Details and tickets come from the organiser (gaywelcome.com). Check with them before you go.
The Dutch have a rich historical tradition of sailing and sea exploration. Operation Sail in Amsterdam, called recently just Sail Amsterdam, is a big nautical event attracting literally thousands of sailing ships. The most attractive of them –naval tall ships are usually surrounded by many replicas and smaller heritage ships. They all come together in the direct proximity of the city center - on the Ij Lake behind the Amsterdam Central Station. Thousands of smaller yacht and boats filled with spectators are there to greet them.