Daily, Milembe and her team manage shipping in the North Sea Canal area. During SAIL, it’s a different story. “We have been working on this for a year and a half,” she says. “We have made a lock plan (planning for the use of the locks), determined where the Tall Ships will be located in the locks, drawn up a parade plan and a mooring plan for the IJhaven. Everything must be precise.”

Anyone standing along the quays at the Central Station, the Pontsteiger, or the NDSM site will see the result of that puzzle. While thousands of spectators admire the ships, the harbor must also remain open for commercial shipping. “That makes it a significant logistical challenge,” says Milembe. “We are setting up an extra traffic post in Amsterdam, operating more patrol boats, and escorting commercial shipping in convoy through the SAIL area.”

Highlight for Amsterdam

For Milembe, SAIL is more than logistics. “SAIL shows the history of Amsterdam, with shipping as the driver of the citys origin. In addition to the Tall Ships, there is also much sailing heritage. Skippers and captains from all over the world look forward to this, as they are welcomed by so many people nowhere else.”

She emphasizes that the event is unique for the capital: “We will see the most beautiful and special ships in the middle of our city.”

Enjoying safely

The crowds on the IJ require extra measures. “We work closely with the SAIL organization, the municipality of Amsterdam, Rijkswaterstaat, police, fire brigade, and our nautical partners, such as the Copper Crew and the Pilots,” Milembe explains. “It is precisely through that collaboration that everything proceeds safely and smoothly,” says Milembe.

Visitors also contribute to this. “We rely on common sense and good seamanship so that everyone can enjoy the event.” New is the Waterways Watch, which can directly assist boats in distress in the IJhaven.

Are you considering going out on the water yourself?

Then read the tips below:

• Check the special navigation rules in advance via www.sail.nl/vaarregels or in the SAIL app
• Keep distance from Tall Ships and commercial shipping
• Follow instructions from patrol boats
• Sail calmly and anticipate crowds
• Take into account temporary closures of waterways and prohibitions
• If you experience problems near the IJhaven contact the Waterways Watch

What is the harbormaster looking forward to?

“The SAIL-In and SAIL-Out are exciting, but also magical,” she says. “So many ships, so many people, and everything comes together in an organized chaos. I will really enjoy that.”

Want to enjoy from the shore as well?

Popular spots are the quays at Central Station, the Pontsteiger, and NDSM. Go early, it can get busy.