Sail Amsterdam is a large maritime event that takes place every five years in the port area to the east and the north of the city. The five-day event was first held in 1975 as part of the celebrations marking the 700th anniversary of the establishment of Amsterdam. Sail Amsterdam 2010 is the eighth time the maritime extravaganza has taken place.

In 2005, Sail Amsterdam attracted 1.8 million visitors. One of the events' major attractions is the tall ships; almost 50 are moored in Amsterdam's ports and on its quays and are open to visitors during Sail.

Some 500 old ships, navy vessels, replicas and modern ships also take part in Sail and there are dozens of activities, ranging from parades and concerts to sea shanty competitions during the five-day event. One of the main highlights is the parade of tall ships into the port of Amsterdam. Crown Prince Willem-Alexander will be on one of the ships during the Sail-in parade and will also review the fleet.

Sail Amsterdam 2010 kicks off on Thursday 19 August with the Sail-in parade and ends on Monday the 23rd with the Sail-out.

Sail Amsterdam 2010 website