SAIL Amsterdam is an impressive maritime manifestation held every five years in Amsterdam. A fleet of tall ships from all over the world and more than 500 sailing heritage ships moor on and around the IJ river in Amsterdam.
The event was organised for the first time in 1975 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Amsterdam. SAIL is one of the largest maritime manifestations in the world, and the biggest free entrance public event of the Netherlands. Tens of tall ships and hundreds of other historical ships are involved. Up to 8,000 ships and boats besides the participating ships are involved.
The Sail-in parade at XX August between 10:00 - 15:00 is spectacular. Hundreds of ships will sail in a parade from IJmuiden to Amsterdam via the North Sea Canal, led by the impressive tall ships. People can visit the ships for the next four days at the Piet-Heinkade, Java island and Amsterdam North.
For the first time in the history of Sail Amsterdam, all ships will depart together (between 09:00 - 13:00) on the last day of SAIL 2015.
The best pedestrian route is to walk in a counter-clockwise direction from the Piet Heinkade wharf to KNSM island, from there to Java island and Amsterdam Noord (North) and then back to Central Station. It's a 5 km walk.
Free