Hundreds of historic tall ships sail into Amsterdam for a maritime festival

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Crowds packed vantage points along a major canal and took to the water themselves Wednesday to watch a flotilla of hundreds of historic ships sail into Amsterdam at the start of a five-day festival celebrating the Dutch capital’s maritime history.

Ships from all over the world, many with their masts and rigging decorated with flags, sailed from the North Sea coastal town of IJmuiden on an hourslong journey up the North Sea Canal and into Amsterdam's IJ waterway for SAIL 2025, the first edition in a decade.

A puff of orange smoke erupted into the sky and ships' horns sounded as the replica three-masted clipper Stad Amsterdam passed through a lock to mark the official start of the event. Each ship is greeted with two cannon shots and its country's national anthem as it enters the harbor.

Hugo Peek was one of the thousands of people who sailed in smaller boats together with the tall ships. Along with his grandfather and several other family members, he traveled on a smaller boat that accompanied the tall ship Europa.

“There was almost no water. It’s almost all boats, ” the 21-year-old student said.

Mahek Singahl was waiting in Amsterdam’s central train station, looking onto the harbor with her two small children and several large suitcases. Her family was headed back to Ivory Coast after a holiday in Iceland and had stopped in Amsterdam for a few days. They had no idea what the crowds were for.

“My husband went to look at the boats and left me here,” she said, laughing. “He loves this stuff.”

The event, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, is held every five years. The 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wednesday's parade culminates in an evening fireworks display. The ships will remain in Amsterdam, many open for visitors, through the weekend.

The first event was first held in 1975 to celebrate Amsterdam's 700th anniversary and this year's edition coincides with the city's 750th birthday.

Hundreds of tall ships sailed into the Dutch capital's harbor for the 10th edition of SAIL, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

The barkentine Antigua passes as hundreds of tall ships sailed into the Dutch capital's harbor for the 10th edition of SAIL, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

A tall ship from Peru joins hundreds of tall ships sailing into the Dutch capital's harbor for the 10th edition of SAIL, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Orange smoke signals the start of the parade of hundreds of tall ships sailing into the Dutch capital's harbor for the 10th edition of SAIL, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

The barkentine Antigua passes as hundreds of tall ships sailed into the Dutch capital's harbor for the 10th edition of SAIL, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

The crew of the Union, a tall ship from Peru, climbs in the masts as it sails with hundreds of tall ships into the Dutch capital's harbor for the 10th edition of SAIL, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Hundreds of tall ships prepare to sail into the Dutch capital's harbor for the 10th edition of SAIL in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Hundreds of tall ships sailed into the Dutch capital's harbor for the 10th edition of SAIL, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Hundreds of tall ships sailed into the Dutch capital's harbor for the 10th edition of SAIL, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Hundreds of tall ships sailed into the Dutch capital's harbor for the 10th edition of SAIL, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 16, 2026--

White Castle, the innovator of The Original Slider ®, is kicking off 2026 with deals and offers designed for customers who want bold flavors, satisfying portions and meals that are easy on the budget.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260116062382/en/

Deals to start the new year on a delicious note include weekly White Castle Wednesday flash offers in January, 2 for $4 Crispy Chicken Slider offers, a super Crave Clutch offer for Super Bowl weekend in February and a discount offer to celebrate White Castle’s 105 th birthday in March.

“Value has always been part of White Castle’s DNA, and we’re bringing that mindset into 2026 with offers that reflect how people want to eat today,” said Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer at White Castle. “These offers reinforce what White Castle has always stood for — great taste, real value and food people can feel good about choosing.”

For more winter offers, customers can join Craver Nation Rewards, the free-to-join customer loyalty program that offers high-value perks, points and rewards to members.

Here are select offers and deals scheduled to run in January, February and March.

Special Offers (no coupons necessary)

Offers for Craver Nation Rewards Members (available through the White Castle app)

About White Castle ®

White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates 334 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine (2014, The Original Slider ® ) and one of the “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies” by Fast Company (2021). White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work ® Certification™ for an extraordinary five consecutive years spanning 2021–2025. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS ® loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com.

Editor’s Note: Download images of popular White Castle menu itemshere.

White Castle's seasonal deals run January through March, with limited-time offers tied to key moments including Super Bowl weekend, Mardi Gras and White Castle’s 105th birthday.