August 13, 2025
SAIL 2025: Drift Away from the Ordinary
Every five years, Amsterdam’s waters come alive with SAIL – a parade of tall ships, historic vessels, and buzzing energy along the docks. More than just an event, it’s the city’s biggest summer celebration, where music, food, and adventure meet the open water. Bright vibes, sea breeze, and memories to anchor forever. This year, from 20 to 24 August, the spectacle returns for its 10th edition, and with Amsterdam celebrating over 750 years, it promises to be extra special. If you’re in town, you’re in luck! You don’t know where to go? Don’t worry, we’ve got you!
Practical information
Dates: August 20-24, 2025
Location: Along the IJ and at the NDSM wharf
Visitors: Around 2.3 million visitors are expected – you won’t be alone!
Cost: Free entry for all, with optional paid packages for a VIP view or extra events
Highlights: Majestic tall ships, live concerts and dazzling fireworks
SAIL’S HISTORY
SAIL took place fort the first time back in 1975, marking Amsterdam’s 700th birthday with a grand tribute to the city’s rich maritime heritage. The plan was for a one-time celebration, but the event was such a hit that it did not disappear after 1975. Now, every five years, Amsterdam’s waters are filled with sails, stories, and celebrations all over again
CASA’S tips to drift Away from the Ordinary
Beyond the famous SAIL IN parade, the sparkling Waves of Light shows, and the buzz of SAIL on Stage, there’s a sea of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. We’ve handpicked 5 fun experiences to help you drift away from the ordinary.
1. The Pieremachochel parade
On Thursday the Amsterdam canals turn into a floating playground during the Pieremachocheltocht – a wonderfully weird parade of homemade boats that look nothing like your average ship (and that’s exactly the point). Built solo or in teams, these creations are as wild as the imaginations behind them: anything goes, as long as it floats. Expect live music drifting over the water, cheering crowds along the quays, and a jury that rewards originality, style… and even glorious mishaps. It’s pure creativity set sail.
📍 Location: Canals of Amstrerdam. Route: Entrepotdoksluis —> Nieuwe vaart —> Singelgracht —> Amstel —> Nieuwe Keizersgracht —> Plantage Muidergracht
📅 Thursday August 21 2025
2. Floating heritage
Thursday morning kicks off with something truly special: the Fleet Review of Sailing Heritage. Around a hundred classic ships - from botters to skûtsjes, clippers to tjalks – glide in formation from the Stenen Hoofd to the SAILSation zone. It’s more than just a parade; it’s a moving tribute to our maritime roots, each vessel carrying its own story. With lively commentary from the Surinamekade, you’ll witness a living archive of Dutch seafaring history, sailing right before your eyes.
📍 Route: Stenen Hoofd → SAILSation
📅 Thursday August 21
⏰ 09.00 – 11.00
3. SAILsation
At the Surinamekade, the water is where the action is. Visit the SAILsation zone for a dynamic mix of high-energy water sports, captivating demos, and living maritime heritage. Think windfoilers cutting through the waves, traditional skûtsjes showing off their grace, and GIG rowers powering their seaworthy sloops. All of it unfolds on a dedicated stretch of the IJ, complete with lively commentary from the shore. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s as close to the water action as you can get without getting wet.
📍 Surinamekade (IJ)
📅 August 21 - August 24 2025
⏰ Thursday – Saturday 09.00 – 21.00, Sunday: until 13.00
4. Waves around the World – Jimmy Nelson’s floating artwork
This SAIL, the Oosterdok becomes the stage for Waves around the World – a spectacular floating art piece by world-renowned photographer Jimmy Nelson. Towering six metres above the water, it’s a celebration of travel, refuge, and the beauty of cultural exchange. Outside, vivid portraits of Dutch communities in traditional dress catch your eye; step inside and you’re swept away by breathtaking images from cultures across the globe. It’s a journey in pictures, rich with stories of identity, tradition, and shared humanity. And while you’re there, keep an eye out – as SAIL’s Artist in Residence, Nelson will also be capturing brand-new portraits of the Tall Ships’ crews.
📍 Oosterdok
📅 August 20 - 24, 2025
⏰ Daily from 10:00 until 22:30
5. Sitdown Café
At the Sitdown Café, everyone celebrates at eyelevel– whether you’re in a wheelchair or not. Dance, sip, sing, and laugh together. It’s spectacular yet simple: everyone equal, everyone included. DJs, bartenders, and MCs – with and without disabilities – keep the vibes bright and the smiles wide.
Accessibility doesn’t get better than this. And honestly? Neither does the fun. Powered by HandicapNL, you’ll find the Sitdown Café right in the heart of the Witte Oceaan.
📍 Witte Oceaan
📅 Wednesday 20 - Sunday 24 August 2025
⏰ Wednesday: 14.00 – 18.00, Thursday – Saturday: 13.00 – 21.00, Sunday: 10.00 – 14.00
Do you want to check out the other events and activities during SAIL in Amsterdam? Visit their website to see the full programme of SAIL 2025.
For more tips during your stay in Amsterdam you can check out CASA’s map. Still need a place to stay? Book your room with CASA!