2026 edition
Cancelled
2027 waiting list open
Waddenrace 2026 — Sail Along on the Wadden Sea from Harlingen
3 days (Fri–Sun)
Price
from € 299,-
Child: € 195,-
Boarding
Friday 30 October 2026, 8 pm, Harlingen
Disembarkation
Sunday 1 November 2026, 5 pm, Harlingen
The Nationale Waddenrace is the grand finale of the racing season on the Wadden Sea, organised since 1994 by the Stichting Nationale Waddenrace — the 30th anniversary was celebrated in 2024. This challenging sailing race starts and finishes in Harlingen and runs past the harbours of Den Oever, Oudeschild (Texel), Vlieland and Terschelling, in random order — so the tactics begin right at the start. It is the ultimate test for ship and crew on the Wadden Sea. What makes the Waddenrace so special is the combination of the unpredictable character of the Wadden Sea with the beauty of the Wadden Islands. The tide, the shallows and the shifting wind make every edition of the Waddenrace different. Navigation and knowledge of the tides are at least as important as speed — and that keeps this race exciting right to the last mile. The use of engines and modern navigation aids is forbidden during the race: here seamanship, knowledge of the tides and teamwork win the day. Aboard the clipper Johanna Engelina you experience the Waddenrace as an active crew member. Together with skipper Laurens and the regular crew you sail across the Wadden Sea, helping to hoist the sails and trim the sheets. The Johanna Engelina has sailed the Waddenrace many times — sometimes with adventurous results: in 2022 the leeboard broke, which shows just how challenging this race can be. Traditionally the Waddenrace ends with a rousing closing party in the harbour of Harlingen. After the finish all the crews celebrate the end of a wonderful sailing season together. Sailing experience is not required — everyone is welcome on board. The Waddenrace aboard the Johanna Engelina is fully catered: all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer and wine are included. Close the racing season with the most adventurous race of the year! The 2026 edition is cancelled. Join the waiting list for 2027 and you will be the first to hear when registration opens.
Highlights
Programme
Boarding in Harlingen
Welcome aboard the clipper Johanna Engelina from 8 pm in the harbour of Harlingen. Meet skipper Laurens and the crew. Preparation for the Waddenrace.
Waddenrace across the Wadden Sea
The Waddenrace starts from Harlingen. A challenging race across the Wadden Sea past the harbours of Wieringen, Texel, Vlieland and Terschelling. Navigating by tide and wind.
Finish & closing party in Harlingen
The Waddenrace finishes in Harlingen. A rousing closing party and prize-giving — the festive end to the racing season.
Previous Results
2025: to be updated · 2024: to be updated · 2022: leeboard broken · 2019: did not finish
Map: route, parking & practical info
IJsselmeer, Waddenzee & Noordzee — afhankelijk van weer en wind
Frequently asked questions
Is the Waddenrace 2026 going ahead?
No, the Waddenrace 2026 aboard the Johanna Engelina is cancelled. Join the waiting list for 2027 and you will be the first to hear when registration opens.
When is the Waddenrace?
The Waddenrace is sailed every year in late October or early November from Harlingen; the 2026 edition (30 October to 1 November) is cancelled. It is the great season finale on the Wadden Sea, with a route past Wieringen, Texel, Vlieland and Terschelling.
Is the Waddenrace harder than other sailing races?
The Waddenrace is more challenging because of the unpredictable character of the Wadden Sea — tide, shallows and shifting wind. Navigation and knowledge of the tides are at least as important as speed. Sailing experience is not required, but an adventurous attitude is. After the finish the whole fleet celebrates the end of the season with a rousing closing party in Harlingen.
May the engine be used during the Waddenrace?
No. During the Nationale Waddenrace, both the use of engines and modern navigation aids are prohibited. Skippers rely purely on seamanship, knowledge of wind and tide and the qualities of their ship — precisely what makes this race on the Wadden Sea so special.
Who organises the Waddenrace?
The Stichting Nationale Waddenrace has organised the race since 1994; the 30th anniversary was celebrated in 2024. The route runs from Harlingen past the harbours of Den Oever, Oudeschild (Texel), Vlieland and Terschelling — in random order — and finishes back in Harlingen on Sunday.
Do I need sailing experience to join a sailing race?
No, sailing experience is not required. Skipper Laurens gives sailing instruction beforehand and divides up the crew. Aboard the clipper Johanna Engelina you sail as a full crew member: hoisting the sails, handling the sheets and — if you dare — taking the helm. The regular crew guides you through every manoeuvre.
What is included in the price of a race weekend?
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), coffee, tea, buttermilk, soft drinks, beer and wine are included, as are the professional skipper and crew and sailing instruction. You bring your own sleeping bag and waterproof clothing. Duvets (€ 25,- p.p.) and towels (€ 10,- p.p.) are settled on board.
Where do I sleep aboard the Johanna Engelina?
You sleep in one of the 10 authentic ship's cabins (two- and four-berth) with hot and cold running water. The ship has 3 showers, 3 toilets and an atmospheric saloon. There is room for up to 33 guests on multi-day trips.
Can I book as an individual or only as a group?
The Waddenrace can be booked individually: the 2027 rate is € 299,- p.p. Children up to and including 16 years sail along for € 195,-. So you don't have to organise a group — you meet your teammates on board.