FAQ
A Tall Ship is actually exactly what the word says, a big ship. Often with lots of sails. A distinction is made between four classes:
All square-rigged vessels (barque, barkentine, brig, brigantine or ship rigged) with a length of hull (LOA) of more than 24 metres and all other vessels with a LOA of more than 40 metres, irrespective of the rigging (sail gear).
Traditionally rigged vessels (i.e. gaff-rigged sloops, ketches, yawls and schooners) with an LOA of less than 40 metres and a waterline length (LWL) of at least 9.14 metres.
Modern rigged vessels (i.e. Bermuda rigged sloops, ketches, yawls and schooners) with an LOA of less than 40 metres and with a waterline length (LWL) of at least 9.14 metres not carrying spinnaker-type sails.
Modern rigged vessels (ie Bermuda rigged sloops, ketches, yawls and schooners) with an LOA of less than 40 metres and with a waterline length (LWL) of at least 9.14 metres carrying spinnaker-type sails.
Due to the international crew during the race, English is mainly spoken on board the ships. There are some exceptions, this is mentioned with the ship.
A trainee is a non-professional crew member on board a training vessel.
At sea, you keep watch. That's more than looking out over the water in search of land! On watch, you are responsible for the ship together with the rest of your team and the professional crew. Manoeuvring, climbing masts, setting sails, making coffee or a bite to eat....
There is usually a three-watch system on board. During an international exchange, trainees are mixed as much as possible. Each team is on duty twice a day. This watch can be, for example, from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 20:00 to 24:00. On board, every day is different. The weather, the wind, the view. From sunshine to rain and from dolphins swimming past the bow to a beautiful sunset.
For this trip, you will need a valid travel document. This can also be an identity card. Do check the validity, it must be valid throughout the trip. No visa is required.
The trainees will leave on 26 June 2026 by bus to Ã…rhus in Denmark to embark on the ships.
The ships will set sail 27 June 2026 and arrive in Harlingen on 3 July 2026. 4 July 2026, there are all-day activities specially organised for crew and trainees. 5 July 2026, the trainees will disembark again.
