Header trainee

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, Williwaw

From € 450,-

Book this journey

Tall Ships Races Sail Training

21-25: € 450,-

Book this journey

Williwaw:
Aarhus (DK) - Harlingen (NL)

26 June - 05 July 2026

*Places at request* The Tall Ships Races 2026, Race 1. Join the Belgian Williwaw for the first leg of The Tall Ships Races 2026 and sail from Aarhus to Harlingen with an impressive international fleet. Live the rhythm of the sea as you sail in watches, day and night, alongside fellow trainees and an experienced crew. Take the helm, navigate with sea charts, and handle the sails to keep the vessel performing at its best. After crossing the finish line, enjoy two full days in Harlingen filled with celebrations: march through the town in the Crew Parade, join the Crew Party, and cheer during the prize-giving ceremony. Will you make the podium?
For Windseekers aged 21-25 (18-21 at request).

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)

Key points

  • Dates: 26 June 2026 - 5 July 2026
  • Embarkation: 17:00 / Disembarkation: 10:00
  • For Windseekers aged 21-25
  • Windseekers joining: maximum 4
  • 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 bags and towels
  • "I liked to be offline for a few days."

    Maria (19), Germany

You sail on the Williwaw

Shipping type: kits
Homeport: Antwerp (BE)
Date built: 1970
Trainees: 4
Length: 13 m
Height of mast: 17 m
Sail: 92 m2

Williwaw made its mark in 1979 when Willy de Roos became the first to sail around the American continent from east to west, navigating the Northwest Passage from Greenland through the Bering Strait to reach North America's west coast. Later, …

Read more

Windseeker logs

  • Ship

    Absolutely Awesome Day

    Europa

    Southern Atlantic Ocean

    – by Annie van Haaren

    Today was absolutely awesome. Waking from a good 7 hour sleep to breakfast, first time in 5 days as I had been sleeping right through it when on the dog watch. We had watch from 8 am till 12 midday. …

    Read log
  • Plastic Research: 2024

    – by

    Preliminary results of 2024 indicate an average particle count of 7226 particles per square kilometer, with a maximum of 24199 particles per square kilometer recorded. Notably, the highest sample revealed an alarming 58 particles within just 30 minutes of trawling. …

    Read log

Photos

  • Trainees
  • Trainee

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.