SAIL Amsterdam is the largest free nautical event in the world – and it only happens once every five years. The 11th edition is expected in August 2030, when hundreds of tall ships and thousands of historic and modern vessels fill the IJ for five days, watched by over 2.3 million visitors. Exact dates to be confirmed by the organisers.

What is SAIL?

Since 1975, SAIL has brought the world’s most majestic tall ships to Amsterdam. The spectacle begins with SAIL-In: a parade of tall ships sailing from the North Sea through the North Sea Canal into the IJ, greeted by a flotilla of thousands of boats. For the following days, the ships moor in and around the eastern harbour, open for free visits, alongside water sports demonstrations, fireworks and maritime festivities across the waterfront.

Highlights to expect

• SAIL-In Parade: the arrival of the fleet – the busiest and most spectacular day
• Tall ship visits: step aboard world-famous windjammers, free of charge
• Evening programme: illuminated ships, concerts and nightly fireworks over the IJ
• SAIL Music Marine: festival stages along the water

Seeing SAIL from the water

The very best way to experience SAIL is from a boat between the giants. During SAIL 2025, canal cruise operators ran special SAIL routes, and private boats needed booking almost a year ahead. Keep an eye on this page: we will list the official 2030 sailing options as soon as they are announced.

Practical information

• When: August 2030 (five days, Wed-Sun expected)
• Where: the IJ and eastern harbours, around Central Station and Java-eiland
• Costs: free
• Official updates: sail.nl