Amsterdam Welcomes Historic Ships at SAIL 2025 Festival

Amsterdam, Aug 20 (AP) A stunning parade of historic ships has arrived in Amsterdam for a special festival celebrating the city’s rich maritime heritage. The five-day event, SAIL 2025, marks a decade since the last edition and commemorates Amsterdam's 750th anniversary.

An impressive fleet, with masts and rigging adorned with colorful flags, embarked on a journey from Ijmuiden, moving through the North Sea Canal to Amsterdam's Ij waterway. The event began with a dramatic spectacle as a plume of orange smoke filled the air and ship horns blared; this was highlighted by the replica three-masted clipper, Stad Amsterdam, marking the official commencement as she passed through a lock.

Each vessel receives a warm welcome upon entering the harbor, saluted by two cannon shots and serenaded by its respective national anthem. Hundreds of smaller boats crowded the waters, providing a vibrant atmosphere as spectators eagerly awaited the impressive maritime display.

Historically significant and held every five years, this festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. The 2020 edition was regrettably canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this year’s event even more anticipated.

The festivities begin in earnest on Wednesday with a grand parade, concluding with a spectacular evening fireworks display. Throughout the weekend, the ships will remain docked in Amsterdam, with many open for public tours, allowing visitors an up-close experience of maritime history.

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