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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, James Cook

From € 1000,-

Book this journey

Tall Ships Races Sail Training

18+: € 1000,-

Book this journey

James Cook:
Harlingen (NL) - Antwerp (BE)

05 July - 13 July 2026

The Tall Ships Races 2026, Cruise in Company. Join James Cook in Harlingen for a truly unique leg of the Tall Ships Races, which combines maritime events in port with relaxed, scenic sailing. Set off in a Parade of Sail and begin your journey toward Antwerp. Without the time pressure of the race, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to learn everything you want about sailing, from steering and navigation to hoisting sails and lookout duties. Along the way, explore the stunning coastlines of the Netherlands and Belgium. Depending on the wind, we may stop in a small harbor or drop anchor in a sheltered bay for a refreshing swim. With beautiful sandy beaches, quaint islands, and charming villages along the way, there’s always something new to discover. Finally, sail into Antwerp, where the last two days of your voyage are spent in port, exploring this remarkable maritime city and joining crew-exclusive events. Don’t miss your chance for this unforgettable adventure!
Open to all Windseekers aged 18+

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)

Key points

  • Dates: 5 July 2026 - 13 July 2026
  • Embarkation: 17:00 / Disembarkation: 10:00
  • For Windseekers of all ages, minimum age 18 years
  • Windseekers joining: up to 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, pillow, pillowcase, towels
  • "I have met new people, been up in the mast, seen indescribable sunsets and laughed a lot. Learning how to sail a ship has been the coolest thing I have done so far and I have confidence in what I do now."

    Annette (18), Denmark

You sail on the James Cook

Shipping type: Ketch
Homeport: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Date built: 1986
Trainees: 12
Length: 21 m
Height of mast: 23 m
Sail:

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
  • We were flying over the water with the power of the sails under our feet

    – by

    Today was the day that my adventure started: I would depart from Brest France to Langesund Norway on a 12 day long sailing voyage. I met different people from various nationalities, with whom we would create beautiful friendships.

    Read log

Photos

  • Trainee
  • Sørlandet
  • Sørlandet

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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.