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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, Wylde Swan

From € 1145,-

Book this journey

Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25: € 1145,-

Book this journey

Wylde Swan:
Aarhus (DK) - Harlingen (NL)

26 June - 05 July 2026

The Tall Ships Races 2026: Race 1. Sail from Aarhus, Denmark to Harlingen, the Netherlands on an unforgettable journey across borders and seas! Step on board in the vibrant first port of The Tall Ships Races 2026 and soak up the energy of the maritime festival before setting sail the next day in a Parade of Sail. Join the race alongside a fleet of tall ships, learning to sail as you work in watches—day and night—on your way to the finish line. Will your ship be the first to arrive? End your adventure with two exciting days in Harlingen, where you’ll march through the city in the Crew Parade, dance at the Crew Party, and take part in all the activities that make The Tall Ships Races truly one of a kind experience!
For Windseekers from all countries, 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 34
  • 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
  • Special diets possible: Vegetarian/ Lactose free/ Gluten free, some allergies. Let us know abut your dietary needs at booking!
  • Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
  • Need to take with you on board: towels
  • "This adventure brings a lot of feelings with it, it's a wake-up call for life."

    Ian (20), Belgium

You sail on the Wylde Swan

Pictured: Tall Ship Wylde Swan sailing
Shipping type: 2-masted topsail schooner
Homeport: Makkum (NL)
Date built: 1920
Trainees: 36
Length: 62 m
Height of mast: 43 m
Sail: 1130 m2

As a topsail schooner, Wylde Swan has impressive fore-and-aft sails, with a couple of additional square sails on the foremast. That makes the ship both fast and great for Sail Training activities! The crew are well-trained professional sailors and volunteers, whose …

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Windseeker logs

  • Trainees at the Vega Gamleby

    The most spectacular theatrical performance Mother Nature had to offer

    Vega Gamleby

    Gothenburg - Blyth - Gothenburg

    – by the Trainees

    Logbook trainees Vega Gamleby 2016 Gothenburg-Blyth-Gothenburg Part 3: 27-31 August   27-August-2016: Linda Today was one of the best days in my life. The whole crew played volleyball on the beach. Then be mice for the crew parade and we WON! Yeah! So now I will …

    Read log
  • We Learned How to Work Together While Setting Sails

    Gulden Leeuw, July 2018

    Sunderland-Esbjerg

    – by Ola

    When I first stepped on the Gulden Leeuw, I didn’t know anybody. I was also the only one from Poland. But people there were amazing. So open minded and patient. The first thing our Captain Robert taught us, when we got …

    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.