SAIL Amsterdam 2025: Sun, Ships, and Sails

Sun, ships, and sails, sounds like the perfect way to spend an August week in Amsterdam. SAIL is coming back to Amsterdam after 10 long years and we couldn’t be more excited because this year SAIL Amsterdam 2025 is a triple jubilee celebration: its the 10th edition of SAIL Amsterdam, as well as this year being the 50th anniversary of SAIL’s creation, this maritime event is also landing on the year of Amsterdam’s 750th birthday, so you can be assured that this year’s SAIL event will be remembered for years to come.

But I hear you ask: “What is SAIL Amsterdam?”, “Where does it come from?”, and “How can I make the most of this year’s maritime festival?”, first of all, yes, I have super hearing and can hear your thoughts, and secondly you can rest easy knowing that these questions and more will be answered right here!

If you’re looking to make the festival even more memorable, a SAIL canal cruise is the perfect option, see the boats on the water FROM the water with an audio guide giving you the rich history of the ships as you pass by, or experience the boats up-close and unobstructed with a SAIL Open Boat Tour.

What is SAIL Amsterdam?

SAIL Amsterdam has become the largest freely accessible event in Europe and is well-adored by both tourists and locals alike, with millions of visitors each time. SAIL Amsterdam is a 5 day maritime event that occurs once every five years and this year on August 20th until August 24th, the IJ river will host a spectacular armada of monumental sailing ships and over the coming days, Amsterdam is THE place to be for maritime activities both aboard and on shore this August!

On day one of the event; hundreds of ships travel to Amsterdam via the North Sea Canal and will stay along the banks of the IJ river for the remainder of the festival. Although not much is yet known about the following days of the festival you can be assured it will be full of events that will include everyone and you can rest easy knowing that you will be informed as soon as we are made aware of this information.

Where does SAIL Amsterdam come from?

This year marks the 50th birthday of SAIL’s origins. SAIL first occurred in 1975, and was created to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam. Back then 18 large ships and over 500 smaller ships graced the IJ river’s waters. Back in the seventeenth century Amsterdam was a hub of merchant ships trading all over the earth and SAIL wanted to honour Amsterdam’s rich history.

How can you making the most of SAIL?

While not much is yet known about what activities will occur both on and off the water, but what you can expect to see this year is miraculous ships from all corners of the world, some of these ships can be up to 50 metres long.

• At the beginning of SAIL, there will be the famous ‘Sail-in Parade’ where many of the ships sail into the port of Amsterdam.
• On shore, you can explore the maritime market filled with arts and crafts, at this market you’ll also be able to watch demonstrations of old crafts.
• Along the water you will be able to attend live performances from musicians, take part in workshops, and experience being a sailor aboard a Tallship.
• At the end of each day the IJ river lights up with fireworks, in what will definitely be a sight to remember.
• Lastly, for the kids they will find a special kid’s village, filled with games, races and educational activities about the sea.