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

Aarhus (DK) - Harlingen (NL)

26 June - 05 July 2026

9 days, Excelsior

From € 1305,-

Book this journey

Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25: € 1305,-

Book this journey

Excelsior:
Aarhus (DK) - Harlingen (NL)

26 June - 05 July 2026

The Tall Ships Races 2026: Race 1. Set sail for an adventurous journey from Denmark to the Netherlands. Join Excelsior in Aarhus and leave the port in a Parade of Sail before embarking on an exciting race against an international fleet of large and small ships. Take the helm, work with sails, navigate, and set course for the win! Cross the finish line and make your way to Harlingen, where you will spend the last two days celebrating in port. Join the Crew Party, Crew Parade, games and competitions, and share your sea stories with trainees from all over the world!
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

Aarhus is a port city on the northeast coast of Jutland, Denmark. One of its highlights is Den Gamle By, an open-air museum featuring historic buildings from across the country. The impressive 13th-century cathedral is another must-see. With its laid-back atmosphere and plenty to explore, Aarhus is a favourite among tall ship crews who return again and again. Just west of the city, lakes and forests offer great hiking opportunities for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.

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.

  • Aarhus (DK)

  • Harlingen (NL)

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Key points

  • Dates: 26 June 2026 - 5 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
  • "I learned a lot about both sailing and sustainability, and the social life was amazing."

    Thea (20), Denmark

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

  • Clean Circle Navigators 2019: plastic research

    – by Maarten Erich, Science Coordinator of By The Ocean We Unite & Anna Gudarowska, Windseeker

    In 2019 Windseeker teamed up with By the Ocean we Unite (now: The Ocean Movement) for the first time. In the summer 148 Windseekers took part in the first Sustainable Sailing journeys (now: Clean Circle Navigators) on four Tall Ships. …

    Read log
  • A Gentle Reminder of How Far We’ve Come

    Gulden Leeuw, August 2017

    Halifax - Le Havre Atlantic Crossing

    – by Trainees

    August 3rd Hannson Paul, Phil Truchon Second day ocean sailing in Rendez-Vous 2017, all is going well so far. Yesterday we had to take down all the sails and begin to use our engine towards the next checkpoint due to the lack …

    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.