About The Tall Ships Races
What are The Tall Ships Races?
As the name suggests, The Tall Ships Races is a race that takes place between different ports around the world every year. The Tall Ships Races is organised by Sail Training International.
The event took place for the first time in 1956, and the purpose was to gather full riggers for a sailing event. Since then The Tall Ships Races have grown in scale and popularity. Today, ships from more than 30 different nations participate, and the meeting of nations and cultural exchange has become the core element of The Tall Ships Races.
The ships race in four classes (A, B, C and D). But it is not just about crossing the finishing line first. The most prestigious trophy goes to the ship, proving to be the best to promote understanding and relationships amongst the participating nations.
Sail Training International
Sail Training International is a charitable organisation whose purpose is the education and development of young people of all nationalities, religious and social backgrounds through sailing training.
The organisation consists of sail training organisations from Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Holland, India, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary and the United States.
The Tall Ships Races 2026
Some of the world’s most beautiful tall ships, 1,500 crewmembers and 750,000 guests are expected to visit Aalborg when the city is the last port of The Tall Ships Races 2026.
In connection with The Tall Ships Races 2026, the harbour areas on both sides of the fjord are set up as "event areas" with service facilities and entertainment for ships' crews and the public.
Naturally, the tall ships are the main attraction, but a visit to The Tall Ships Races will also include musical and cultural experiences for the whole family.
During the fleet’s visit in Aalborg, crewmembers will be able to participate in various sporting competitions and sightseeing tours to the city's sights.
In 2026, The Tall Ships Races fleet visits the following cities:
- Aarhus – Denmark. 24 June 2026 – 27 June 2026
- Harlingen – Netherlands. 3 July 2026 – 6 July 2026
- Antwerp – Belgium. 11 July 2026 – 14 July 2026
- Stavanger – Norway. 22 July 2026 – 25 July 2026
- Aalborg – Denmark. 30 July 2026 – 2 August 2026
