| Written by Teodora Gaydarova |
SAIL AmsterdamSail 2005 2010 2015 2020Well, fan my brow!, its all over for another five years. SAIL 2015 has come and gone. What is Sail Amsterdam? What ?, Did I hear the question correctly?. Since the first back in 1975, SAIL Amsterdam is now the largest public event held in the Netherlands and the largest free nautical event in the world.
Every five years, over 600 ships and boats navigate along the North Sea Canal before mooring in and around the IJ-haven in Amsterdam. 2015 will be the ninth SAIL Amsterdam event and we kick off from 19th to 23rd August.
For naval enthusiasts, water-sports fans and anyone who loves fantastic festivals, SAIL Amsterdam is one of the biggest and most important nautical events in the world. Following the tremendous success of an event initially organised in 1975 to mark the 700th anniversary of the founding of Amsterdam, SAIL became a regular international maritime event held once every five years. SAIL Amsterdam is certainly an impressive event to see at least once. A one to add to any bucket list for sure. The official opening is the so-called Parade of vessels during which dozens of tall ships, hundreds of smaller heritage vessels and thousands of modern boats arrive into the IJ Harbour in a festive procession. All the ships stay moored in the IJ over the course of the event that spans four days.
Besides these ships, spectators can also see some impressive replicas of famous ships. The whole event of watching the beautiful heritage vessels enter the harbour of the historic city can almost leave you with the sensation of being transported back to another era of sea conquests and pirates. All of the SAIL events are free – from music shows and concerts to ship tours. The scope and variety of the events and festivities are so huge that you will not be able to attend everything and might have to choose what to see.
The programme only becomes available sometime in early June, the year when the festival takes place. If you want a real memorable experience, you can pay to board a tourist boat that will follow the parade as it entering the harbour.
The IJ harbour is situated on the outskirts of the historic canal ring of Amsterdam, within easy reach of Central Station. That is why the route that takes pedestrians to the festival venues usually begins behind Central Station and is clearly marked. During the event, the festival area is closed for vehicles.
Nearly two million people attend this spectacular event held only twice in a decade.
Accommodation in Amsterdam is fully booked during festivals so making plans well in advance are paramount to a pleasant experience.
We offer you a wide choice of holiday apartments, hotels, B&Bs and hostels situated in different parts of the historic canal ring, nearby Central Station and the IJ Harbour.
We have places catering for all groups sizes. These excellent locations allow easy access to festival venues, local attractions and amenities and our large choice of holiday apartments and serviced accommodation allows you to find something that will match your budget and needs perfectly. Below is our collection of apartments and other accommodation in on and around IJ Harbour, perfect to be close to all the action. Back to top of page
(only 12 minutes tram to central station)
![]() 20% discount from 04 July to 17 July14% discount for stays of 3 nights or more
ID 503
From48 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1459
From75 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1460
From79 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1462
From83 €per nightBack to top of page
(Czaar Peter studio Amsterdam)
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ID 1387
From88 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1458
From90 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1989
From94 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2291
From99 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1464
From101 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1318
From104 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2295
From104 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2296
From104 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1597
From109 €per nightBack to top of page
(Bed and Breakfast Houseboat Tante Piet)
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ID 958
From110 €per nightBack to top of page
(Studio Boom Amsterdam)
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ID 1032
From113 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1090
From114 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1422
From116 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1432
From116 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1433
From116 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1456
From116 €per nightBack to top of page
![]() 5% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 1474
From116 €per nightBack to top of page
![]() 5% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 1484
From116 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1488
From116 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1490
From116 €per nightBack to top of page
![]() 5% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 1496
From116 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1653
From120 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1429
From120 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2310
From130 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1064
From140 €per nightBack to top of page
(Jordaan Old City Apartment)
![]() 5% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 1489
From146 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1514
From146 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2191
From146 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2192
From146 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1230
From150 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2193
From150 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1176
From153 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1229
From156 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1988
From156 €per nightBack to top of page
(Central Spot Apartment)
![]() 10% discount from 04 July to 17 July15% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 2138
From159 €per nightBack to top of page
![]() 5% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 1473
From161 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2356
From163 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2196
From169 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2197
From169 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2208
From169 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2213
From169 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1241
From169 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1450
From173 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1452
From173 €per nightBack to top of page
![]() 5% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 1477
From173 €per nightBack to top of page
![]() 5% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 1509
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2198
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2199
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2202
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2203
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2204
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2207
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2209
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2210
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2214
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2215
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2216
From176 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1542
From180 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2194
From180 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2195
From180 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2200
From180 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2201
From180 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2205
From180 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2206
From180 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2211
From180 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2212
From180 €per nightBack to top of page
![]() 25% discount for stays of 3 nights or more
ID 2252
From199 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 1656
From200 €per nightBack to top of page
(Cute & comfortable apartment + free parking)
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ID 1885
From250 €per nightBack to top of page
(Luxury One Dutch Fine Stay)
![]() 10% discount from 04 July to 17 July10% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 2364
From250 €per nightBack to top of page
(Deluxe Penthouse Dutch Fine Stay)
![]() 10% discount from 04 July to 17 July10% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 2365
From300 €per nightBack to top of page
(Grand Brewers Apartment)
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ID 1048
From312 €per nightBack to top of page
![]() 5% discount from 04 July to 17 July10% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 785
From320 €per nightBack to top of page
![]() 5% discount from 04 July to 17 July10% discount for stays of 7 nights or more
ID 781
From395 €per nightBack to top of page
(The Grand Canal House)
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ID 1580
From413 €per nightBack to top of page
(Double Dutch Base Luxury House)
![]() 10% discount from 04 July to 17 July25% discount for stays of 3 nights or more
ID 2366
From500 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 96
From69 €per nightBack to top of page
![]() 20% discount for stays of 30 nights or more
ID 1014
From99 €per nightBack to top of page
(houseboat ms Luctor)
![]() 10% discount for stays of 6 nights or more
ID 2181
From145 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 858
From150 €per nightBack to top of page
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ID 2396
From180 €per night
Among the most spectacular events are the re-enactments of historic naval battles and various sailboat races. The festive programme is not limited to water events though. Ashore ship crews participate in a parade that marches through the streets of Amsterdam while locals and tourists are welcome aboard some of the vessels for guided tours. Live music concerts, dance shows and various performances crowned with dazzling firework displays form a big part of the festivities. The sheer variety of events makes SAIL hugely popular with everyone, not only professional sailors and watersports aficionados and can leave lasting impressions on visitors of all ages and backgrounds. |











