10e Sail Amsterdam 2025: United by waves (3)

Hundreds of invited (international) ships are expected during SAIL 2025, including Tall Ships and historic vessels, with thousands of ships in total on and around the IJ. The exact count of participating ships is not specified by SAIL itself, but it involves a large fleet celebrating Amsterdam's 750-year history. I think around 800 ships. You will certainly need a full day to visit Sail. In part 3, a number of ships that should not be missing from your bucket list.

BAP Union

The BAP Unión is the very first training ship of the Peruvian Navy. A beautiful four-masted vessel with a steel hull. Built between 2012 and 2015 by SIMA (Shipyard Marine Industrial Services of Peru) and launched in Spain in 2015. The BAP Unión is the largest sailing ship in Latin America. In addition to its primary role as a training ship for officers and cadets, the Unión also serves as a sailing ambassador, promoting the rich culture and heritage of Peru around the world.

The ship's striking bronze figurehead was crafted by Peruvian sculptor Pilar Martínez Woodman and is a tribute to the rich Inca culture. It depicts the Sapa Inca Tupac Yupanqui, a symbol of leadership and wisdom, with his arm raised to the sun god Inti. Both are surrounded by symbols such as the dodecagonal stone and puma heads, representing the vast Inca Empire and the deep-rooted history of Peru. Inside, the Unión is equipped with modern training facilities, including an auditorium, classrooms, and a library, so that cadets are well prepared for various maritime disciplines. The BAP Unión is not just a ship; it is a floating symbol of Peru's maritime pride and cultural heritage.  

Captain Miranda

The Capitán Miranda, built in Spain in 1930, began her career as a cargo vessel. She is named after Captain Francisco Miranda (1868–1925), a prominent Uruguayan who served as a hydrologist, Minister of War, and Professor of Maritime Geography at the Uruguayan Seamen's Academy. Until 1978, the Capitán Miranda was used as a hydrographic research vessel, but after a major refit, she was converted into a training sailing ship. As a training ship for the Uruguayan Navy, the Capitán Miranda embodies the spirit of a “State under sail,” spreading a message of peace and friendship from Uruguay across the world. In 1987, the Capitán Miranda made history by becoming the first Uruguayan naval ship to complete a circumnavigation during her eighth instructional voyage. This achievement solidified her reputation as Uruguayan maritime pride and international goodwill.  

Gift of Youth

The Dar Māodzieāy (Polish for Gift of Youth) is one of the impressive sailing giants of the world. With her length of 109 meters and elegant three-masted sails, she is an icon at sea. The ship is owned by the Maritime University in Gdynia and serves as a training ship for future naval officers. But the Dar is more than a floating classroom. Since her launch in 1981, she has sailed more than 580.000 nautical miles and was the first Polish ship to circumnavigate the globe after World War II. She immediately made a name for herself by staying just ahead of the German Gorch Fock in her first Tall Ships' Race (The Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Races, in 1982) by a margin of 14 minutes and 18 seconds. From Japan to Cape Horn, from state visits to royal receptions – wherever she docks, she draws admiring glances. And although she has a classic appearance, she is equipped with the latest navigation technology. Living proof that tradition and modernity can go hand in hand and that youth holds the future of the sea in their hands.  

Concord

Sailing on the Eendracht is a shared experience. Letting everyone – but especially young people – experience sea sailing is central to the mission of the Netherlands' largest three-masted schooner. In addition to programs for young people and special projects, the Eendracht Sailing Ship Foundation offers various voyages for a wider audience.

Individual passengers are welcome to join, with a wide selection of day trips and multi-day voyages. Companies and groups can charter the ship for a cruise, reception, or event. This also allows the Eendracht to remain focused on its objectives. The hospitality of the professional and largely volunteer crew, along with delicious catering from the galley, are the ingredients for an unforgettable trip! The Eendracht has a rich history, dating back to October 5, 1938. In the 1930s, motorized shipping nearly displaced professional sailing. This was a change that worried many people, because the knowledge of sea sailing was being lost, and with it the valuable collaboration that leads to team spirit and perseverance.

The founders of the Eendracht preserved training opportunities on a large sailing ship with the establishment of the National Association 'Het Zeilend Schoolschip'. The initiator and first chairman was Mr. CJ Jaski, a descendant of a renowned seafaring family and originally from Schiermonnikoog. As of 2010, his name is still associated with the Eendracht. His direct relative, Mr. B. Jaski, is the current chairman of the Zeilschip Eendracht Foundation.   The construction of a sailing ship of their own was delayed by the Second World War and its economic consequences. Thanks primarily to many volunteers and the support of patron HRH Prince Bernhard, the first Eendracht was successfully launched in 1974. The current ship, the three-masted schooner, was christened on August 29, 1989, by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. Exploring the elements of the sea remains central to its mission.  

Sailing (1975)

Sailing was a hit by Rod Stewart from 1975. However, the song was not written by Stewart; it was written by Gavin Sutherland of the Sutherland Brothers and Quiver. It appears on their 1972 LP Lifeboat as track number 8. On that album, it is a folky rock song. Stewart turned it into a sweet ballad in 1975. He recorded it at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Muscle Shoals for his album Atlantic Crossing. It charted in various hit parades; in England, it spent four weeks at number 1 in September. In the United States, the record did not do as well (reaching number 58). The accompanying music video, which was also shown on Toppop, was filmed in the harbors of New York. The song was listed in the TOP 2000 from 1999 through 2024, most recently at position 1091. Video Rod Stewart – Sailing (1975): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOt3oQ_k008 Unfortunately, no ships from America, but there are from England.  

<strong> More info: </strong>

Sail Amsterdam: https://www.sail.nl/