Header trainee

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

Harlingen (NL) - Antwerp (BE)

05 July - 13 July 2026

8 days, Excelsior

From € 1160,-

Book this journey

Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25: € 1160,-

Book this journey

Excelsior:
Harlingen (NL) - Antwerp (BE)

05 July - 13 July 2026

The Tall Ships Races 2026: Cruise in Company. Set sail from Harlingen and discover the scenic coasts of the Netherlands and Belgium on this unforgettable voyage to Antwerp. Start your adventure in style by joining the majestic Parade of Sail, surrounded by a fleet of international tall ships. On board the Excelsior you’ll become part of the trainee crew – hoist sails, take the helm, and help navigate along the coast. Drop anchor in charming small harbours, explore hidden gems, and if the winds are right, meet up with another vessel for shared fun and games at sea. As you arrive in Antwerp – a historic maritime city rich in culture – you’ll join the festivities, connect with trainees from around the world, and celebrate the end of your journey in true Windseeker style. A week of sailing, learning, and friendship you won’t soon forget!
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

Harlingen is a historic trade and fishing port in Friesland, the Netherlands, with roots going back over a thousand years. Its charming old town features well-preserved streets and buildings, perfect for exploring on foot. Despite its small size, Harlingen has a lively atmosphere and was a proud port of call for the Tall Ships Races in 2022. With its gezellig pubs and welcoming vibe, Harlingen is an ideal stopover for any traveler.

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.

  • Harlingen (NL)

  • Antwerp (BE)

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Key points

  • Dates: 5 July 2026 - 13 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
  • "The wind increased and when we took down some sails, I felt the adrenalin rush through my body."

    Max (17), Germany

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

Windseeker logs

  • We sail together. We sweat together. We smile together.

    Vega Gamleby

    Gothenburg - Blyth - Gothenburg

    – by the Trainees

    Logbook trainees Vega Gamleby 2016 Gothenburg-Blyth-Gothenburg Part 1: 23-24 August We sail together. We sweat together. We smile together. We are friends. We are family. We are the champion.   23-August-2016: Linda Today it was a wonderful day. We started with a climb lesson for the …

    Read log
  • Trainees on the Tecla

    Race of the Classics

    Tecla

    Ipswich, UK

    – by Officer Jet

    The Tecla is currently participating in the Race of the Classics for Young Professionals. This is a race that is organized every year in the autumn. Yesterday the 24 participating vessels left the Veerhaven in Rotterdam, sailing in parade they went …

    Read log

Photos

  • Dolphins
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OTHER JOURNEYS YOU MIGHT LIKE

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.