Take part in the world-famous Tall Ships Races and meet new friends, travel to new countries and learn new skills on board Shetland’s very own Tall Ship, Swan. The Cruise in Company goes from Harlingen in the Netherlands, to Antwerp in Belgium.

Boarding in Harlingen, Netherlands on Saturday 4 July at approx. 17:00 / Disembark in Antwerp, Belgium on Monday 13 July at approx 09:00

The Tall Ships Races offer an annual opportunity for young sail trainees between 15-25 to take part in a life-changing experience on board a fleet of tall ships, visiting different ports throughout Europe. https://sailtraininginternational.org/event/tall-ships-races-2026/

No previous sailing experience is required – all instruction and training will be given, along with the experience of a lifetime as you join thousands of young people and tall ship crews for a voyage across the sea, crew activities and parade in both host ports and the opportunity to meet new friends from around the world.

Harlingen, The Netherlands, is one of the oldest seaports in The Netherlands, and it’s the gateway to northern Holland from the North Sea. 2014 saw it host its first ever Tall Ships Races and due to its success, the event returned to the city in 2018 with over 330,000 visitors. https://harlingensail.com/en/

Since 2001, Antwerp has hosted the Tall Ships Races three times and is now an anchor port, meaning the city will host every 4 years. Located in the heart of Europe, it’s a pocket-sized metropolis and the continent’s second-largest port. It’s a melting pot of cultures, with 164 different nationalities living and working within it.

Any voyage on Swan is very much a hands-on experience - you are part of her crew, and work as a team to make your voyage happen. All tasks are shared and everyone joins in, from the most to the least experienced.

Boarding in Harlingen, Netherlands on Saturday 4 July at approx. 17:00

Disembark in Antwerp, Belgium on Monday 13 July at approx. 09:00

Please ensure you wear sensible footwear, with good grips, and warm clothing.

There are basic waterproofs onboard, however you may feel more comfortable in your own wet weather gear. 

A range of merchandise available to purchase with all proceeds reinvested in the boat.

Please contact us as soon as you become aware that you may have to cancel your trip.  We will try to accommodate your request but please be mindful of our cancellation policy below.

Unless the trip is fully booked before departure, in which case your berth has been resold and you receive a 90% refund, the following refund amounts will apply:

·        Cancellation over 90 days before departure: 75%

·        Cancellation 61 - 90 days before departure: 50%

·        Cancellation 31 - 60 days before departure: 25%

·        Cancellation 30 days or less before departure: 0%