The beauty of sailing, fundamentally, is getting out and about on the water, the freedom and fresh air that invigorates your soul. However, for those who aren’t ready to cross oceans, or for first-time sailors, taking part in a festival afloat is a classic way to learn the ropes and experience what traditional sailing has to offer. No tents or muddy fields to master, just rather elegant maritime glamping. So get your sea boots on, ready to dance across the waves at the 2026 maritime festivals!
2026 will play host to a real variety of festivals afloat, each taking place in picturesque locations around our coasts. Fleets of classic and historic craft parade across the bays, creating a stunning picture of canvas and sail steeped in nostalgia.
A number of our vessels take part in maritime festivals across the UK and Europe – find all available berths on maritime festival voyages here.
2026 Maritime Festivals
- Escale à Sète 31st March – 6th April 2026
- Escala à Castelló 25th – 28th April 2026
- Brixham Heritage Regatta 22nd – 24th May 2026
- Falmouth Classics and Sea Shanty Festival 12th – 14th June 2026
- Douranenz Festival 23rd – 26th July 2026
- Dartmouth Regatta 26th – 29th August 2026
Escale à Sète – 31st March – 6th April 2026
Held every two years on France’s sunlit Mediterranean coast, Escale à Sète has become one of Europe’s leading tall ship gatherings. More than a hundred traditional vessels sail into the harbour for a week of parades, maritime traditions and living-history displays. With music, sea shanties, regional cuisine and artisan demonstrations lining the quays, the whole waterfront becomes a celebration of seafaring history. Florette will take her place in the opening and closing parade of sail, mooring alongside during the festivities, offering guests the chance to experience this vibrant maritime event from the deck of a working tall ship. Magnificent four-masted schooner Santa Maria Manuela will also be taking part in the event, before sailing on to the next celebration at the Escala à Castelló.
Escala a Castelló – 25th – 28th April 2026
Escala a Castelló has quickly become one of Spain’s most exciting maritime festivals, transforming the port of Castellón into a living showcase of seafaring tradition. Tall ships and historic vessels line the quays, including the celebrated Portuguese four-masted schooner Santa Maria Manuela, which joins the fleet for parades, open decks and heritage celebrations. Re-enactments, exhibitions and performances fill the waterfront, while the “Cabalgata del Mar” honours the city’s long connection to the sea. Markets, regional dishes and coastal culture animate every corner of the harbour. Florette will take her place among the gathering of ships, sailing in the parade before mooring alongside to be part of the festivities throughout the week.
Brixham Heritage Regatta – 23rd – 25th May 2025
May sees the start of events where the fishing town of Brixham hosts the Heritage Sailing regatta. Held in Torbay since the early 1800’s, the fleet of sailing trawlers would race against each other for the glory of their craft. In 1914, King George V presented the winner with the King’s Cup, to be challenged by trawlers over 40 tons. The cup was challenged annually until 1939, resuming in 1997 by enthusiasts. The regatta is now one of the Westcountry’s most vibrant sailing events! In the sheltered waters of the bay, you may spot classic yacht Escape as she takes part in the festivities. Prince William Quay is the focal point for the weekend-long party and celebration of classic sail. Brixham Yacht Club host the event with a magnificent running buffet for hungry sailors when they come off the water on Sunday afternoon before the traditional prize giving.
Falmouth Classics and Sea Shanty Festival – 13th – 15th June 2025
Early summer sees the historic Cornish maritime town of Falmouth host the Falmouth Classics and Sea Shanty Festival, a weekend of sailing races, sail parades and shoreside entertainment and singers from the world over who gather to sing songs of the sea.
Head over to St. Mawes or the famous Helford River during the weekend, with sheltered waters and stunning scenery, for a moment to get away from the bustling marinas. The races include classes for all, from working boats to classic yachts, and the emphasis is on taking part and, above all, having fun.
This year, classic yacht Escape will be taking part in Falmouth Classics. Jump on board to experience the best of both worlds, taking part in some of the classic races, as well as anchoring up each night to enjoy the festivities and sea shanties ashore!
Douarnenez Maritime Festival (Festival Temps Fête) – 23rd – 26th July 2026
Every four years, the Breton port of Douarnenez hosts Festival Temps Fête, a much-loved gathering of classic wooden boats and working sails. The harbour becomes a living showcase of maritime craftsmanship, with traditional rigs, cultural displays and Breton music filling the waterfront. During pilot cutter Pellew’s summer voyage along the coast, guests will enjoy a short visit to the festival, with time to explore the cobbled streets, browse heritage workshops and step inside the renowned Port-Musée. It’s a wonderful snapshot of Brittany’s deep maritime roots before rejoining Pellew to continue the adventure along this characterful coastline.
Dartmouth Royal Regatta – 23rd – 30th August 2025
The Dartmouth Royal Regatta finishes up the festival season this year, having been a key player on the regatta circuit since 1882! Competitors from all over the UK come to take part in the racing festivities, and it is a popular weekend with maritime lovers. On land, there’s shopping, food, music and all sorts of entertainment during Regatta week in Dartmouth. The Parade of Classic Craft is usually on the Saturday, with a spectacular end of regatta firework display.
We hope to see you at one of these incredible events celebrating maritime culture in Europe. To join us on a sailing trip at a maritime festival, view all our festival voyages here.
