SAIL Amsterdam is the largest event in the Netherlands which is free to the public. In 2005 the event drew 1.8 million visitors, who gave SAIL Amsterdam 2005 high marks.

SAIL's main attraction will be the impressive fleet of Tall Ships, sailing heritage craft, modern ships, naval ships and replicas. In addition to this, every day there will be a varying programme of all kinds of cultural and sports activities. The theme of SAIL 2010 is ‘a nautical encounter between the past, present and future’.

The idea behind SAIL Amsterdam originated during preparations for the celebration of Amsterdam's 700 years of existence in 1975. After the huge success of SAIL Amsterdam 700, organisers decided to hold another SAIL Amsterdam in 1980. In order to effectively manage the organisation, the permanent SAIL Amsterdam Foundation (SSA) was established in 1977. Since then, the SSA has successfully organised SAIL Amsterdam in 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005 and is now focussing on the 8th edition of the event.