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.
Tall Ships line-up
With debut appearances by the B.A.P. Unión (Peru) and ARM Cuauhtémoc (Mexico), as well as returning favourites like the flagship Clipper Stad Amsterdam, the eco-friendly Alexander von Humboldt II (Germany), and Le Phoenix (France), SAIL 2025 features an impressive international Tall Ships line-up.
New additions include 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.
Stricter access policy on the water
SAIL remains the Netherlands’ largest free public event. That accessibility is part of its charm and value, offering everyone the chance to visit the ships and meet their crews. Yet, this openness is not a given. New regulations and high inflation make the event more challenging to organise. That’s why SAIL depends on countless partners, sponsors, and supporters who help by, for instance, purchasing boat tours.
From a safety and permit perspective, the City of Amsterdam requires monitoring of water traffic during the event. SAIL uses a boating permit system, already mandatory on the canals. During the event, this permit is also required to enter the IJ Harbour. Pleasure boats (max. 15 metres, thirteen persons including skipper) can access the harbour five times during SAIL. More frequent access requires a “recharge product”, available via SAIL.nl. Vessels or crews that exceed these limits are considered “passenger shipping” and must contact SAIL.nl for arrangements.
All business packages, premium access, and canal cruise tickets are available via SAIL.nl. The organisation urges visitors to book only via official channels to ensure the event’s continued success. Be quick: the SAIL-In Parade is already sold out, and popular options like evening cruises are in limited supply.
Five days, five oceans, hundreds of events
SAIL 2025 will feature five themed “oceans”:
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.
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.
## Volunteers and accessibility
Volunteers are essential to SAIL. All 2000 roles were filled six months in advance. As a token of appreciation, Presenting Partner Tommy Hilfiger has designed an exclusive clothing line, making these “wavemakers” easy to spot.
Due to ongoing roadworks in Amsterdam this summer, SAIL 2025’s transport planning is closely coordinated with NS, GVB, Rijkswaterstaat, and others. The event coincides with the final phase of these works. Visitors are advised to plan their trip close to the date and use public transport. SAIL has partnered with RAI Amsterdam and the Johan Cruijff ArenA as parking hubs, offering fast connections to the city centre via the /South Metro Line — which was not yet open during the last edition.
## Partners
SAIL is only possible thanks to the support of many partners and sponsors. The City of Amsterdam and Port of Amsterdam are “Hosting Partners”, while RTL, , Heineken, Sligro, Tommy Hilfiger, Verpact, Heren2, and KPN serve as “Presenting Partners”, contributing to the programme and experience of SAIL 2025.
