EnglishSail Harlingen takes place in Harlingen from 3 to 6 July. The opening concert is on Thursday 2 July.
The event site is open on:
 - Thursday 2 July, 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm
 - Friday 3 July, from 11.00 to 01:00
 - Saturday 4 July, from 11.00 to 00:30
 - Sunday 5 July, from 11.00 to 22.00
- Monday 6 July, from 11.00 to 20.00
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.
The site is wheelchair accessible; we have a dedicated disabled car park. There is also a disabled-accessible area in front of the main stage, De Blauwe Kop. Unfortunately, the boats are not wheelchair accessible. Â
Entry to the site is free, which gives you access to all the acts. However, you can choose to go on a cruise on a tall ship or a traditional sailing vessel. You can find the tickets and prices via the cruises on our website.
That’s possible; most tall ships are open to the public from 11.00 to 19.00. You can also book a boat trip via the the ‘Boat Trips’ page on our website.Â
The tall ships will arrive in Harlingen on Friday 3 July during the Sail In Parade between 12.00 and 15.00. They are all expected to be moored by 15.00.Â
The first-aid post is at Nieuwe Willemshaven 5, in DOK5.Â
Before you leave home, it’s a good idea to give your child something with your phone number on it (a note or your name and number written on their arm, for example) so that this number can be called if you lose track of your child. You can go to the information point at the Sail Harlingen office, Nieuwe Willemshaven 5.
There is a wide variety of food and drink outlets spread across the entire event site, ranging from drinks to all sorts of delicious food.
No, flying a drone is strictly prohibited. Only drones belonging to the organisation and its pre-registered partners are permitted in the airspace.Â
The same rules apply on the site as on other days of the year. Drugs are prohibited.Â
You can hand in any lost property to the information points on the event site. You can also go there if you’ve lost something.Â
All food trucks and bars only accept card payments. If you only have cash, you can buy a payment card at one of the ticket offices and top it up with your cash. You can then use this card to pay at the bars.Â
You You cannot drive right up to the event site. We have designated car parks where you can park your car. Free shuttle buses run from the car parks to the event site.
We have a few large car parks at Kimswerd and Midlum. The car parks are signposted from the motorway.
Absolutely. The Arriva train station is right next to the event site. Arriva also offers special day tickets that allow you to travel to Sail Harlingen at a reduced rate. You can buy the day tickets via the Arriva website. There are also various Qbuzz buses that run to Harlingen. You can find the timetable at the Qbuzz website.
We have set up several bicycle parking spaces. There is one secure bicycle park at Central Station. From there, it is a fifteen-minute walk to the event.Â
There is no taxi rank. However, taxis can do come right up to Harlingen Central Station.
Yes, there is disabled parking at the entrance to the event site on Westerzeedijk. To park in this area, you will need a disabled parking permit and a Sail Harlingen parking ticket. You can buy your parking ticket via this link.
Yes, you can specify that you want to be on the same ship with someone. Or not, of course. You can indicate this after registration, in the form where you can also indicate your preference for a ship. Do both. If you indicate a preference for a ship, please do both the same, otherwise placement will be a puzzle. Placement does depend on availability, so don't think too long!
We cannot place trainees on all ships. There is a list of ships to choose from. Once you have submitted your final application, you may indicate your preference for three ships. Subject to availability, you will be placed on one of those three ships. So the earlier you decide, the more chance you have of sailing on your favourite ship.
Yes, but there are a number of additional rules in place during Sail Harlingen.Â
The Sail site is closed to traffic. This means you cannot park near the reception area. The boarding points for the boats vary, but are no more than a 10-minute walk from the reception area. Boarding and disembarking take place via a gangway, which can be quite steep depending on the tide. On board all ships, there are benches and chairs; in most cases, the toilet is only accessible via a flight of stairs.
If none of the above poses a problem, you are welcome to join us on the cruise. If any of the above is not possible for you, we advise that you do not book a cruise on the day itself, to avoid disappointment.Â
No, dogs are not allowed on the boats.
The allocation of the ships will be announced on receipt.Â
That’s possible. The first cruises are sold out, but there are still places available on most dates.Â
You can book your boat trip via the ‘Boat Trips’ page on our website.Â
We look forward to welcoming you half an hour before the start of your boat trip at the meeting point for the boat trips. The meeting point is at the end of De Deining, at the boat trip meeting point.
Do you have a question, for example because you can’t find your tickets anywhere? Or do you have any other questions regarding the tickets? You can email info@vanplan.nl or, during office hours (Mon–Fri, 8.00 am – 4.30 pm), call 050-584 4429 or 0900 – 400 1000 during office hours (Mon–Fri, 8.00 am – 4.30 pm), and we’ll help you straight away.Â
Once you are registered and assigned to a ship, you will receive a packing list. You still have plenty of time to prepare yourself properly. As not all ships use the same packing list, we will send it to you after you have been assigned.
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.
Travel insurance is provided through Windseeker for all trainees. For more information on coverage: Insurance card.
For everything else, you need to take out your own insurance.
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.
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 having 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.
Nieuwe Willemshaven 5
8862 RZ Harlingen
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