“I can’t wait, I always think sailing boats are fantastic,” says sailing enthusiast Aad Tromp. He already came to the harbor today to catch a glimpse of the first ships. Corona had had to wait no less than ten years for the famous Tallships.
Presail in the IJmond
The kick -off takes place during Presail in the IJmond On Monday and Tuesday, where 40,000-80,000 people are expected. During the Havenfestival in IJmuiden you can admire 46 impressive ships. At least, if it goes well with the wind. “There are still a lot in the port of Bremen and we hope that they will come this way soon,” says organizer Peter Kieftenbeld. “But the wind is now favorable, so it must be fine.”
Extra tugboats have been hired to get all sailing boats into the port of IJmuiden. “To be able to put extra ships on a small piece. We hope that you can almost walk from one to the other side over the ships,” laughs Kieftenbeld. “That is so beautiful: here in IJmuiden you see them all on a small piece.”
The festival closes on Tuesday evening with a performance by Chef’Special. “We are also looking forward to that. In addition, we really like to show shipping and sailing in particular – to a lot of people. These are fantastic ships, so they deserve attention.”
Flagship Clipper Stad Amsterdam Opwakt
One of the highlights of the nautical event is the return of the Clipper City of Amsterdam, the sailing ship that was the first to enter in the port of IJmuiden. “After two years we are back in the Netherlands, literally the whole world for dangers. And now after ten years Sail continues, so all extra special,” says crew member Marleen van Moorsel proudly.
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