Antwerp Welcomes 37 Tall Ships as Global Maritime Festival and Sailing Race Returns to Boost Tourism, Port Heritage and Youth Training
Antwerp is preparing to host one of Europe’s most spectacular maritime events as The Tall Ships Races 2026 brings 37 of the world’s most iconic sailing vessels to the Belgian port city from July 11 to July 14. The internationally renowned maritime festival will transform the Scheldt waterfront into a major attraction for shipping enthusiasts, tourists, and the global sailing community while highlighting Antwerp’s centuries-old maritime heritage.
The event marks the eighth time Antwerp has hosted The Tall Ships Races, with the impressive fleet berthing along the Scheldt Quays, Kattendijk Dock, and the docks surrounding MAS. Serving as the second leg of the international sailing competition, participating vessels will depart Antwerp on July 14 and continue their voyage to Stavanger, Norway, following the opening race from Aarhus, Denmark, to Harlingen, Netherlands. After Stavanger, the final race will conclude in Denmark.
The Tall Ships Races are widely recognized not only for showcasing historic sailing ships but also for promoting international cooperation, maritime education, youth leadership, and cultural exchange. Antwerp’s partnership with Port of Antwerp-Bruges once again places the city at the center of one of the world’s most celebrated sailing events, strengthening the connection between the port, local communities, and the international maritime sector.
Mayor Els van Doesburg said Antwerp’s historic relationship with the River Scheldt makes the city a natural destination for the magnificent fleet. She noted that the arrival of the majestic vessels reflects Antwerp’s rich maritime legacy and gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of traditional seafaring in one of Europe’s leading port cities.
Johan Klaps, Alderman responsible for Port and Economy, emphasized that the event strengthens ties between the port and the people of Antwerp while showcasing the values that have defined the city’s maritime identity for centuries, including craftsmanship, international connectivity, adventure, and opportunities for young talent. He said the collaboration between the City of Antwerp and Port of Antwerp-Bruges demonstrates the importance of maritime culture in the region.
Alderman for Tourism Koen Kennis described the relationship between Antwerp and The Tall Ships Races as a long-standing success story. He highlighted that dozens of ships,including 13 impressive Class A vessels, often referred to as the “cathedrals of the sea”, will dock in the historic city center, reflecting Antwerp’s reputation as one of the event’s most welcoming host ports.
The participating fleet includes vessels from Classes A, B, C, and D, with the largest Class A sailing ships serving as the main attraction for visitors throughout the four-day maritime celebration.
A key highlight of this year’s event is Team Antwerp, which consists of 132 young trainees selected through a recruitment campaign organized jointly by the city and the port. During the races, these trainees will live and work aboard the sailing ships, gaining practical maritime experience while developing leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their education and future careers.
As the official host port, Antwerp has planned an extensive four-day public program featuring open ship visits, live entertainment, cultural performances, crew activities, food festivals, and family attractions. The celebrations begin with the Sail In on July 10, welcoming the arriving fleet into the port.
Visitors will be able to board many of the participating vessels on July 11, when the official Tall Ships Races flag ceremony takes place alongside the raising of the national flags of all participating ships. On July 12, sporting competitions involving international trainees will be followed by the colorful Crew Parade through the city before a fireworks display concludes the evening. Public ship visits continue on July 13, while the event concludes on July 14 with the spectacular Parade of Sail, during which the fleet departs Antwerp for the next stage of the race.
Entertainment across Schengenplein, Steenplein, and the Scheldt quays will feature live music from numerous artists, bands, and DJs throughout the weekend, creating a festival atmosphere alongside the maritime celebrations.
For visitors wishing to admire the fleet from the water, dedicated sightseeing cruises will operate on the River Scheldt and within Antwerp’s harbor, offering panoramic views of the historic sailing ships from a unique perspective.
Sustainability remains a central focus of the 2026 edition. Organizers have introduced shore power facilities in cooperation with EQUANS to reduce emissions while vessels are berthed in the city harbor. The event will also utilize reusable drinking cups, environmentally friendly sanitation facilities, and improved accessibility measures, including wheelchair platforms and accessible public amenities.
The Tall Ships Races Antwerp are organized jointly by the City of Antwerp and Port of Antwerp-Bruges under the umbrella of Sail Training International (STI), with support from Sail Training Association Belgium and event partner Balthazar Events. The 2026 edition is supported by Ethias as the main sponsor, alongside MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Water-link, reinforcing strong collaboration between the maritime industry and one of Europe’s premier sailing events.
