SAIL Amsterdam – the largest nautical event in the world

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Every five years SAIL Amsterdam takes place. This means that in August 2015 a fleet of Tall Ships from all over the world will come to the IJ harbour and everybody is welcome to visit them. During the four day exhibition many other cultural events and maritime-themed entertainment will take place both on the water and on the wharfs. The biggest nautical event in the world will be held from 19th August until 23rd August 2015. SAIL always begins with the ‘Parade’ where hundreds of historic and new ships sail in convoy through the North Sea Canal from IJmuiden to the IJ, behind Amsterdam Central Station, and form a unique spectacle.

The first SAIL Amsterdam event took place in 1975, to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the city. Due to its huge success, which attracted 700,000 visitors, the decision was made to host this large maritime event every five years. The last edition in 2010 attracted an incredible 1,7 million visitors. Replica of an East Indiaman A place where you can see a historical ship every day is at the National Maritime Museum. The museum is situated within an impressive monumental building, which was once a storehouse for the Admiralty of Amsterdam. Moored upon the quay at the rear of the museum is a replica of the East Indiaman Amsterdam. In the 17th and 18th centuries the Dutch East India Company sailed in this type of cargo ship to Asia.

The National Maritime Museum is just a 15 minute walk away from Amsterdam Centraal Station – just head towards the big green NEMO building. The hop on-hop off canal buses, provided by Canal Company and Lovers, also stop in front of the museum.