World's Largest Nautical Event, SAIL Amsterdam sets world record

August 25, 2025

Amsterdam, The Netherlands--SAIL Amsterdam, a maritime event held once every five years in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, hosted more than 600 ships, ranging from majestic clippers and naval training vessels to modern yachts and heritage boats and sets the world record for the World's Largest Nautical Event, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

Photos: Facebook/SAIL Amsterdam

"SAIL Amsterdam is a maritime event held once every five years in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Tall ships from all over the world visit the city to moor in its eastern harbour. The 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The event was organized in 1975 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Amsterdam, under the name 'Sail Amsterdam 700'.[2] This led to the establishment of the Stichting Sail Amsterdam (SSA, Foundation Sail Amsterdam).

"2025 SAIL Amsterdam is the tenth edition, and the first one since 2015 as the 2020 event was cancelled. It will be one of the main events celebrating Amsterdam's 750th. It will also be 50 years since the first SAIL Amsterdam was held." (Wikipedia)

"SAIL Amsterdam 2025 took place from 20 to 24 August and transformed the Dutch capital into the world’s largest nautical stage. The event, held every five years, was especially significant in 2025 because it marked three jubilees at once: the 10th edition of SAIL, the 50th anniversary of the event itself, and Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary as a city," Erik Florin History Hiker says.

"The spectacle began with the traditional Sail-In Parade, when hundreds of tall ships and historic vessels sailed through the North Sea Canal into the IJ, welcomed by cannon salutes, national anthems, and cheering crowds along the waterfront. Among the highlights in 2025 were the four replicas from the Fundación Nao Victoria — the Nao Victoria, Galeón Andalucía, Nao Santa María, and Pascual Flores — which appeared together in Amsterdam for the first time.

"In total, more than 600 ships took part, ranging from majestic clippers and naval training vessels to modern yachts and heritage boats. The centerpiece was the Dutch three-masted clipper Stad Amsterdam, which opened the event with dramatic flair.

"In 1975, SAIL was organized for the first time to honor the 700th anniversary of our capital city. So, in 2025, it’s a double celebration: 750 years of Amsterdam and 50 years of SAIL. But that’s not all! In 2020, SAIL was postponed due to the pandemic, moving the 10th anniversary edition to 2025. A triple celebration, indeed!" the official website says.

"Since 1975, Tall Ships from all over the world have been coming to Amsterdam every five years. SAIL was first organized by the Amsterdam port as a celebration for the city's 700th anniversary. Thanks to its enormous success, it was decided to repeat this event every five years. Over the years, SAIL has grown into the largest freely accessible event in the Netherlands. In 2025, we will celebrate the 750th anniversary of our capital, the 50th anniversary of SAIL, and the 10th edition of the world's largest nautical event."

"The festival officially began with the traditional Sail-In Parade along the North Sea Canal and IJ River, led by the three-masted clipper Stad Amsterdam (City of Amsterdam). The vessel was welcomed with cannon salutes and a flyover by jets from the Royal Dutch Air Force," the Xinhua agency reports.

"This year's fleet included ships of all sizes, from ultramodern to classic, and from around the world. Festivalgoers took to the water in small boats, joining the fleet as it made its way toward IJ Harbor in Amsterdam.

"Organizers expect more than 800 ships and some 2 million visitors during the five-day festival, which runs until August 24. More than 200 events will take place on land and water, including cultural performances, naval demonstrations, educational exhibits, ship tours and sailing excursions."

"SAIL Amsterdam returned to the Dutch capital this week for its tenth edition, bringing together hundreds of heritage vessels, tall ships and modern yachts for the world’s largest free nautical event," the Super Yacht Times reports.

"Held every five years since its inaugural edition in 1975, SAIL has become a defining part of Amsterdam’s maritime identity, attracting millions of visitors to the IJ. SuperYacht Times Content Creator Nick Smits was taking pictures for the official opening on Wednesday, capturing the spectacle of the historic fleet as it made its way through Amsterdam.

"Alongside the spectacular parade, SAIL also offers the public a rare opportunity to step onboard the fleet’s visiting tall ships and heritage vessels. From restored windjammers to historic naval ships, guests are welcomed on deck throughout the event, experiencing maritime history up close."

"Hundreds of historic ships from all over the world left the North Sea coastal town of IJmuiden to begin their journey up the North Sea Canal and into Amsterdam's IJ waterway today.The flotilla arrived for the start of a five-day festival, SAIL 2025, which celebrates the Dutch capital’s maritime history," the Euro News reports.

"As pictured above, puffs of orange smoke erupted into the sky and ships' horns sounded as the replica three-masted clipper Stad Amsterdam passed through a lock to mark the official start of the event. Each visiting vessel is greeted with two cannon shots and its country's national anthem as it enters the harbor."