Â鶹APP

Amsterdam Photo by Adrien Olichon on

Top 10 Astonishing Facts About Sail Amsterdam

Amsterdam is considered one of the most beautiful destinations to visit. There is so much to do in this capital city of Holland and a lot of those tourist attractions can be reached via the canal. The canals lead to Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Stedelijk, Moco, Rembrandthuis, Amsterdam Museum, Eye Film Museum, and Foam Museum.

 The historic city of Amsterdam has been trading with other cities and even countries via the waters for centuries. It’s one of the reasons why the Netherlands became a world power.

1. Amsterdam Is The Most Watery City Of The World

Netherlands. Photo by Ernest Ojeh on

Amsterdam is the most watery city in the world! Almost a quarter of the city is covered by water – canals and harbors have been a central part of life in Amsterdam for hundreds of years and continue to be an integral aspect of every true Amsterdammer’s life today. That’s why a trip to Amsterdam is not complete without an Amsterdam boat tour through the canals.

2. Sail Amsterdam Is The Largest Maritime Event in The World

Sail Amsterdam means an impressive and unrivaled fleet of tall ships, sailing heritage, modern ships, naval ships and some replicas. Being the largest maritime event in the world, it is organized once every five years and attracts over one and a half million visitors. This is where you want to take your friends and family with you onboard a ship for a cruise of a lifetime.

It’s that simple and yes, it’s beautiful. Sail Amsterdam is much more than putting the Netherlands on the world map, more than the overwhelming effect of thousands of special boats and ships. It is the moment that people show their relationships how much they value them.

3. The Sail Amsterdam Event is Held Every Five Years

Since 1975, every five years tall ships have headed to Amsterdam from all over the globe. The first event was organized by the city’s port 45 years ago as part of the celebrations to mark 700 years since Amsterdam was founded.

It was such as success that it became a regular event, staged at five-year intervals, and has grown into the biggest free public event in the Netherlands.

It offers an opportunity to tourists to the event watch some of the tallest ship in the world.

4. It Is Organized By The Sail Amsterdam Foundation

The success of the very first SAIL in 1975 prompted the establishment of the SAIL Amsterdam Foundation as the event organizer.

Within SAIL Event Partners, the SAIL Amsterdam Foundation is responsible for the core business. It aims to promote the city and port of Amsterdam, boost interest in classic sailing boats, generate enthusiasm among young people for sailing, etc.

The SAIL Amsterdam Foundation aims to achieve these goals through its role with SAIL Amsterdam. It is also active in encouraging youngsters to take up sailing, boosting skills via onboard internships, and organizing small nautical events.

5. The Sail Family Values Community Involvement

Community. Photo by Vonecia Carswell on

The SAIL family is made up of groups and local authorities which have been part of SAIL since the early days. SAIL would not be the same without their community involvement. Now supporting SAIL for the tenth time, they have developed bonds as valuable and as strong as those within a real family.

6. Sustainability is Key

How will SAIL maintain its relevance?  First of all, it does this by emphasizing the way it draws together ships, crews, and visitors. They also focus on three concrete themes: sustainability, inclusivity, and developing talent.

7. They Have Created An app for SAIL Amsterdam

The official app for SAIL Amsterdam was released on 12 August 2015. Visitors can find a lot of information in the app. They can find the map, berth of ships, walking routes, navigation rules, information about accessibility, and the program of SAIL Amsterdam 2020.

 If you switched on Bluetooth, you received information from ten special ships that can be found during the event. Via webcams and streams, visitors can remotely enjoy everything that is happening in the SAIL area. Tickets for the performances at SAIL Music Marina could also be obtained via the app.

8. SAIL Amsterdam Also Offers Other Entertainment Activities For Both Adults And Children

Red Light District. Photo by Jordan Merrick on

Next to all the activities on the water, there is plenty to do during the event. The SAIL program boasts entertainment, art, culture, music, and sporting- and children’s activities.

9. It Offers Tourists An Opportunity To Discover The Beauty Of Amsterdam City

Boat cruises on its famous canals offer tourists the incredible chance to discover the beauty of the capital city, its breathtaking canal belt, the famous canal houses, the rich culture, the beautiful architecture, etc. Tourists can also hop off their boats and chill on a terrace and be spoiled by the culinary wonders of the city’s diverse selection of restaurants.

The event usually takes place on and around the Amsterdam IJ and is easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station. Visitors only have to walk via the Central Station to the Ijzijde. It is not recommended to go to the event by car. If you chose to go by car, you have to take into account that there will be crowds of people and parking facilities may be full.

10. The Event Involves A lot of Activities

SAIL traditionally starts with the Parade: hundreds of ships sail into the IJ and form a unique sight that you’ll never forget. In the following days, several matches on the water take place, including ‘Skûtsjesilen’ (sailing with a typical Frisian ship). The Royal Netherlands Navy will also display its skills on the water.

The Dutch Railways (NS) has made arrangements to use extra-long trains to bring all boat enthusiasts to Amsterdam during the event. The area where visitors can stand and watch the tall ships is located near the Amsterdam Central Station on the Ijzijde. 

Extra NS employees and signboards provide visitors with information on walking routes, while tickets can be found on the NS website.