Where are the tall ships: Tall Ships Races, a Practical Guide
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.
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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.
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 2025 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.
Tall Ships Race Schedule
| Race Leg | Start Port | Finish Port | Parade of Sail Departure and likely arrival in next port. |
| Tall Ships Race Leg 1 | Le Havre In Port 4–7 July | Dunkirk In Port: 10–13 July | 7–10 July 2025 |
| Tall Ships Race Leg 2 | Dunkirk In Port: 10–13 July | Aberdeen In Port: 19–22 July | 13–19 July 2025 |
| Tall Ships Race Cruise-in-Company | Aberdeen In Port: 19–22 July | Kristiansand In Port: 30 July – 2 August | 22–30 July 2025 |
| Tall Ships Race Leg 3 | Kristiansand In Port: 30 July – 2 August | Esbjerg In Port: 6–9 August | 2 August – 9 August 2025 |
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.
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.
Where are the tall ships? Port-by-Port
Le Havre, France
Event Dates: 4–7 July
Overview: Starting point of the 2025 Tall Ships Races. A historic sailing port and major maritime centre.
Best Viewing Points: Cap de la Hève cliffs offer wide Channel views; quaysides near Bassin Paul Vatine allow close-up access once docked.
Getting There & Parking: Rail access from Paris. Shuttle buses and pedestrian zones likely. Car access limited near the harbour.
Accommodation Advice: Book early. Consider staying in Rouen or nearby towns with rail links.
On the Water: Cross-Channel ferries (e.g. Brittany Ferries to Portsmouth) pass near the port.
Websites:
Le Havre Tourism
HAROPA PORT
Dunkirk, France
Event Dates: 10–13 July
Overview: First-time Tall Ships Races host. Compact port with naval and cultural history.
Best Viewing Points: East Pier, Môle 1, Centrale Plage. Ships dock at Bassin de Commerce.
Getting There & Parking: Rail via TER Hauts-de-France. Expect central parking restrictions.
Accommodation Advice: Stay in Calais or inland towns with rail access if central bookings are full.
On the Water: DFDS ferries cross from Dover. Local boat trips may run during the event.
Websites:
Dunkerque Tourism
Port of Dunkerque
Aberdeen, Scotland
Event Dates: 19–22 July
Overview: Scotland’s maritime capital. Hosts major festivals and tall ship gatherings.
Best Viewing Points: Torry Battery, South Breakwater, Victoria Dock.
Getting There & Parking: Rail and bus stations walkable. Temporary restrictions likely.
Accommodation Advice: Central hotels fill early. Check Dyce and Stonehaven for options.
On the Water: NorthLink Ferries to Shetland and Orkney. Not sightseeing focused but good views.
Websites:
Visit Aberdeen
Port of Aberdeen
Kristiansand, Norway
Event Dates: 30 July – 2 August
Overview: Southern Norway’s gateway city, known for its Renaissance layout and coastal scenery. Hosted successful Tall Ships events in 2010 and 2015.
Best Viewing Points: View arrivals from Odderøya Fort or the eastern pier; the inner harbour hosts most ship moorings.
Getting There & Parking: Local ferries and trains connect from Oslo. Central parking likely restricted.
Accommodation Advice: Central hotels book early; look at Grimstad or Lillesand for quieter options.
On the Water: Fjord Line ferries and harbour cruises offer water-level views of arrivals.
Websites:
Visit Kristiansand
Port of Kristiansand
Esbjerg, Denmark
Event Dates: 6–9 August
Overview: Long-standing Tall Ships Races host on the North Sea. Events held here in 1993, 2001, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Best Viewing Points: Head to Sønderstrand beach or the iconic “Men at Sea” sculpture for dramatic photo opportunities.
Getting There & Parking: Rail connections from Copenhagen. Central roads may be closed to vehicles.
Accommodation Advice: Try Ribe or Varde if Esbjerg hotels are full.
On the Water: Ferry lines to Fanø offer scenic views during race days.
Websites:
Visit Esbjerg
Port of Esbjerg
FREE – Tall Ship Guide Book – Full details of the Classes and much more – Look in the footer.
Other Tall Ship Events 2025
Paimpol, Brittany
Event Dates: 8–10 August (Festival du Chant de Marin)
Overview: Major sea shanty and traditional boat festival held every two years. 2025 celebrates Quebec’s maritime heritage.
Best Viewing Points: Inner harbour and Quai Morand are packed with vessels; outer harbour areas offer less crowded views.
Getting There & Parking: Roads are restricted. Park-and-ride services from Ploubazlanec and Lézardrieux.
Accommodation Advice: Stay in Tréguier or Guingamp if Paimpol is full.
On the Water: Local boat rides and traditional sailing trips available.
Websites:
Festival Site
Tourisme Bretagne
Port of Paimpol
Rostock, Germany
Event Dates: 7–10 August (Hanse Sail)
Overview: One of the largest maritime festivals in the Baltic. Features regattas, open deck access, and cultural activities.
Best Viewing Points: Warnemünde Lighthouse, the west mole, and Stadthafen docks.
Getting There & Parking: Direct trains from Berlin. Road closures near waterfront likely.
Accommodation Advice: Try Bad Doberan or Kühlungsborn for overflow options.
On the Water: Harbour cruises run frequently during the festival.
Websites:
Hanse Sail
Visit Rostock
Rostock Port
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Event Dates: 20–24 August (SAIL Amsterdam)
Overview: Flagship tall ship event held every five years. Includes parade of sail, deck access, and citywide celebration.
Best Viewing Points: NDSM wharf, Java Island, and the central waterfront.
Getting There & Parking: Extensive public transport. Most central parking closed.
Accommodation Advice: Stay in Haarlem or Utrecht and take the train in.
On the Water: Book IJ-based harbour cruises or parade day trips well in advance.
Websites:
SAIL Amsterdam
Amsterdam Port
Check port authority or event websites for webcam links and temporary marine forecasts during festivals and races.
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.
Where are the Tall Ships Races in 2026
Aarhus (24-27 June),
Harlingen (3-6 July),
Antwerp (11-14 July),
Stavanger (22-25 July),
Aalborg (30 July-2 August).
Where are the Tall Ships Races in 2027
BORDEAUX – France 8 July 2027 – 11 July 2027
A CORUÑA – Spain 16 July 2027 – 19 July 2027
SINES – Portugal 29 July 2027 – 1 August 2027
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Voyages to Tall Ship Ports.
2028
Where are the tall ships in 2028? We don’t know yet but we will by December.
FREE – Tall Ship Guide Book – Full details of the Classes and much more – Look in the footer.
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Where are the tall ships – Pdf.
