Once every five years, the waters of Amsterdam come alive with sails, flags and floating history. This is SAIL Amsterdam, one of the world’s largest nautical events, where tall ships, naval vessels and heritage boats from around the globe fill the IJ Harbour in a breathtaking maritime parade.

It all starts with the Sail-In, as dozens of ships glide into the city, greeted by cheering crowds and smaller boats sailing alongside. Over the next few days, the waterfront turns into a lively open-air celebration. You can step aboard grand old windjammers, explore modern vessels and meet crews from every corner of the world. Live music, street food and storytelling create a festive atmosphere both on land and on water.

SAIL is more than just a gathering of ships. It’s a tribute to Amsterdam’s seafaring past, its spirit of adventure and the power of cultural exchange. The entire city joins in, turning the harbour into a stage for connection and discovery.

Even if you’ve never set foot on a deck, SAIL draws you in with its scale, energy and sense of wonder. It doesn’t come around that often, though, which makes being there feel all the more special.