The Tall Ships Races brought more than 500.000 visitors to Antwerp over four days. The maritime event underscores the appeal of large public events on the water, although the scale remains smaller than that of SAIL Amsterdam.
More than 500.000 visitors in four days
The Tall Ships Races took place from July 11 to 14, 2026, along the Scheldt quays and in the docks of Antwerp. The organizers report that the event attracted more than 500.000 visitors over four days. That amounts to an average of at least 125.000 visitors per day.
In total, 34 sailing ships from thirteen countries called at Antwerp. In addition to viewing the Tall Ships, the program consisted of concerts, food and drink, a Crew Parade, fireworks, and the Sail Out. It was primarily this combination of ships and side programming that drew streams of visitors through various parts of the port area.
The number of visitors was slightly above the expectations stated beforehand. The city of Antwerp had anticipated approximately 500.000 visitors for the event, spread over four days.
SAIL Amsterdam attracted five times as many visitors
For comparison: SAIL Amsterdam 2025 reported 2,5 million visitors over five days. On average, that amounts to approximately 500.000 visitors per day. The total number of visitors to SAIL was therefore about five times greater than that of The Tall Ships Races in Antwerp.
The figures are not entirely comparable on a one-to-one basis. For free-access city events, organizers can use different methods to count visitors, visits, and visitor movements. The size of the event site, the program, and accessibility also vary by city.
SAIL Amsterdam: results of SAIL 2025.
Antwerp becomes a permanent host city
Antwerp hosted The Tall Ships Races for the eighth time in 2026. The city holds 'Anchor Port' status and is authorized to host the event every four years from now on. This secures the maritime event a permanent place within the city's tourism and events calendar.
This fixed cycle offers opportunities to further expand cooperation between the city, port, hospitality industry, attractions, and tourism organizations. At the same time, an event with hundreds of thousands of visitors requires early agreements regarding mobility, distribution, waste, safety, and the supply of local businesses.
Maritime events as drivers of area visits
Visitor figures show that historic ships can attract a broad audience, but the success lies not solely in the nautical program. Concerts, hospitality, activities, and the establishment of multiple event zones extend the length of stay and spread visitors over a larger area.
For cities and destination management organizations, such events are a tool to draw attention to port areas and waterfronts. Ultimately, the economic significance depends not only on the number of visitors, but also on their spending, length of stay, and the extent to which local hospitality, shops, and accommodation benefit.
For entrepreneurs, timely information regarding expected visitor flows is particularly relevant. Antwerp communicated not only the expected number of visitors in advance, but also traffic measures and adjusted delivery times. In doing so, visitor management becomes part of the event's economic return.
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