3 May 2024, 16:41 (CEST)

Discoveries at sea will be the theme for the 23rd edition of Ostend at Anchor

At the end of May, more than one hundred and fifty historic and authentic ships will set sail for Ostend. From 23 to 26 May, the maritime festival 'Ostend at Anchor' will celebrate its 23rd edition. The theme of this year's festival is 'Discoveries at sea'. For four days, you can admire these beautiful ships for yourself and take a trip out to sea. After last year's success, this year you can also visit the 'Blue Innovation Village', where you can get to know companies and organisations working in and around the North Sea in an interactive way. There will also be fun activities for children, including a quest among the ships. After this edition, curator Hubert Rubbens will say goodbye to the festival after 25 years.

During the popular maritime festival 'Ostend at Anchor' from 23 to 26 May, visitors board several cathedrals of the great oceans. They will also see authentic, charming boats, replicas of historic ships, all with a special story to tell. Curious visitors can learn more about the history and future of maritime navigation. Along the quays and on various stages in Ostend, around 25 music groups will create a pleasant atmosphere. On the festival squares you will also see many craftsmen at work, with herring smokers, Ostend fish bakers and basket weavers.

‘Ostend at Anchor is a fantastic four-day event that introduces tens of thousands of Ostend residents and visitors to all things maritime. The festival is the biggest of its kind on the Belgian coast. It takes a look at the past, but also at the future. The Blue Innovation Village will showcase innovations in and around the North Sea. Something to look forward to! Mayor of Ostend Bart Tommelein 

150 ships

From the cathedrals of the sea to tugs and sloops. This year, no less than 150 historic and authentic ships will be on display at the Ostend quay. This year, visitors will also be able to take a trip out to sea on a number of ships. During Ostend at Anchor, the less mobile can safely tame the waves and sail along on 'Wetwheels Solent' - a specially adapted and fully accessible catamaran from the UK.

In May, another 150 ships from all over the world are expected here in Ostend. will drop anchor: Nao Victoria, a replica of the first ship to circumnavigate the globe, and the Dutch steamship Hydrograaf. Kamper Kogge, a medieval sailing freighter, and the three-master Artemis. The most eye-catching attraction will undoubtedly be the replica of the El Galeon, which will make its debut in the Mercator dock. But smaller ships and animations on the docks will also soon be creating an incomparable atmosphere. organisor Hubert Rubbens

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Toerisme Oostende vzw

The festival started in 2000 on behalf of Toerisme Oostende vzw and curator Hubert Rubbens was involved from the beginning. In the years that followed, Hubert developed the festival into the largest maritime event in Belgium, and now, after 25 years, Hubert announces his retirement. From 2019, Tourism Ostend vzw will be working closely behind the scenes to ensure that all of Hubert's knowledge is not lost.

For the public, the participating skippers and the exhibitors, Ostend for Anchor is and will remain a unique event that I work on with my heart and soul. This edition is special because I have decided to say goodbye to my passion project. It takes a lot out of me and the time has come to pass the torch and focus more on free time with my family. organisor Hubert Rubbens

New this year is the audio guide where you can hear Hubert himself speak. While strolling along the quay and with the curator's voice in your ears, you will learn more about the ships and crafts. Inspired by everything that sails and drawing on years of experience in the Belgian Navy, he knows the nautical world inside out.

We are very proud of Hubert and his commitment to Ostend at Anchor over the years. The festival has grown to become the largest maritime festival on the coast, all thanks to the passion of an Ostend local at heart. Mayor Bart Tommelein

Today, thanks to Hubert, we can announce another fantastic edition. Next year the pressure will be on our shoulders. But we have prepared for it together with Hubert over the past editions and have already taken on many tasks. Although Hubert is saying goodbye, he has assured us that we can continue to count on his valuable advice. We assure everyone that the festival will continue with the same passion. With an eye to tomorrow's discoveries at sea, we are also strengthening the programme this year with an extra focus on innovation in and around the North Sea. Peter Craeymeersch,  director of Toerisme Oostende vzw

Future of the maritime sector

For the second year in a row, the Blue Innovation Village will appear during 'Ostend at Anchor'. Leading companies such as DEME, Jan De Nul and VLIZ, various universities and organisations active in and around the sea will take young and old on a voyage of discovery, stimulating and inspiring future generations. It honours the rich maritime history, but also looks ahead to an innovative and sustainable future.

This year, the Blue Innovation Village will focus on interactive experiences. Visitors will not only be able to see and hear, but also experience what the sea has to offer. Demonstrations, interactive models and educational games for children will bring the world of maritime innovation to life.

Activities for young sailors

Incidentally, you don't have to be a connoisseur to travel to Ostend for Anchor. Every year we find many families with children among the curious. Young sailors' imaginations run wild at the sight of the big ships, but there is much more for them to do: from a treasure hunt to a demonstration of lifeboat techniques and storytelling moments with the storyteller.

Oysters, smoked herring and musical performances

There is no need to be hungry or thirsty: Ostend at Anchor has a large maritime market with many food stalls. Follow the smell of freshly smoked herring and you will end up at the stand of herring smoker René, a regular at the festival. You will also meet Ostend fish bakers, a blacksmith and artists. For four days, you can listen to the most exciting tales of old seamen or folk music, enjoy the entertainment and various musical performances and find out more about the construction and restoration of ships.