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Join a sailing adventure on a Tall Ship and set course for new horizons!

Antwerp (BE) - Stavanger (NO)

13 July - 24 July 2026

11 days, Excelsior

From € 1595,-

Book this journey

Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25: € 1595,-

Book this journey

Excelsior:
Antwerp (BE) - Stavanger (NO)

13 July - 24 July 2026

The Tall Ships Races 2026: Race 2. Get ready for a true adventure as you sail from Antwerp, Belgium, all the way across the North Sea to the stunning Norwegian port of Stavanger. This leg of the Tall Ships Races is all about action and adrenaline, with several days and nights of non-stop racing across the open sea. On board the Excelsior you will be part of the team – split into watches, you will steer, navigate, and trim the sails, all with one goal in mind: crossing the finish line first. Feel the rush of the wind, witness unforgettable sunsets and starry skies during night watches, and build lasting friendships with your fellow trainees. After an exhilarating race, arrive in Stavanger with time to enjoy two days in port, taking part in special crew-only events and celebrating your achievements in true Tall Ships style.
Open to young Windseekers aged 15-25.
This journey will be open for bookings from the 1st of October 2025.

The Tall Ships Races 2026

Each year, a diverse fleet of tall ships, small ships, and yachts come together to champion Sail Training and build international friendships among young people. To ensure youth participation, at least half of the crew must be between 15 and 25 years old. The vessels take part in thrilling races and Cruise in Company legs, sailing between host ports and immersing themselves in lively harbour festivals along the way.

Every journey begins with a joyful sail-out in a stunning Parade of Sail, leading into several days at sea before concluding with two exciting days in the destination port. Here, trainees take part in a variety of events, from the Crew Parade and award ceremonies to the Crew Party, games, and competitions. Are you ready to set sail on this unforgettable adventure?

Ports

Antwerp is a beauitful Belgian city on the River Scheldt, connected to the North Sea via the Westerschelde estuary. With deep maritime roots, it’s home to one of the world’s largest ports. Arriving by train? You’ll be welcomed by the stunning Antwerpen-Centraal station. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Rubens House and the contemporary Museum aan de Stroom, while Chocolate Nation, the world’s largest Belgian chocolate museum, offers a delicious experience for just about everyone.

Stavanger is a vibrant modern port with a charming historic district. Its picturesque old harbour offers a lively atmosphere right in the heart of the city. Stavanger boasts a rich cultural scene and is the perfect gateway to some of Norway’s most stunning natural landscapes. Don’t forget your hiking boots – the surrounding mountains promise unforgettable views. Discover the dramatic Lysefjord, hike to the famous Preikestolen and Kjerag cliffs, or unwind on the sandy beaches of Jæren.

  • Antwerp (BE)

  • Stavanger (NO)

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Key points

  • Dates: 13 July 2026 - 24 July 2026
  • Embarkation: 17:00 / Disembarkation: 10:00
  • For Windseekers age 15-25 years
  • Windseekers joining: maximum 12
  • No sailing experience required!
  • Official language on board: English
  • Price includes: accommodation and meals, excludes drinks at the bar
  • Price excludes transportation costs to-and from the ports. Our travel counsellor can advise you and book your transfers
  • Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
  • Need to take with you on board: sleeping bag, pillowcase, and towels

  • "This adventure brings a lot of feelings with it, it's a wake-up call for life."

    Ian (20), Belgium

You sail on the Excelsior

Shipping type: Traditional fishing smack
Homeport: Lowestoft (UK)
Date built: 1921
Trainees: 12
Length: 23,6 m
Height of mast:
Sail: 8-10 sails

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Windseeker logs

  • Sunday at Sea – Cape Horn Ceremony

    Europa

    At Sea

    – by Deckhand Pelle

    Sailing is fun! But so can be sitting on your bum! The professional sailors of Europa have one thing in common, they can't seem to sit still, probably because there is always something to do. From changing sheets to mending …

    Read log

  • Bon Voyage, Plastic!

    Thalassa, July 2021

    France

    – by Trainees

    Sunday, 11th of July Once we arrived in Boulogne sûr Mer we had to wait until 9 o'clock before the embarkation on the Thalassa. So we walked a bit around the festival and the harbour. Then we met more people who …

    Read log

Photos

  • Trainees
  • Trainee

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STO Garant

This Journey is covered by the STO Garant guarantee. You can find the conditions for this guarantee scheme on STO Garant’s website (www.sto-garant.nl/en/downloads).

This process is automatic and you do not need to do anything else. After receiving your booking, Windseeker will send you detailed information on how and when to pay for your journey – together with all the other important details.

 

What does it mean?

In short: you do not pay the booking amount to Windseeker but instead into an escrow account. This trust account holds your payment in reserve until your journey’s end. The booking amount is then released to Windseeker on the day after your trip ends. If Windseeker or the Ship should become financially insolvent before the end of your trip, STO Garant will implement the guarantee. The Guarantee Scheme details how you can make a claim under the guarantee in such cases. You can read more about this here.