SAIL Amsterdam takes place once every five years and is one of the biggest events in the city. The tenth edition will start in August 2025. A huge fleet of large ships and various other special vessels sails across the IJ and moors near the city center. Sail 2025 coincides with two other anniversaries, namely the 50th anniversary of Sail (which was organized for the first time in 1975) and the 750th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam.
Historic ships in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has always been a city with water close to its heart. The rivers IJ and Amstel, as well as its historic canals, played a major role in its unique urban development over the centuries. And the city has played a huge part in international maritime over the centuries, too. So whenever SAIL Amsterdam comes around, hundreds of thousands gather to wave in the ships sailing into the city, as well as to experience maritime-themed performances and concerts, and lap up the chance to climb aboard both the old and new ships. The first SAIL was in 1975. Forty years later in 2015, more than 600 ships sailed into the North Sea Canal to moor in Amsterdam’s IJhaven. With the SAIL Amsterdam Foundation always trying to better the last event, expect even more in 2020.
Fantastic entertainment for the whole family
There's so much to see and do during SAIL Amsterdam. Throughout the event, the city centre area will be split into zones or 'Oceans', each hosting themed events, so even if you aren't out on the water, there's lots to do. New in 2015 was the cultural programme at the SAIL Music Marina, including concerts by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and a host of pop acts. What's more, the night programmes close with a spectacular fireworks show.
