Best ways to experience SAIL Amsterdam 2025; from the shore, water and above
26 August 2025
Image from Lisa Kunst
Unmissable events during SAIL Amsterdam 2025
Updated 5 August 2025 at 08:04
Every five years, SAIL Amsterdam transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of maritime heritage, with hundreds of ships, sailors, and spectators from around the world. From 20 to 24 August 2025, the waterfronts and canals will come alive with unforgettable events, from grand flotillas to playful home-made raft pageants. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of tall ships or the creativity of quirky homemade vessels, SAIL Amsterdam 2025 promises something for everyone, on land and water.
Step aboard the ARA Libertad
Passenger Terminal, Sunday 10 August - Wednesday 13 August, 13:00-18:00
It’s rare for a ship of such diplomatic and historical significance to dock in Amsterdam, but the ARA Libertad is no ordinary vessel. One of the world's largest and most graceful tall ships, this Argentine naval training ship is open to the public for free at the Passenger Terminal in the days leading up to SAIL. Step aboard for free to glimpse life at sea for young cadets, explore authentic ship interiors, and discover Argentina’s rich maritime history. You may even have the chance to chat with members of the crew. The Libertad’s visit marks 200 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Argentina.
SAIL-In Parade
Oranje Oceaan, Wednesday 20 August 2025, 10.00-19.00
Image from Wim Haze
The breathtaking SAIL-In Parade kicks off the festivities as dozens of majestic tall ships sail from IJmuiden toward the Oranje Oceaan. From 10:00 to 19:00, spectators can line the coast and harbours to witness this nautical spectacle. It's a once-in-five-years moment when historic and modern vessels glide into Amsterdam together, escorted by thousands of smaller boats, marking the grand opening of SAIL Amsterdam 2025 with maritime pride and celebration.
Read this guide to historic ships to look out for during SAIL Amsterdam 2025 for more context.
Saluut Protocollair
Oranje Oceaan: Wednesday 20 August 2025, 14.00-18.00
Image from Wim Haze
The Saluut Protocollair is a formal maritime tradition where tall ships salute each other and their hosts. This ceremonial exchange of honours between naval vessels and dignitaries pays homage to centuries-old naval customs. With music, flags, and precise coordination, it sets a tone of respect and camaraderie among the international fleet, blending pageantry with seafaring heritage in a uniquely symbolic display.
Read this guide to the best ways to experience SAIL from the shore, water and above for tips on where to watch.
Kaap de Groene Hoop Festival & Market
NDSM: Wednesday 20 - Saturday 24 August, 12:00-21:00 & Sunday 25 August, 12:00-18:00
Don’t miss the SAIL Kaap de Groene Hoop Festival from Wednesday to Sunday at the vibrant NDSM wharf. This lively festival-meets-skippers village celebrates sustainability with a market full of fair trade, organic, and locally made products. Enjoy live jazz, great performances on the United by Waves music stage, and delicious food from local food trucks. Right on the IJ, it’s the perfect spot to watch the ships sail by. You can also join inspiring talks on climate and circularity (key themes that reflect SAIL’s commitment to a more sustainable maritime future).
Floating art by Jimmy Nelson
Oosterdok, Wednesday 20 August - Sunday 24 August
Image from Jimmy Nelson
During SAIL, renowned photographer Jimmy Nelson presents Waves of the World, a six-metre-high floating installation at Oosterdok. Free to visit and open day and night, the artwork features portraits of people in traditional Dutch costume on the outside and global cultures within. It explores themes of travel, heritage, and human connection. As Artist in Residence, Nelson will also photograph international Tall Ship crew members, adding to this evolving work as an inspiring centrepiece of SAIL’s anniversary edition.
SAIL on Stage & Waves of Light
NDSM: Wednesday 20 - Friday 23 August, 21:00-22:30 & Saturday 24 August, 19:30-22:30
Image from Renzo Gerritsen
From Wednesday to Saturday, the NDSM waterfront transforms into a spectacular stage for SAIL on Stage. Each evening features a unique musical theme, from surprising classical crossovers to electronic dance music, performed against the stunning maritime backdrop. After the concert, stay for Waves of Light, a dazzling evening show on the water. Discover the full line-up and book tickets early!
Ride a historic steam train
Wednesday 20 - Sunday 24 August 2025
Image from Cynthia Verbruggen Vinkel
Celebrate SAIL 2025 and Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary with Het Stoomgenootschap. You can take a ride on a historic steam trainon the Netherlands’ first railway line between Haarlem and Amsterdam, or hop on vintage diesel and electric trains. The journey doesn't stop at the station. After your train ride, board an authentic steamboat and cruise past the awe-inspiring Tall Ships in the IJhaven. Travel by rail and water through time in an unforgettable, nostalgic style.
