Yesterday, at 10 am, the Sea Lock IJmuiden opened for the start of the SAIL-In Parade, allowing the international ships to begin the last leg of their journey to Amsterdam. Hundreds of ships partook in the Parade, including a lot of Tall Ships.
From Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 August, Amsterdam will celebrate a triple anniversary of SAIL: ten editions, fifty years of SAIL, and the 750th anniversary of our capital city. With 200 programme elements, five themed “oceans”, and dozens of Tall Ships, SAIL promises to be a spectacular and unifying jubilee edition.
The theme “SAIL 2025: United by Waves” says it all. Water connects us to cultures and people across the globe, and that sense of connection will be celebrated throughout SAIL 2025. Highlights include the SAIL-In Parade, Crew Parade, Pieremachocheltocht, SAIL On Stage, and the evening fireworks show “Waves of Light”.
Also read: SAIL Amsterdam 2025 is almost here
Tall Ships line-up
The SAIL-In Parade was led by flagship Clipper Stad Amsterdam, and welcomed back the eco-friendly Alexander von Humboldt II (Germany), and Le Phoenix (France). In addition, there are debut appearances by the B.A.P. Unión (Peru) and ARM Cuauhtémoc (Mexico).
New additions also include the Shabab Oman II (Oman), NRP Sagres (Portugal), and DAR Mlodziezy (Poland). The NRP Sagres took part in the first edition in 1975. For Shabab Oman II, a sister ship of the Clipper Stad Amsterdam, it marks a first visit to Amsterdam. The arrival of B.A.P. Unión also brings one of the world’s largest Tall Ships to the city. Alongside hundreds of Dutch heritage ships (Varend Erfgoed and Hollandse Vloot), this creates a spectacular nautical setting. No Russian ships have been invited. Most of the Tall Ships are now in the Amsterdam IJhaven.
Watch this video of the SAIL-In Parade by Wonder Journeys:
Five days, five oceans, hundreds of events
SAIL 2025 will feature five themed “oceans”:
- Orange: the IJ Harbour, home to most international Tall Ships.
- Red: content-driven programming around the “living room” of SAIL – the Marineterrein and National Maritime Museum, which will offer free admission for five days.
- White: the area around the A’DAM Tower.
- Green: the NDSM Wharf, dedicated to sustainability and the future of the maritime world.
- Blue: the business-only Western Harbour area, where corporate tours depart.
- All oceans and their events are available in the SAIL 2025 app via the Apple and Google Play Stores.
New for 2025: from Wednesday to Saturday, each evening will conclude with music performed live at the NDSM Wharf, ranging from classical to dance. Names announced for Saturday evening’s “Waves of Music” show include Glenn Faria and Yves Berendse. Tickets for SAIL On Stage are available via SAIL.nl.
Also read: SWZ|Maritime’s July/August 2025 issue: Nautics and the biggest nautical event SAIL
Three themes: sustainability, inclusion and talent development
Since its first edition in 1975 (marking Amsterdam’s 700th anniversary), SAIL has grown into the largest free event in the Netherlands. It now uses its platform to promote key themes. The Green Ocean at NDSM will showcase innovation and the maritime industry’s future.
Through “SAIL Together” and in partnership with the KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds, some 6000 people for whom a SAIL visit is not self-evident will be brought to the event. In the Red Ocean, near the Marineterrein and Maritime Museum, stories will be shared about the darker sides of Dutch maritime history.
For children, there’s a dedicated SAIL Kids Club offering water and watersports activities. The SAIL Academy has involved over 4500 students since its founding in 2014; around 2500 will take part in 2025.
SAIL Amsterdam will return to Amsterdam in 2030.
Picture: Tall Ships waiting for the kick-off of the SAIL-In Parade at the Sea Lock IJmuiden (photo SAIL Amsterdam).
