<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I search tall ship voyages by month?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes. Classic Sailing lets you filter voyages month by month, so you can see what is running in spring, summer, or autumn and plan around your calendar."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I search tall ship voyages by region?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes. You can browse voyages by region across the British Isles, including Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Scotland and the Hebrides, Ireland and Northern Ireland."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What tall ships sail in Scotland?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Regular departures from ports such as Oban explore the Hebrides, Outer Isles and St Kilda. Voyages range from short coastal passages to longer expeditions and all are hands-on."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Are there tall ship festivals in the UK in 2026?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "In 2026 the main Tall Ships Races route is focused on the North Sea with host ports in Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Norway. UK and Irish ports may still host visiting ships and local maritime festivals—check city and port listings for dates."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I sail on a tall ship if I have no experience?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes. No previous experience is required. Classic Sailing provides access to voyages and a Tall Ship Guidebook so you can understand rigs, sails and duties before you sail."
}
}
]
}
</script>
Where are the tall ships: Tall Ships Races, a Practical Guide
From early July to late August, some of the world’s largest traditional sailing vessels will be visiting European ports, including several in the UK. The Tall Ships Races bring together real working crews, historic rigs, and rare chances to see these giants under sail or alongside. Unfortunately the Tall Ships Races do not visit the UK in 2026. 2027 or 2028. You can still find them in some UK ports at Festivals.
I watched the second ever Tall Ships Race in Falmouth when I was 17. Since then, I’ve tracked these vessels across Europe, from France and Spain to the Canaries and Holland, South America and Norway. And it’s rarely been easy to work out when and where to see them properly.
So this year, we’ve pulled together a guide based on lived experience and practical know-how.
Want more than guesswork?
Our newsletter gives you practical tall ship updates, voyage openings, and advice on how to see them properly. Just helpful info, when it counts.
.
This guide outlines where to find them, how to track their movements, and what to expect when they arrive. If you’re serious about seeing them up close, we can help you plan ahead—and avoid missing out.
Tall Ships Races Europe 2026 Overview
The Tall Ships Races are a series of international sailing events designed to foster international friendship, youth development, and traditional seamanship. Organised by Sail Training International, the races are open to vessels of all classes, with a strong emphasis on heritage and sail training. Each summer, the fleet visits a series of host ports, drawing in millions of visitors and offering the rare chance to see square-riggers, schooners and heritage vessels up close.
Exact departure and arrival dates may vary based on weather and operational plans. Public access to ships typically begins the day before and continues throughout each port stay.
Where are the tall ships? Port-by-Port
Tall Ships Races 2026
Aarhus, Denmark – 26 June 2026
Aarhus, Denmark’s second largest city, has a strong maritime tradition and a waterfront designed for big events. Expect a bustling festival with Danish hospitality, music, and a harbour packed with tall ships against a modern city backdrop. Aarhus has previously hosted the races with large public turnouts, and its deep-water berths are ideal for Class A vessels.
Harlingen, Netherlands – 5 July 2026
This historic Frisian port is a favourite among sailors. The town embraces its seafaring past, with cobbled streets, old warehouses, and a shoreline built to handle visiting fleets. Harlingen always delivers a big crowd, and the waters of the Wadden Sea provide a fitting stage for the fleet’s arrival after the first race.
Antwerp, Belgium – 13 July 2026
Antwerp is one of Europe’s busiest commercial ports, but it opens its historic quays to tall ships with a warm welcome. The city is famous for its maritime heritage and cultural life, making it one of the largest public gatherings of the series. Expect parades, fireworks, and strong Belgian beer tents along the river Scheldt.
Stavanger, Norway – 24 July 2026
Norway’s fjord coast provides one of the most dramatic backdrops for the tall ships. Stavanger combines a lively waterfront festival with access to sheltered anchorages and stunning sailing waters. The approach into the fjords is always memorable, and the Norwegian public turns out in force.
Aalborg, Denmark – 1 August 2026
Aalborg regularly ranks among the most popular Tall Ships hosts. The city sits on the Limfjord, where the tall ships moor right in the heart of town. Aalborg’s reputation is for high turnout, late-night music, and one of the best-organised festival atmospheres in the circuit.
.
The Journeys 2026
- Race 1: Aarhus to Harlingen, 26 June – 5 July. A classic North Sea race with plenty of tide and shifting winds.
- Cruise in Company: Harlingen to Antwerp, 5 – 13 July. A social stage, often with small flotillas and opportunities for crew exchanges.
- Race 2: Antwerp to Stavanger, 13 – 24 July. The longest leg, across the North Sea and into Norwegian waters.
- Race 3: Stavanger to Aalborg, 24 July – 1 August. A shorter race but with strong tactical challenges in fjord and Kattegat waters.
Tall Ships Races 2027
Bordeaux, France – 10 July 2027
Bordeaux is no stranger to tall ships. The fleet moors along the River Garonne, directly under the city’s famous quays and wine warehouses. It’s one of the most picturesque settings, blending France’s Atlantic heritage with urban elegance.
