports club or another organisation? If so, you are very welcome to volunteer!

At this year's event, you cannot participate individually as a volunteer, because we will not be able to insure you.

The events agency Balthazar Events is coordinating the work carried out by volunteers. Register your association by email at tallships@balthazarevents.be.

Yes. We provide a flat fee to boost the club's coffers.

The Tall Ships Races 2026 consist of 2 races. The first race starts on 3 July in Aarhus, Denmark, and ends in Harlingen, Netherlands. The ships will sail from there to Antwerp and arrive on 11 July. On 14 July, they will set off on the second leg of the race towards Stavanger, Norway. Trainees can choose which race to participate in.

Unfortunately, all places for the Antwerp Crew are taken. Would you still like to sail on board during The Tall Ships Races? If so, please get in touch with Windseeker or STAB.

Dozens of ships will participate in The Tall Ships Races. The list is not yet complete, so please check back regularly for updates. See the participating ships.

The classification into classes is mainly related to the length of the ship and the way a ship is rigged. This refers only to the length of the hull and therefore does not include the bowsprit, the pulpit, or other protrusions.

Class A

The largest Tall Ships belong to class A. Class A ships are longer than 40 metres and are square-rigged.

Class B

A sailing vessel that is traditionally rigged and is 9.14 to 40 metres in length belongs to Class B.

Class C and D

Is a ship between 9.14 and 40 metres, but does it have modern rigging? Then it belongs to class C or D. Class C ships do not have a spinnaker (a headsail that makes you sail faster). Class D ships do have this.

Do you want to know which ship is in the lead during the races? Then check out the tracking page of Sail Training International. Select the race which you want to follow and click on a ship. Then you will get the most important information and the most recent ranking. Cheer them on!

From July 10, the ships will moor at various locations in the Antwerp docks and along the Scheldt quays. On July 11, all ships will be in the city. You can find the berths of all ships on the overview map.

No. The Kattendijk Dock is also home to a fine fleet of sailing heritage vessels. Here you can discover smaller ships with a rich history. Various round-bottomed and flat-bottomed vessels, which used to sail on rivers and inland waterways, were once used for fishing or transport. They form an indispensable part of Belgium’s heritage.

Want to board a ship during The Tall Ships Races? Then follow these guidelines for an enjoyable visit:

• The ships have parquet floors. Do not wear heels or shoes that could damage the ship's parquet, such as stiletto heels or shoes with spiked soles.
• You can access the ships via a rope ladder or gangway. This may be steep and narrow. So hold on tight when you walk over it and enter the ship.
• The crew works hard to make the ship look pristine, please respect this while on board. Do not leave rubbish behind, do not smoke on board and leave your food or drink back on land.
• The ships look forward to welcoming you, but some ships may not be accessible (temporarily). The captain is in charge of the ship and can deny access if he deems it necessary. That could relate to safety, briefing his crew, etc.
• No pets are allowed on board.
• There may be queues to board a ship. Children are likely to join us, so please do not smoke in the queue.
• The event will take place on the waterfront, please be careful at this location and keep a close eye on small children.

No. You are welcome to visit* the ships during opening hours. Come and explore your favourite tall ship!

*Captains may decide, due to circumstances, to close their ship to the public temporarily.

No, the ships are free to tour and visit from 10am to 6pm. Activities in the city are also free.

At previous editions, more than 500,000 national and international visitors came to Antwerp. Expect at least as many this year!

We are expecting a large number of enthusiasts to attend and things are likely to be very busy during the event. Arrive in good time and check how to get here before setting off. The best option is to leave your car at home and use public transport, a bike or a scooter, or come on foot. An den Scheldekaaien und in der Umgebung rund um das MAS kann es zu Beeinträchtigungen kommen. You can find the most efficient route at Smart ways to Antwerp.

Are you coming by car to The Tall Ships Races? As we are expecting large crowds, we do not recommend you drive your car all the way into the city centre. Park your car in a Park and Ride on the outskirts of the city and take the tram or a bike to the event.

Are you coming by bike? Then park your bike in one of the additional bike racks:

• on Steenplein
• on MAS (Godefriduskaai en Laureiskaai)
• on Havenhuis (Madrasstraat en Merantiskaai)

The event is also easily accessible by public transport and on foot. Check the complete accessibility on Smart ways to Antwerp.

Are you visiting Antwerp for several days? Our partner hotel ‘t Sandt still has a few rooms available for the weekend of 11–14 July. Other hotels in Antwerp will also be more than happy to accommodate you.

Children are very welcome at The Tall Ships Races! There is a musical programme and entertainment for the little ones.

Are you boarding a ship? Then keep a close eye on your child, as no special safety measures are taken for children. It is also best not to take a buggy on board, the historic ships are not equipped for this and sometimes have narrow passages.

The Tall Ships Races are partially accessible to people with reduced mobility:

• Accessible toilets are provided at every event square

• There are plenty of seating areas

• In the South event zone, there is a wheelchair-friendly stage from which you can watch the performances.

• Would you like to park? Please use the existing disabled parking spaces in the vicinity of the event squares:

• Scheldt Quays South area: Steendok & Kooldok car parks
• Steenplein: Grote Markt car park
• MAS: Hangar 26 & Godefriduskaai car parks

• Please note: the ground along the Scheldt quays is cobbled.
• Please note: you board the tall ships via a steep gangway. Do you find it difficult to walk up stairs or steps? If so, it’s best to view the ships from the quays.

Certainly. Several partners offer boat tours during the event. This gives you a unique view of the ships and allows you to enjoy the experience in peace. View the overview and reserve your spot.

Yes, you also get a unique view of the ships from the air. Helimo offers helicopter flights on all days of the event. You depart from the temporary heliport at Blue Gate and fly over the harbor, city, and tall ships. You can find more information at helimo.be.

No. Drones are prohibited during the event.