Overview
- Vessels departed IJmuiden and processed up the North Sea Canal into the IJ waterway to open the five-day festival after a decade-long gap.
- The replica clipper Stad Amsterdam marked the start at the sea locks, where orange smoke, horn blasts, cannon salutes and national anthems greeted arriving ships.
- Organizers cite a lineup of roughly 50 tall ships and about 700 historic vessels with international crews.
- Harbour master Milembe Mateyo described the Sail-in Parade as the festival’s most challenging moment due to heavy media interest and dense spectator boat traffic.
- Ships are berthed for public visits alongside waterfront concerts and a crew parade, with a second grand sail-out scheduled for Sunday and projected attendance of 2.3–2.5 million.