August 20–24, 2025 • River IJ, Amsterdam — Theme: United by Waves — Cost: Free from the quays; paid cruises/concerts optional
Every five years, Amsterdam turns its working waterfront into a living maritime museum. In 2025, SAIL Amsterdam returns after a decade away with a triple jubilee: the event’s 10th edition, 50 years since the first SAIL (1975), and Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary.
For five late-summer days, hundreds of tall ships and heritage vessels line the River IJ as millions of visitors move between both banks. It’s the Netherlands’ largest free event — and this is the edition locals will talk about for years.
What is SAIL Amsterdam — and why 2025 matters?
SAIL began in 1975 as part of Amsterdam’s 700th birthday party. Eighteen large tall ships and more than 500 smaller craft answered the call, and the city never looked back. The festival settled into a five-year rhythm, growing into a global magnet for sail training ships, naval vessels, and the Dutch Varend Erfgoed (Sailing Heritage) fleet.
After the 2020 cancellation, anticipation has been building for a full decade; the last edition in 2015 drew roughly 2.3 million visitors. This year’s theme, “United by Waves”, doubles down on connection: past to future, locals to guests, pros to first‑timers.
How the five days unfold
Wednesday, August 20 — SAIL‑In (Arrival Day)
From 10:00, the procession begins at IJmuiden on the North Sea Canal. As ships enter the IJhaven in the afternoon (first arrivals around 14:00), the ceremonial Saluut Protocollair welcomes them with flags, anthems, and salutes. Ships are busy mooring, so open decks start tomorrow. After dusk, head to NDSM Wharf for the season’s first SAIL on Stage concert, then look up for Waves of Light, a tight 750‑second show over the IJ.
Thursday, August 21 — Open decks & heritage in motion
With the fleet tied up, the quays become a hands‑on museum. From 10:00–20:00 (some ships later), board select vessels, meet crews, and feel those creaking decks underfoot. Morning brings a Sailing Heritage Fleet Review; afternoon flips to whimsy with the Pieremachocheltocht (“weird boat parade”). Evenings repeat concert + Waves of Light.
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Friday, August 22 — Crew pride, citywide
The spotlight shifts to sailors with the mid‑afternoon Crew Parade through the center. Quayside programs continue; night brings another open‑air concert at NDSM followed by the light show.
Saturday, August 23 — Peak weekend energy
The busiest day — and the last full day for ship visitations. Families linger at the Kids Club while thrill‑seekers drift toward water‑sport demos. The evening concert crescendos; the IJ glows one last time under Waves of Light.
Sunday, August 24 — SAIL‑Out (The Farewell)
Morning is for final quayside strolls; decks close as crews prep to sail. The SAIL‑Out runs roughly 14:00–19:00, a reverse procession back toward the North Sea. Crews often climb the rigging to wave goodbye.
Where everything happens: the five “Oceans”
Orange Ocean anchors the spectacle around IJhaven/Java‑eiland; Red Ocean wraps the National Maritime Museum; White Ocean clusters around A’DAM Tower and Eye Film Museum (evening focal point); Green Ocean at NDSM Wharf showcases innovation by day and SAIL on Stage by night; Blue Ocean is logistics only.
The stars of the show: ships to watch
- B.A.P. Unión (Peru) — one of the world’s largest modern sail‑training ships.
- NRP Sagres (Portugal) — white barque with the red Cross of Christ and a storied past.
- Alexander von Humboldt II (Germany) — iconic green sails; modern training mission.
- Shabab Oman II (Oman) — graceful barquentine built for speed and diplomacy.
- Belem (France) — launched in 1896, a survivor from a merchantman to a training barque.
- Eye of the Wind (UK/DE) — 1911 brigantine, circumnavigator, and film veteran.
- Götheborg of Sweden & Nao Santa María — crowd‑pleasing replicas with living‑history crews.
See Related: Insider Secrets for Exploring Amsterdam on a Shoestring: Your Ultimate Budget-Friendly Guide
How to see SAIL at its best
- On land. For SAIL‑In and SAIL‑Out, patient spotters favor the wooden steps at Amsterdam Centraal, Piet Heinkade, Java‑eiland, and the north‑bank shoreline. If you hate crushes, aim for Amsterdam‑Noord. For Waves of Light, make sure you can see A’DAM Tower. Waterfront terraces like Pllek are a relaxed alternative.
- On the water. Official SAIL cruises are the most immersive way to experience the parades and evening spectacle — book early. Skippers bringing their own boat: motorized craft only, 6 km/h max, and an event vignette is required.
- From above. Pair vertigo with vistas at A’DAM Lookout; a Ferris wheel on Java‑eiland and the SAIL Adventure Seats at Azartplein add cinematic viewpoints.
Getting there (and why you shouldn’t drive into the center)
SAIL is built for public transport, bikes, and feet. Amsterdam Centraal drops you onto the action. Free GVB ferries shuttle constantly to Buiksloterweg and NDSM. If you must drive, use P+R lots on the city’s edge, then hop on the metro/tram to Centraal. During evening shows and parade windows, expect temporary waterway and pedestrian controls — follow marshals and signage.
Accessibility & family notes
The Sit‑down Café in the IJ‑haven is an inclusive standout: its roof periodically lowers so everyone — including wheelchair users — shares the same sightline. Several canal‑cruise operators run wheelchair‑accessible boats (reserve ahead), and the Kids Club offers supervised water fun away from the densest throngs.
Where to stay
To live and breathe SAIL, stay near Centraal, the Eastern Docklands, or Amsterdam‑Noord (book months ahead). For calmer nights and easy rail hops, look at Haarlem, Zaandam, or Leiden and commute in.
Smart packing & sanity savers
Treat SAIL like a festival: comfortable shoes, layers for Dutch “four seasons in a day,” a refillable bottle, sunscreen, and a compact rain layer. Download the SAIL app for live ship tracking, maps, alerts, and last‑minute changes.
See Related: Responsible Tourism in Amsterdam: How to Be a Mindful Visitor
FAQ
Where is SAIL Amsterdam 2025 held?
Along the River IJ in Amsterdam, centered on IJhaven/Java‑eiland, with major programming in Amsterdam‑Noord at NDSM.
Is SAIL Amsterdam free?
Yes. Quayside access is free. Cruises and evening concert tickets are paid add‑ons.
What is the SAIL‑In parade?
The ceremonial arrival of the fleet from IJmuiden into the IJ — Wednesday morning into afternoon — with formal salutes as ships enter.
When can I board the ships?
Generally Thursday–Saturday (10:00–20:00, some later). Sunday decks close as crews prep for SAIL‑Out.
What time is the nightly show?
After the SAIL on Stage concerts (Wed–Sat), the Waves of Light show runs about 750 seconds over the IJ.
Can I attend with my boat?
Yes — with strict rules: motorized only, 6 km/h, and you’ll need the event vignette.