Amsterdam’s SAIL festival in full swing Saturday ahead of Sunday’s Sail-Out Parade

Amsterdam is bracing for one of the highlights of SAIL 2025 this weekend, as visitors gather on Saturday morning for a full day of music and family activities, before the Tall Ships depart in the traditional Sail-Out Parade on Sunday.

Rijkswaterstaat reported Friday night that while the event was busy on the water, the atmosphere remained calm and well-managed.

On Saturday morning, visitors can explore SAILSation or join guided tours along the ships. Families will find activities at the SAIL Kids Club, SAIL Horizons, or the Ferris wheel.

Music will be performed throughout the day at stages at IJplein, Bogortuin, Kop van Java, and other sites. Food and drinks will be available at the Sit-down Café and the Dinner by the DAMEN Dock.

The evening program begins with SAIL On Stage: Waves of Music, featuring performances by Davina Michelle, Rolf Sanchez, Numidia, and others. Afterward, the Waves of Light show will illuminate the harbor as the closing spectacle of the day.

On Friday, according to a spokesperson for Rijkswaterstaat, the national water authority, traffic on the IJ Harbor and surrounding waters was heavy, but order was maintained thanks to extra staff and mobile traffic controllers.

“We notice that the deployment of additional colleagues is paying off and that everything is running smoothly,” the spokesperson said. “Our mobile traffic controllers keep an eye on things and provide support where necessary.”

The authority said both experienced and inexperienced skippers were present. Mobile controllers reminded boaters to sail as much as possible along the starboard side, or right-hand side, to prevent confusion. “Just like on the road, you avoid misunderstandings,” the spokesperson explained, adding that despite the crowds, “it is simply pleasant on the water.”

Sunday will mark the farewell to the fleet after several days of festivities. Visitors can enjoy a final morning at the waterfront before the Sail-Out Parade in the afternoon. Thousands of spectators are expected to watch the Tall Ships depart Amsterdam in an official procession, bringing SAIL 2025 to an end.