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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 city in Belgium, on the River Scheldt, which is linked to the North Sea by the Westerschelde estuary. Its long maritime traditions are clear in the fact that the Port of Antwerp is one of the largest in the world. Come by train and you will be greeted by the monumental Antwerpen-Centraal station. Art lovers cannot miss the Rubens House and Museum aan de Stroom, while the Chocolate Nation, the largest Belgian Chocolate museum in the world, should appeal to most visitors!

Stavanger is a modern port, but retains a small historic district. The lovely old harbour is a favourite stopover for big cruiseships that tower over the buildings. The city has a lively cultural scene, and is surrounded by numerous outdoor destinations well worth a visit. Explore the narrow, rocky Lysefjord and the mountains Preikestolen and Kjerag, or relax on Jæren’s beaches. Make sure to bring hiking boots, as the mountains stand over 1000 meters tall.

  • Antwerp (BE)

  • Stavanger (NO)

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
  • "I conquered the fear of climbing up high."

    Ang (25), Malaysia

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

  • On the Right Course

    Gulden Leeuw, 2017 Rendez-Vous Tall Ships Regatta

    Atlantic Crossing from Halifax to Le Havre

    – by Anna (mentor's notes)

      Aug 2nd 2017   Second Day at Sea Today we have started hauling a smaller vessel, Peter von Danzig – we are currently expecting to go on motor for 2 days before the race will resume. The evening was much calmer than yesterday …

    Read log
  • Wylde Swan

    Endless Ocean Views

    Wylde Swan, 14 October - 21 November

    Sailing from Harlingen to Tenerife. On board: crew and trainees

    – by Jeske Zijlstra, Deckhand

    After a night of playing with the anchor, it's time to set sail again. Without any sleep, we're preparing the Ship for strong backwinds and high waves. For Barry (the small sail) it’s the perfect time to show up. Carefully putting …

    Read log

Photos

  • Trainee
  • Sørlandet
  • Sørlandet

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.