2025 Sailing Plan

A challenging and exciting season afloat

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Departure Date: 06-Jul-25

Arrival Date: 12-Jul-25

Remaining Places Available: 12

Departure Location: Le Havre, Seine-Maritime, France

Arrival location: Dunkirk, Nord, France

Cost of trip: £700 All bookings are subject to a 6% booking fee

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TALL SHIPS RACES: LEG 1 LE HAVRE TO DUNKIRK

About your trip:

6th - 12th July 2025

Join us for Race 1 of the Tall Ships Races, where we will be among a fleet of the world's most spectacular sailing tall ships, taking part in one of European sailing's most exciting international youth festivals. This leg will be a real French cultural experience for those sailing with Excelsior, as we plan to host an international crew of trainees and take in two of France's iconic ports. Le Havre is bustling modern port, magnificently regenerated after its devastation during WWII. The city boasts iconic architectural heritage, a thriving cultural scene and is of course situated along the scenic Normandy coast. Dunkirk brings you impressive beaches and many collections of contemporary and classical art, close to the Belgian border. As well as competing in the race, you will also have the opportunity to take part in all the festivities associated with the Tall Ships Races, including the Crew Parade and Crew Party (and more besides).

Due to racing requirements, the age range for this trip is 15-25.

About your destination: Why sail with Excelsior for Tall Ships Races? As a smaller vessel with 17 crew (5 responsible crew and 12 trainees), you form a tight-knit community from day 1. You work together to achieve all elements of the voyage, from cooking to sail handling to helming to navigating. Everyone gets to experience everything, and you form a close bond with everyone in the crew. The professional team is friendly and accessible, and highly experienced in handling their ship. Since Excelsior is still authentically rigged and sailed as she was when she was built in 1921, she's a dream for traditional boat geeks (and wannabe geeks) who really want an experience of historic sailing. You get a close-to-the-water small boat sailing experience, whilst still feeling safely cradled in a large strong sea-going voyager. You don't need any sailing experience to join the Tall Ships Races, just enthusiasm and a thirst for adventure.