You'll sense it as soon as you arrive in the ports of IJmuiden or Beverwijk: This is no ordinary summer evening. The wind is rushing, sails are gliding by, and somewhere you can hear the soft clatter of shoes on wooden deck planks. On Monday, August 18, and Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the IJmond will celebrate the arrival of the tall ships with PreSail IJmond – a cozy nautical and cultural festival that precedes SAIL Amsterdam.
Location
The beating heart is the fishing port of IJmuiden with the Trawlerkade, the Halkade and Kop van de Haven, with a festive networking program on Tuesday evening in the IJmuiden.nl pavilion on the Sluisplein (next to the Felison terminal).
Monday, August 18
From midday onwards, the harbor is bustling with activity: shanty choirs, local artists like Mike Hennevanger and Marco Edam, and a lively atmosphere on all the stages. Large ships drift in, fishermen's sweaters dry on the railing, and children run around the ships in amazement .
Tuesday, August 19
Another day full of surprises in IJmuiden and Beverwijk. Starting in the afternoon, artists will perform in the Beverwijk harbor, and in IJmuiden, you can enjoy performances near the arriving ships. Around 10:00 PM, Chef'Special PreSail IJmond will bring the event to a festive close on the Cornelis Vrolijk Main Stage – admission is free. Cebo+10ovijmond.nl+10ijmuiden.nl+10 .
Why this is not just any event
PreSail IJmond isn't a stage show—it's a moment where fishermen, dockworkers, local residents, and festivalgoers come together. The tall ships are open, and you're warmly welcome to join in and hear stories that only the harbor knows. At the same time, you'll enjoy fresh fish, smell the salt water, and see lights glittering on the water. It feels like coming home—but with a festival feel. ijmuiden.nl I amsterdam .
Accessibility & Tickets
Admission to most parts of PreSail IJmond is free.
Please note: Parts of the harbor will be closed to traffic on August 18 and 19. Parking is limited or unavailable. We therefore recommend arriving by public transport, bicycle, or on foot.bandsintown.com + 13ovijmond.nl + 13PreSail IJmond+13 .
Registration is required for the networking event on Tuesday afternoon in IJmuiden, and the event is already fully booked. However, the public is welcome to stroll along the quays and follow the program on LinkedIn+6ovijmond.nl+6ijmuiden.nl+6 .
Tip from me
Plan your routes in advance, arrive early, and bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket—it cools down in the evenings. Don't plan too tightly and enjoy the sights and sounds of the harbor. Stop for a moment at a ship, listen to a shanty choir, and be amazed.
Would you like to experience this unique launch festival? Mark your calendars for Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19, 2025. Explore the harbor during the day, admire the ships, enjoy live music, and catch a free performance by Chef'Special in the evening. Tickets, practical information, and the full program can be found at presailijmond.nl . PreSail IJmond awaits you – right in the heart of IJmond.