"Unforgettable": Over 2.5 million visited Sail Amsterdam festival; Next edition in 2030
SAIL Amsterdam attracted 2.5 million visitors to the Dutch capital over the five days of the nautical event. The organizers and the city are happy with the 10th edition of the event, with Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema calling it “unforgettable.”
“With a triple anniversary: 10 editions, 50 years of SAIL, and the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam, SAIL 2025 warmed the city on all fronts,” the SAIL organization said. “The atmosphere along the IJ and the port areas was described as excellent and festive. Visitors spoke highly of the friendly and international ambiance.”
With 2.5 million visitors, the quays were packed at several points, but the crowds were always manageable. Saturday was the busiest SAIL day in the event’s history, with the HNLMS Karel Doorman alone attracting 25,000 visitors in a single day.
SAIL 2025 ended with the SAIL-Out parade on Sunday evening, with the last tall ship leaving the city at around 8:35 p.m. A total of 10,000 ships and boats from over 20 countries participated in the event, managed by over 2,500 volunteers.
Halsema was happy with how the event went. ”There was an unprecedented atmosphere in the city. With SAIL, the city showed itself at its best: the beautiful ships, the international friendship, and the enthusiastic and cheerful visitors,” the mayor said.
“Many thanks to everyone who made this unforgettable edition possible.”
With the conclusion of the 10th edition of the maritime festival this past weekend, the organization will soon turn their attention to the next edition. The festival takes place every five years, although the last event in 2020 was cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 11th edition is expected to return to Amsterdam in August 2030. It is not yet clear how the development of the new Haven-Stad residential neighborhood in the Westelijke Havengebied might add to the event. Many of the ships involved already dock east of the city center in the Oostelijke Havengebied, and along Java-eiland.
