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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, Gulden Leeuw

From € 960,-

Book this journey

Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25: € 960,-

Book this journey

Gulden Leeuw:
Harlingen (NL) - Antwerp (BE)

05 July - 13 July 2026

The Tall Ships Races 2026: Cruise in Company. Join Gulden Leeuw for a scenic voyage along the Dutch coast. Step aboard in Harlingen and set off in a festive Parade of Sail alongside a fleet of international tall ships. As you head south, you’ll learn to sail and explore the coastline, perhaps even anchoring with another vessel for a swim or a beach BBQ! With no race pressure, this relaxed leg gives you the chance to dive into every part of life on board, from steering and navigating to climbing the masts and handling sails. The adventure continues ashore in Antwerp, where the final two days are packed with port celebrations: Crew Parade, Crew Party, concerts, games, and time to connect with new friends from ships around the world.
For 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)

Key points

  • Dates: 5 July 2026 - 13 July 2026
  • Embarkation: 17:00 / Disembarkation: 10:00
  • For Windseekers age 15-25 years
  • Windseekers joining: maximum 55
  • No sailing experience required!
  • Official language on board: English and Dutch
  • 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 bags and towels
  • "Looking at the sea, and only sea, for so many days, clears the mind.  "

    Anu (23)

You sail on the Gulden Leeuw

Shipping type: Topsail Schooner
Homeport: Kampen (NL)
Date built: 1937
Trainees: 60
Length: 70,1 m
Height of mast: 40 m
Sail: 1500 m2

The Gulden Leeuw is a three-masted topsail schooner, which means that you can climb the 40-metre mast to unpack the square sails. That’s approximately 12 stories high! But do not worry, you can start with the lowest yard. With 1500 …

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Windseeker logs

  • 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
  • The Archipelago of Ideas

    Valborg, July 2022

    Finland

    – by Mentor Davide and Trainees

    Dear reader, Today is the first day on board the Valborg in the Helsinki Harbour! It was the start of our two-week sailing program, from the 16th of July until the 30th of July, 2022. Initially, we would be sailing from …

    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.