Europe tour for Tall Ships

The year 2026 marks an important milestone for Sail Training International, as the organisation will then celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Tall Ships Races with a tour through five ports in Europe, near us the ships can be seen in Antwerp and Harlingen.

The first Tall Ships Races took place in 1956 as a tribute to the world’s last magnificent Class A ships. Due to its incredible success and huge popularity, the Sail Training Committee decided to make it a recurring event, which not only brought the international sailing community together, but also encouraged friendly rivalry and personal development through sail training. 70 years later, Sail Training International and their dedicated team have provided more than 20,000 young people with the adventure of a lifetime; an experience that has helped shape their futures and career paths.

Youth central

Vanessa Mori, CEO of Sail Training International, says: “As organisers of The Tall Ships Races, young people are at the heart of everything we do. Taking part in a Sail Training trip is a life-changing experience, regardless of your background, gender or nationality. Year after year, participants show how such a voyage helps build resilience and self-confidence, how it encourages teamwork, boosts self-esteem, develops better communication skills and, importantly, creates opportunities to foster international friendships and understanding of other cultures. We believe this is needed now more than ever. It is truly magical to witness the transformation of a young person entering the races, often unsure of themselves and what lies ahead, and then to see them disembark at the end of the journey with renewed self-confidence, new friends and a new belief in themselves.”

Mori continued: “While we celebrate our history and achievements, we also look ahead to the future. In an increasingly divided world and in a digital age, where the pressure on young people is significant, opportunities to disconnect from the digital world in various ways and reconnect are more important now than ever. We remain committed to finding new ways to reach more young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, and ensure that they can benefit from the life-changing experience that is a sailing training trip.”

Friendship and courage

James George, chairman of Sail Training International’s supervisory board, says: “Even now, so early in 2026, the year has reminded us that life rarely takes its true course. As Sail Training International celebrates its 70th anniversary, we reflect not only on seven remarkable decades of impact, but also on the thousands of young people whose lives have been transformed by the opportunities, experiences and challenges of the Tall Ships Races. This milestone is not just a celebration of history. It is a celebration of international friendship, human endeavour and the courage to set sail into the unknown. Values that are as important today as they were in 1956. On behalf of myself and my fellow board members: congratulations on your 70th birthday, Sail Training International.”

The Tall Ships Races 2026 series returns to northern Europe this year, starting on 24 June and lasting until Sunday 2 August. The programme includes three exciting and challenging racing stages. Five host ports will be visited, including Aarhus, Harlingen, Antwerp, Stavanger and Aalborg, and a warm welcome is promised to the fleet and crews at each stop.

For more information on the 70th anniversary, the festivities, how to participate or how to support the charity’s mission, visit Sail Training International.

Source: Boatmag
Photo: Sail Training International

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