The opening concert of Sail Harlingen will take place on Thursday evening, 2 July, on the main stage at the head of Willemshaven (De Blauwe Kop). The organisers have taken this decision in consultation with Rijkswaterstaat, the Port Authority, the KNRM and the Meteorological Service due to the forecast of force 6 winds, with possible gusts reaching force 7. The concert was originally due to take place on a stage at the Vluchthaven.
“It takes a bit of adjusting, but here on the Wadden Sea we naturally take these kinds of scenarios into account,” says director Lieuwe Krol. “As well as strong winds, higher-than-usual water levels are also expected on Thursday. This means the locks will have to close earlier and that not all the boats – around eighty berths had been reserved for the opening concert – will be able to get in on time. We want to avoid any chaos.”
Quality first
The wind direction is also a factor in the decision. Consequently, when combined with the wind strength, it is uncertain whether the music will be clearly audible from the original stage. ”The quality of the concert is, of course, also important, both for the audience and for the Marine Band and our performers.”
The programme remains unchanged. The ‘Port of Harlingen Opening Concert’ begins at 8.30 pm, featuring the Royal Netherlands Navy Band, alongside soloists Floor Jansen, Melissa Pander and Wiebe van Dijk.
Signs will guide visitors to the main stage at De Blauwe Kop. Anyone who was planning to attend the concert from a boat has now been informed by email. They will therefore not be able to bring their boat.
The Sail In Parade remains the highlight
The weather forecast for the rest of the weekend looks more favourable. From Friday, when the wind dies down, the international fleet will arrive in Harlingen during the traditional Sail-In Parade. From 12 noon, nearly forty majestic tall ships will sail into the harbour. “It’s an impressive sight every single year. The sailing ships entering our historic harbour provide the backdrop to a unique maritime spectacle. It’s something you really wouldn’t want to miss.”
Accessibility
Visitors travelling by train can alight at Harlingen Haven station, right in the heart of Sail Harlingen. For visitors arriving by car, spacious car parks have been set up on the outskirts of the town. Free shuttle buses will take visitors to and from the event throughout the day.
