Every five years Amsterdam hosts Sail, a massive maritime extravaganza featuring tall ships from around the world, plus smaller historic vessels.

Always good to see, crowded, but fun. Last time we had VIP tickets for it. Sadly we don't this year.

Anyway it takes place August 19-23 2010.

http://www.sail2010.nl/en/

thanks for the info Hetismij...
also can you please help with these dutch translations. I went on line to zazzla.com to look for shirt, hat or flag with Friesland logo on it and found this saying. what do they mean? thanks
example http://www.zazzle.com/goeie_fryslan_...90483314961304

and here are the phrases..
IT GIET OAN
friesland boppe
Kâld hè?
It Sil Heave!
GOEIE!

Ah Fries. Different language all together, and one I am not good in, though I do generally understand the gist of what people are saying.

It giet oan is what they say if the elfsteden skating race can take place. It means it goes on - or it will take place.

Friesland Boppe or more correctly Fryslân Boppe means Friesland on top.

Kâld hè? just means cold isn't it

It Sil Heave is along the lines of it will be, but I'm not certain of that. I know it is again connected to the elfsteden skating race.

Goeie is the same as Dutch is slang, and means good or good one!

thank you so much

Well a bridge has been removed in readiness, and on Thursday (19th August)the tall ships, accompanied by hundreds of smaller historic boats and pleasure craft will form the Sail In, when they sail up the North Sea Canal to Amsterdam.

The boats and all the events surrounding them are there until 23rd.
Always spectacular and worth a visit if you are in Amsterdam next weekend.
Let's hope the weather improves!