SAIL Amsterdam 2030 on a Private Luxury Boat
One of the most spectacular maritime events in the world returns to Amsterdam in August 2030. Watch the tall ships from your own historic saloon boat rather than a crowded quayside, front-row views, your own captain, your own pace.
Direct booking with a dedicated SAIL package is coming to our booking system. Until then, call or WhatsApp +31 6 45 25 1000.
SAIL Amsterdam brings together majestic tall ships, historic vessels and modern boats in a grand celebration of maritime heritage. Because it is held only once every five years, it is a genuinely rare event, and for those wanting an exceptional way to experience it, a private luxury boat is an unmatched way to be part of the festivities rather than watching them from shore.
Ships taking part across the event, from tall ships to private craft
Countries sending international ships to Amsterdam
Different ship types on the water during the five days
20 to 24 August 2030, with the city turned over to the water
Why book a private luxury boat for SAIL Amsterdam 2030?
Exclusive comfort
Escape the crowds and take in front-row views of the tall ships from your own deck, with comfortable seating, catering and personal service throughout.
Unmatched views
A private boat lets you move through the event at your own pace, so you can reach the best vantage points for the parades rather than taking whatever the shoreline offers.
A tailored day
Build your own SAIL itinerary with onboard dining, bar service and even live entertainment, so the day is shaped around your group.
Memorable celebrations
Whether you are hosting friends, family or colleagues, a private boat is the right setting for the standout moments of a world-class event.
The SAIL route and its highlights
The event opens with the iconic Sail-In Parade, when a flotilla of tall ships from around the world sails into Amsterdam’s IJhaven harbour. From a private boat you can follow the procession up close, which is a completely different experience from watching it arrive.
The route runs through Amsterdam’s busy IJ River, taking in the city’s historic architecture and the quieter beauty of its waterways along the way.
SAIL is always held on the IJ directly behind Amsterdam Centraal Station, in and around the IJhaven. That puts the whole event within a few minutes of our departure point, so there is no long transfer before you are in the middle of it.
The IJ and IJhaven, directly behind Amsterdam Centraal Station, where SAIL is held.
Video from the last edition
Filmed on board during the last SAIL, so you can see exactly what the view from a private boat looks like.
Dockside festivities
Docked ships to admire up close, alongside cultural performances and exhibitions along the quays.
On-water events
Regattas, water shows and demonstrations by modern naval vessels out on the IJ.
Evening splendour
After dark, the illuminated ships and the fireworks displays, both best seen from the water.
Every five years: the SAIL editions
The first edition, staged as part of the celebrations for Amsterdam’s 700th anniversary.
The ninth edition, with over 600 vessels taking part and more than 2.3 million visitors attending.
Originally planned, but cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions made an event of this scale impossible.
The tenth edition, held from 20 to 24 August and timed to coincide with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. It drew around 2.5 million visitors after a ten-year wait.
The eleventh edition, scheduled for 20 to 24 August, the next chance to see the tall ships on the IJ.
With five years between editions, 2030 is worth planning properly for, a rare event, and only a limited number of private boats available across those five days.
Which of our boats suits SAIL
The Tzar and the Ritz blend in perfectly at an event built around historic vessels, and both give you the open-air deck space that makes watching the tall ships worthwhile.
Tzar
A sliding roof over the indoor area plus a fully open front deck, so nothing sits between you and the ships. Up to 12 guests.
View the Tzar →
Ritz
A 1915 classic with a mahogany interior, convertible stern and a restroom on board, which matters on a full day out at SAIL. Up to 12 guests.
View the Ritz →Compare all three boats on the fleet page, and see the standard durations and prices under tours and prices.
Dining, drinks and entertainment
SAIL runs across five days in August, so most groups treat it as a proper day out rather than a short cruise. Everything you would normally add to a private charter can be built into it.
- ✓Onboard dining from our canal-side partner restaurants, see the food menus
- ✓Bar service from the onboard minibar, with Champagne from €75 a bottle
- ✓Live entertainment arranged on request, such as a violinist
- ✓Your own local captain who knows the IJ and the harbour
- ✓Heated, covered cabin if the August weather turns
- ✓Up to 12 guests per boat, for friends, family or colleagues
SAIL Amsterdam 2030, FAQ
SAIL Amsterdam 2030 is scheduled for 20 to 24 August 2030, turning the city into a maritime wonderland for five days.
Once every five years, which is what makes it such a rare event. The most recent edition was the tenth, held in August 2025, and 2030 will be the eleventh.
It was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, since restrictions on large gatherings made an event of this scale impossible. SAIL then returned in August 2025 for its tenth edition, and 2030 follows on the usual five-year cycle.
More than 10,000 ships across four different types, including international vessels from over 20 countries. The programme covers the Sail-In Parade, dockside festivities, on-water regattas and demonstrations, and illuminated ships with fireworks in the evenings.
Get in touch by phone or WhatsApp on +31 6 45 25 1000. We will be offering direct bookings through our booking system with a dedicated SAIL package type, until then, contact us and we will register your interest.
The Tzar and the Ritz. Both are historic luxury saloon boats that fit the character of the event, with open deck space for viewing. The Ritz also has a restroom on board, which helps on a longer day.
Yes. Onboard dining can be arranged from our partner restaurants, the minibar covers wine, beer, soft drinks and Champagne, and live entertainment such as a violinist can be added on request.
As early as you can. SAIL happens once every five years and only a limited number of private boats are available across the five days, in 2025 the sailing tickets and charter slots went well before the event, so registering your interest early is worthwhile.
Contact us to book SAIL Amsterdam 2030
Get in touch by phone or WhatsApp on +31 6 45 25 1000. Direct booking with a dedicated SAIL package is coming to our booking system, in the meantime we will register your interest for 20 to 24 August 2030.
Or email info@amsterdamprivateboat.com