Tall ships from all over the world will converge on Amsterdam this week for the 10th edition of SAIL.

First held for the capital’s 700th anniversary in 1975, the tradition has continued every five years. This year marks Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary.

The 2020 edition had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the 2025 event the first in a decade.

The parade will officially kick off at the IJmuiden sea lock at 9.30am on Wednesday and the ships will then sail together to the IJhaven. The vessels will arrive in Amsterdam between 15:00 and 18:00.

The ships will then be open to the public.

The city is busy preparing for the influx of both ships and visitors. The Jan Schaefer Bridge connecting Java Island has been dismantled to make way for the giant masts.

Roads in Amsterdam have been closed or diverted and the airspace will be shut during the event.

The ships will arrive into Amsterdam at 2pm and they will be welcomed with a gun salute, accompanied by the vessel’s national anthem and a firework display.

Some of the ships will be open for free daily visits. The gangways open at 10am. Visitors can also meet the ships’ crews and see what life on board is like.

From Thursday to Saturday, water sports competitions will take place along Sumatrakade between 9am and 9pm.

Tickets and other information are available on the SAIL website. The NOS will broadcast live, including from cameras mounting on the vessels.