The Excitement Builds in Antwerp on Day One

After six years away and three years of planning, the Tall Ships fleet returned to the beautiful Belgian city of Antwerp for the third stop of the The Tall Ships Races 2022…

Ships began their arrival Thursday 21 July, along the river Scheldt and through a series of locks, in what is one of the most complex fleet approaches in any of our Host Ports. Thousands of visitors and spectators have already flocked to view the splendour of the Tall Ships in Antwerp.

Over the next four days there is an exciting programme of events for crews and visitors alike, with a range of cultural events, live music, open ships and a stunning fireworks display. For the fleet arriving fresh from the Cruise-in-Company leg of the series, the celebrations will create the perfect bookend to a life changing experience at sea.

Looking forward to the celebrations, Mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever, reflected the excitement seen across the city.

“The Tall Ships Races bring the cathedrals of the sea to Antwerp and provide a unique meeting between history and the present in the heart of our city. Along with many others, I am therefore looking forward to this wonderful event in which we can also make Antwerp sparkle once more with a grand fireworks display.”

Mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever

Alongside the in port activities and attractions presented by the Host Port, the Tall Ships fleet will enjoy much of the hallmark traditions of the race celebrations, with sporting events and a dazzling Crew Parade and Prize Giving Ceremony planned for Saturday 23 July. Following this, all eyes will turn to Race Two of the series and the Captains’ Briefing, where tactical decisions will begin to develop for the race start on Wednesday 27 July.

About Antwerp

Antwerp is a European metropolis on a human scale. It has hosted the Tall Ships six times since 1993, and 2022 will see the diverse city entertain crews and visitors once more…

Antwerp is a pocket-sized metropolis and Europe’s second-largest port. It’s a melting pot of cultures, with 164 different nationalities living and working within it.

Located in the heart of Europe, Antwerp is Belgium’s second-biggest city, with a penchant for vibrant fashion, entertainment and architecture. It was also voted one of the top 10 most attractive and enjoyable cities in the world by Lonely Planet. The city was awarded the Bronze Award at the BEA 2017 Awards as a recognition of the great success of the Tall Ships Races 2016 event.

THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2022

The Tall Ships Races 2022 will see the international fleet of Tall Ships and Small Ships return to the North Sea. From 7 July-7 August, we will visit Esbjerg, Harlingen, Antwerp and Aalborg.

The event will mark a welcome return to all four Host Ports who have hosted a total of 16 Tall Ships Races and Regattas so far. The series will see the Tall Ships sailing from Esbjerg, Denmark, south through the North Sea to Harlingen, Netherlands, as part of an exhilarating Race One.

Following this they will enjoy a stunning Cruise-in-Company leg further south to Antwerp, Belgium, enjoying spectacular coastal sailing. Race Two will take the fleet from Antwerp, Belgium, back north through the North Sea to Aalborg, Denmark, for the final celebrations.

Esbjerg, Denmark 7 July – 10 July

RACE ONE

Harlingen, Netherlands 14 July – 17 July

CRUISE-IN-COMPANY

Antwerp, Belgium 22 July – 25 July

RACE TWO

Aalborg, Denmark 4 August – 7 August