Want to get involved in maintaining and operating a traditional wooden sailing vessel? There are a number of different ways you can volunteer to safeguard, care for and sail this unique heritage asset.
Learn more
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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. For more details of what to expect on board please refer to our Welcome Aboard Leaflet.
Included in the price of this trip are sailing instruction, accommodation and all meals for the duration of your stay. Also included are all programmed crew activities in port (some vendor provided activities may be subject to charge), including the crew party and crew parade.
Trainees must present themselves at the ship by 1700 on Saturday 4th July 2026. Any trainee under 18 must be accompanied to and from the ship by a parent or guardian – Swan crew will only take responsibility for the safety and supervision of trainees once on board.
Full kit details and joining instructions will be issued near the time of the voyage.
All travel to and from the ship, insurances and other expenses must be paid separately by the trainee.
Want to get involved in maintaining and operating a traditional wooden sailing vessel? There are a number of different ways you can volunteer to safeguard, care for and sail this unique heritage asset.
Learn more
Shetland’s own Tall Ship, Swan, will host an open day this weekend (16th & 17th May) at Victoria Pier in Lerwick, where members of the public can view the newly upgraded facilities in the boat’s forepeak section.
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Trustees, staff and volunteers at the Swan Trust were saddened at the recent passing of two men who have been heavily involved with Swan and had strong links with Shetland's maritime history.
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