Free entrance to the National Maritime Museum
Wednesday 20 - Sunday 24 August 2025
Image from Eddo Hartmann / Scheepvaartmuseum
From 20–24 August, the National Maritime Museum offers free admission during SAIL. Visitors can explore the Netherlands’ seafaring history through world-class exhibitions, ship models, interactive displays, and the iconic replica of the VOC Ship. This is the perfect place to deepen your understanding of Dutch naval heritage and connect the past with the present-day maritime spectacle, and it is a must-visit for all ages.
Marineterrein film screening: Armazoen
Wednesday 20 - Sunday 24 August 2025
Image from Koen Smilde
During SAIL, the Marineterrein hosts daily screenings of Armazoen, a powerful dance film shown in a sea container. Based on an 18th-century ship's log, it tells the story of transatlantic slavery through expressive movement and atmospheric visuals. This moving installation invites visitors to reflect on the darker side of maritime history, blending art, memory, and education in a thought-provoking way. It’s an essential and respectful counterpoint to the celebratory mood of SAIL.
After SAIL 2025, the Armazoen art project will embark on an international journey to Luanda (Angola), Willemstad (Curaçao), Paramaribo (Suriname) and New York (United States of America).
Vlootschouw
Oranje Oceaan, Thursday 21 August 2025, 08.00-12.00
Image from Lisa Kunst
The Vlootschouw is a spectacular fleet review showcasing all the participating ships at their finest. This maritime parade offers visitors a chance to admire the vessels in formation, from stately tall ships to sleek naval craft. With commentary and background stories on each ship, Vlootschouw is both visually impressive and educational and a celebration of global maritime diversity and craftsmanship.
Pieremachocheltocht
Rode Oceaan, Thursday 21 August 2025, 13.00-17.00
Image from Ewout Huibers
The Pieremachocheltocht is one of the most whimsical events of SAIL. A parade of homemade, bizarre, and fantastically decorated vessels float by, delighting the crowds with creativity and humour. From bathtubs to floating castles, anything that floats (barely!) is welcome. This joyful, family-friendly spectacle celebrates imagination and community spirit, offering a playful counterbalance to the grandeur of the tall ships.
Grachtentocht
Rode Oceaan, Friday 22 August 2025, 10.00-14.00
The Grachtentocht invites traditional Dutch boats and heritage vessels to cruise through the canals in an elegant water parade highlighting the city's historic bond with its waterways. Spectators can enjoy the colourful procession from canal bridges and quaysides, as beautifully restored ships glide past, accompanied by music and storytelling that bring maritime history to life.
Crew Parade
Rode Oceaan, Friday 22 August, 2025, 15.00-17.00
Image from Pieter Dammen
The Crew Parade brings together sailors and staff from around the world in a vibrant land-based procession. Marching through the city in uniform or costume, crews represent their ships and cultures with flags, cheers, and performances. It’s a festive celebration of international friendship and teamwork, offering visitors a chance to meet the people behind the sails and feel the global spirit of SAIL.
Admiraalzeilen
Oranje Oceaan, Sunday 24 August 2025, 10.00-12.30
Image from Wim Haze
Admiraalzeilen is a ceremonial sailing tradition where the fleet honours the ‘Admiral of the Day’. Each ship sails in salute past the admiral’s vessel, showcasing precision and maritime elegance. This stately event highlights naval discipline, historic rituals, and the beauty of synchronised sailing, offering a stirring and dignified moment during SAIL’s final day festivities.
SAIL-Out Parade
Oranje Oceaan, Sunday 24 August 2025, 14.00-19.00
Image from Robert Aarts
The SAIL-Out Parade on Sunday marks the grand finale of SAIL Amsterdam 2025. Ships bid farewell to the city as they majestically sail out of the Oranje Oceaan, accompanied by cheering crowds and flotillas of small boats. It’s a poignant and beautiful farewell to the maritime magic of the week. As the tall ships disappear into the horizon, the parade leaves behind memories of unity, celebration, and shared maritime heritage.
Official SAIL merchandise in the I amsterdam Store
Open: Monday & Thursday–Sunday: 09:00–20:00, Tuesday & Wednesday: 09:00–19:00
Want to take home a lasting memory of SAIL 2025? Visit the I amsterdam Store at Amsterdam Central Station for official merchandise. Choose from unisex organic cotton T-shirts, sustainable tote bags, recycled-material sunglasses, keychains, socks, and a stylish cap, all designed with a maritime touch. Practical and eco-conscious, each item makes a perfect souvenir.
