Photographs, Jewellery, Food and Life by Son Memelink

23 August 2010

Sail Amsterdam 2010

Sail Amsterdam is an event which happens every 5 years.
It's all about the gathering together of a lot of Tall Ships from all over the world which will then sail into the city on the river 'IJ', surrounded by thousands of smaller (to tiny) boats. All of this under the watchful eye of our Crown Prince Alexander.
Last Thursday, the 19th of August, it took place again.
As it happens, Eric lives on 'het IJ', the river that runs through the heart of Amsterdam. What an opportunity to be able to see these magnificent ships glide by! We had 'front row seats' in his very appartment.
I decided to go the night before, to escape the mayhem on the roads on the day itself. That evening we were treated to an outdoor concert of Sea Shanty singers on the building's terrace. It was a warm evening and our windows were open. Then suddenly this beautiful music filtered through the air and 'wafted' into the lounge. We decided to go downstairs and listen up close...'t was heavenly.
Eric had invited family (+ some of their friends) over to join us the next day. We made sure there was enough food and drink in the house, planted ourselves in front of the windows and enjoyed the amazing view. At times it felt, like we could reach out of the windows, and almost touch the stays, supporting the immense masts.
Het 'IJ' had turned into a slow moving mass of boats of all shapes and sizes. Loud music emulated from many of the boats below, some even had live acts (on a space of 1.5 sq. metres). For video and sound effects go to very bottom of page.
                    Front Row Seats!




The first ship was the 'Stad Amsterdam' with Crown Prince Alexander on board. 
Stad Amsterdam
All sailors danced in sync. to a beat
(without falling down)
Environmentally friendly 'space ship'
with TWO rotating booms




Busy
Bring on the Bubbly and 'yummyness'
A creative moment
There were boats of all shapes and sizes. St. Nick. turned up. There were tropical islands, tiny boats with lamps, couches and mooring-masts (incl. seagull), a sailing portable loo, etc.

The Dutch do love a party!
Tropical Island
spot the lamp and seagull
Saint Nicolas and 'zwarte Pieten'
Portable Loo

Here's a short video. Turn up the volume and you will hear the sound coming from all the boats, incl. some Dutch voices in the backround.

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