Ships of all types and sizes are taking to the North Sea Canal to join the celebration of the ninth edition of the SAIL Amsterdam event in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Since its first edition in 1975, SAIL Amsterdam has grown to become the largest public event in the Netherlands and the largest free nautical event in the world.
The event takes place every five years, gathering over 600 ships that navigate along the North Sea Canal before mooring in and around the IJhaven in Amsterdam. The ninth edition of SAIL Amsterdam takes place from 19 to 23 August 2015.
The first day of the maritime festival kicked off with a Sail-In Parade featuring various famous tall ships such as Belem from France, Atyla from Spain, Alexander von Humbdolt II from Germany along with Dutch navy ships and many more vessels smaller in size but equally spirited to join the fun.
World Maritime News Staff; Images: Sail.nl