The first steps towards organising SAIL Amsterdam 700, which was held in 1975, were taken during preparations for the celebration of Amsterdam’s 700th anniversary. During these preparations, it was proposed to organise a nautical event in Amsterdam harbour, which would be centred on the harbour and the city of Amsterdam. For the ‘Sail Amsterdam 700’ event, sailing ships from all over the world were invited and the event was a huge success. 

 Following the big success of Sail Amsterdam 700, it was decided to organise another SAIL Amsterdam in 1980. In order to steer the organisation in the right direction, the Sail Amsterdam Foundation (SSA) was set up as a permanent organisation in 1975. Ever since then, the SSA has successfully organised a SAIL Amsterdam event in 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005. 

From the 19th to 23nd of August, 2010, Amsterdam will be home port for the seventh time to one of the largest maritime events in the world: SAIL Amsterdam 2010. For six days, Amsterdam will be a living exposition of saling heritage and nautical wealth. During SAIL Amsterdam 2010, approximately 20 Tall Ships as well as 500 historic sailing boats and motorboats are expected in the IJ harbour.

As in previous SAIL events, this event will attract Tall Ships from around the world. Aside from a number of Dutch Tall Ships, impressive windjammers from countries such as Norway, Romania, Russia and Ukraine will be on display in the IJ harbour.

In addition to the immense Tall Ships, hundreds of classic sailing boats and motorboats will again take part in SAIL Amsterdam 2010. During SAIL, these ships - the Sailing Heritage - will dock at the Oosterdok and the Aquarena, west of the Verbindingsdam.

Enjoy a World of Friendships However, SAIL Amsterdam 2010 will be a lot more than just watching ships, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying surprising encounters: SAIL brings worlds and people together, both literally and figuratively, and will be an extraordinary event with social relevance: tolerance, understanding and friendship are driving forces behind SAIL.

In its programme, activities and communication, SAIL Amsterdam 2010 will give shape to the following three themes:

• the maritime link between past, present and future;
• the connection of worlds and cultures;
• the role of youth.

These three themes have been given the overarching slogan, "Enjoy a World of Friendships".