A Coruña, Spain – 18 July 2027
A natural harbour and historic seaport, A Coruña offers easy access for ships and an enthusiastic Spanish welcome. The waterfront is perfect for festivals, with a backdrop of Galician culture and seafood markets.
Sines, Portugal – 31 July 2027
A port with deep historical roots, Sines was the birthplace of explorer Vasco da Gama. The harbour town mixes modern facilities with historic fortifications, and the Portuguese are known for strong maritime celebrations.
.
The Journeys 2027
- Race 1: Bordeaux to A Coruña, 10 – 18 July. A Biscay crossing with variable conditions and a chance of Atlantic swell.
- Race 2: A Coruña to Sines, 18 – 31 July. A longer stretch down Iberia’s Atlantic seaboard, testing crews with coastal and offshore tactics.
Tall Ships Races 2028
Kiel, Germany – 24 June 2028
Kiel is home to Kieler Woche, the world’s largest sailing regatta, and it has the infrastructure to host the tall ships in style. Expect a major maritime festival with global attention.
Turku, Finland – 8 July 2028
Finland’s oldest city, Turku, has a riverside quay that can accommodate the tall ships in a festival atmosphere. The event connects with Finland’s maritime history and vibrant summer celebrations.
Tallinn, Estonia – 14 July 2028
Tallinn’s medieval city walls overlook a modern port that has welcomed the tall ships before. Estonia’s capital combines a seafaring past with a lively cultural calendar, making it an ideal stop for the Cruise in Company.
Szczecin, Poland – 24 July 2028
Szczecin has become a flagship Tall Ships host. The port city draws some of the biggest crowds of the entire series, with vast festival spaces along the Oder River and Polish enthusiasm for sailing on full display.
.
The Journeys 2028
- Race 1: Kiel to Turku, 24 June – 8 July. A Baltic crossing with long daylight hours and tactical coastal sailing.
- Cruise in Company: Turku to Tallinn, 8 – 14 July. A relaxed voyage where ships often anchor together and crews swap experiences.
- Race 2: Tallinn to Szczecin, 14 – 24 July. A final sprint across the Baltic with Szczecin providing one of the biggest finales of the series.
Participating Ships
The Tall Ships Races welcome a wide range of traditional and modern sail training vessels. These are divided into four formal classes based on size and rig type:
Class A
Includes the largest square-rigged ships and full-rigged tall ships over 40m. Examples include barques, brigs, and full-rigged ships like Statsraad Lehmkuhl or Mir.
Class B
Traditionally rigged vessels less than 40m in length. These often include schooners, ketches and gaff-rigged cutters.
Class C
Modern rigged vessels under 40m (usually bermudan sloop or yawl rigs) not using traditional sail plans.
Class D
Similar to Class C but with spinnaker or gennaker use allowed. Often faster and more performance-oriented modern yachts.
Notable ships to watch for each year often include iconic international sail training vessels, national naval training ships, and privately-owned heritage craft taking part in the full route or individual legs.
Many of these vessels open to the public while in port, offering tours and deck access depending on crew schedules and local arrangements.
FREE – Tall Ship Guide Book – Full details of the Classes and much more – Look in the footer.
Live Vessel Tracking and AIS Tools
Modern Ship Spotting
To find out where are the tall ships in real time with has never been easier. Modern ship spotting is easy with these tools, they let you follow their positions, planned arrivals, and even their past routes. Most rely on AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, updated via satellite and coastal receivers.
Recommended AIS Tools:
- MarineTraffic – Live maps, ship profiles, weather overlays.
- VesselFinder – Real-time positioning, ship search by type, satellite view.
- ShipFinder – Simple, user-friendly tracking interface.
- ShipAtlas – Search in your app store. Popular for planning and port access.
- VesselTracker – Tracks voyages and allows playback of historic movements.
Many port authority websites also offer live ship lists, webcams, and local arrival boards.
Weather and Visibility
Weather plays a key role in how—and where—you’ll see tall ships. Clear skies and good visibility are ideal, but wind direction and strength also matter. A light onshore breeze often brings ships closer to land. Offshore winds may keep them at a distance.
Early mornings offer softer light, fewer crowds, and more stable visibility before haze or cloud builds. Rain or poor visibility often passes quickly, with brief clear periods offering dramatic light and sail views.
Marine Forecast Tools:
- Windy – Excellent for wind, wave and weather overlays.
- XCWeather – Hour-by-hour UK and European forecasts.
- Windguru – Used by sailors and kite surfers for detailed local breakdowns.
FREE – Tall Ship Guide Book – Full details of the Classes and much more – Look in the footer.
Need Help?
Trying to pick the best port for access?
Wondering where to stay without a car?
Not sure which ships are open to the public—or if sailing aboard suits you better?
Just ask.
This guide offers the big picture. For specific questions, we’re happy to help you plan the details..
.
FREE – Tall Ship Guide Book – Full details of the Classes and much more – Look in the footer.
.
Where are the tall ships – Pdf.
