From 20 to 24 August 2025, the city of Amsterdam will host the 10th edition of SAIL, the world’s largest free nautical event. This special edition coincides with two other major milestones: the 50th anniversary of the SAIL event itself and the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam’s founding.
SAIL 2025 is expected to welcome over 2.3 million visitors and feature more than 10,000 ships from across the world. The event will transform the IJ river and surrounding areas into a dynamic celebration of maritime heritage, modern innovation and cultural exchange.
A Spectacle on the Water
The event opens with the highly anticipated SAIL-In Parade on Wednesday 20 August. Dozens of tall ships, navy vessels and historic boats will arrive. Visitors are encouraged to secure a viewing spot early along the route to witness the arrival of these majestic ships up close.
Throughout the five days of SAIL, the public can explore the ships, many of which will be open for boarding. This year’s fleet includes several standout vessels with unique stories. The Ide Min, a Dutch sailing ship restored in 2022, now transports cargo like coffee and cocoa between the Netherlands and the Caribbean entirely by wind power.
The Norwegian vessel Anna af Sand, dating back to 1854, represents traditional craftsmanship and is maintained by volunteers from the Stavanger Maritime Museum. Also joining the line-up is the iconic Gipsy Moth IV, the British yacht made famous by Sir Francis Chichester’s solo circumnavigation in 1966.
Concerts, Cruises and Cultural Exchange
In addition to the ships themselves, SAIL Amsterdam features a wide range of events and activities. One of the highlights is SAIL On Stage, a series of four live concerts taking place from 20 to 23 August at the NDSM-Werf. Dutch artists including Jan Smit, Kar Südönmez and Yves Berendse are set to perform. Tickets for the concerts are available now.
Visitors can also experience SAIL from the water with boat tours and premium sailing packages. Tour boats and sloops will offer morning and afternoon cruises from 21 to 24 August. For a more exclusive experience, premium packages are available with options to attend the SAIL-In Parade or cruise during the day or evening. Business cruise packages are also on offer for groups of eight or more, with customisable options that include meals, drinks and private views of the festivities.
A City in Celebration
Amsterdam will be divided into five “oceans” during SAIL 2025, each with its own theme and programme. The ships will be docked along the IJ and North Sea Canal, and walking routes will guide visitors through the various event zones. Maps and schedules will be available via the official SAIL app, which also provides live updates, locations and travel tips.
On the final day, Sunday 24 August, SAIL concludes with the SAIL-Out Parade. Visitors are invited to gather along the IJ and North Sea Canal to bid farewell to the departing fleet in a festive closing celebration.
Planning Your Visit
The city will be busy, and organisers recommend arriving by public transport or bicycle. Train, metro, tram and bus services will be expanded to accommodate the large crowds. Additional bicycle parking will also be available, though some diversions should be expected. For those driving into the city, park-and-ride facilities around Amsterdam are advised.
The South African Expat 
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