"Busy but relaxed” atmosphere marks fourth day of SAIL Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s SAIL festival continued smoothly on its fourth day, with authorities describing the event as “busy but relaxed.” Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) reported that maritime traffic is flowing efficiently. “It’s proceeding in a streamlined way and everything is under control,” said an RWS spokesperson.

Port of Amsterdam officials confirmed the assessment, noting, “It’s slightly busier than Friday on the water. We see more small boats, but everything is orderly.”

RWS mobile traffic controllers are advising recreational boaters to follow the “starboard side navigation” rule, instructing them to keep to the right side of the waterway to allow larger ships to pass safely. “It prevents confusion and makes navigation safer,” the spokesperson said.

The historic ship Groene Draeck, owned by Princess Beatrix, remained at SAIL on Saturday. Princess Mabel boarded the ship in the afternoon. King Willem-Alexander sailed on the Groene Draeck Wednesday, Beatrix was aboard Thursday, and Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien visited Friday.

Sunday will end the festival with the fleet’s departure. Visitors can enjoy the waterfront one last time in the morning before the Sail-Out Parade begins in the afternoon.