SAIL Amsterdam the Ultimate Guide for a Maritime Festival

Are you in love with ships, the sea and everything maritime? Be sure to visit SAIL Amsterdam. This is unique maritime festival takes place at the end of August once every five years. Five days long, Amsterdam harbours fills with boats: tiny rowing boats, towering tall ships, four masts, three masts. It is a festival without equal.

What Is SAIL Amsterdam?

SAIL Amsterdam is a huge gathering of ships from all over the world. From far and wide ships sail to Amsterdam, sailing ships, navy vessels and also steamboats. The highlight of the event is the arrival of the tall ships, these are large, traditional sailing ships with multiple masts and sails. Numerous smaller boats that are not even listed also take part in the festival. The Amsterdam canals are full of boats and on the quay side locals and tourists feast their eyes. SAIL Amsterdam takes place every five years.

When Is SAIL Amsterdam 2025?

SAIL Amsterdam 2025 takes place from August 20 to August 24. The most exciting parts are the sail-in and sail-out events:

Sail-in parade: August 20, 10:00–19:00. Watch as all the ships sail from IJmuiden to Amsterdam along the North Sea Canal.

Sail-out parade: August 24, starts at 14:00. See the ships leave, some with their sails fully set.

What Kinds of Ships Will Be There?

Tall Ships
The tall ships with tall masts and multiple sails are the stars of the show. Included are schooners, brigantines, and frigates.

Navy Ships
Some navies send tall ships and also other vessels. You will see an impressive collection of marine ships from countries around the world.

Dutch Fleet
Over 80 boats from the Netherlands join the festival, they include clippers, fishing boats, tugboats, and steamboats.

Other Boats
Thousands of small motorboats show up, packed with enthusiatic visitors who want to see the ships from the water.

What Can You Do at SAIL Amsterdam?

See the Ships
Walk along the docks on both sides of the IJ River. Take your time to admire the ships’ beauty and details like figureheads and rigging.

Board Some Ships
Some of the ships are open for a visit. Get on board, talk to the sailors, and learn about the ship’s history. There’s too much to see in one day, so plan ahead!

Food and drinks
Food and drinks are available and you can enjoy various exhibitions, performances, and activities at the events grounds.

See the boats from the water
Want to experience SAIL from the water? You can do so with your own ship, boat, or sloop. You can also experience SAIL from the water with an official SAIL cruise.

Where Is SAIL Amsterdam?

The event takes place along the IJ River in Amsterdam. If you arrive at Amsterdam Central Station, exit on the IJ zijde. You will see the ships right in front of you.

Admission to SAIL is free