Opening of Sneekweek with the 2026 Fleet Review

Sneekweek has been held since 1934 and has since become the largest sailing event on Europe’s inland waterways. Since 1974, the Fleet Review has been a regular feature of the official opening of Sneekweek. Amid great public interest, the boats sail through the canals of Sneek; interspersed with musical performances, this parade creates a lively and festive atmosphere to kick off Sneekweek. The Boat of the Year is presented, and the new Skipper in the Order of the Sneker Pan is announced. This is an honorary title within the Sneekweek tradition.

Fleet Review Program, July 31, 2026

Sneekweek kicks off festively on Friday evening with a spectacular Sneekweek Opening Ceremony and the traditional Fleet Review! During this atmospheric evening, the participating sailing classes at Sneekweek will showcase themselves on the water in a colorful parade of sailboats adorned with lights. Amid the fleet, boats featuring live music acts and cheerful brass bands will add to the atmosphere and entertainment.

The evening at De Kolk will conclude spectacularly with a thrilling closing set by DJ AlltheFok—a festive finale you won’t want to miss!

• 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM Waterpoort Open to the Public
  The Waterpoort will be open to the public this afternoon with a guide from the Fries Scheepvaart Museum
  
• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Boat of the Year
  Visit the Boat of the Year at De Kolk. This ship is moored at the Waterpoortsgracht (next to the Waterpoort) for everyone to view.
   
• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Afternoon Program with Children’s Activities
  In collaboration with Flitsclub, Scouting, and Simmer yn Súdwest, a lively and active afternoon program awaits! Children will discover the world of scouting, sailing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding in a playful and adventurous way. An unforgettable experience for young water lovers! “Simmer yn Súdwest” is also joining in with a creative painting workshop, where the water and the iconic Waterpoort will come to life on canvas. And Jan Bons Drum School will provide extra energy with a lively drum clinic especially for kids. In short: an afternoon full of action, creativity, and fun!
   
• Starting at 7:00 p.m.: Evening program, Sneekweek opening with fleet review
  
  A lively pre-show packed with music and entertainment featuring:
  • Flash demonstrations 
  • Fun facts about Sneekweek
  • A preview of various Sneekweek activities
  • DJ music quiz with the audience
  • Performances by, among others, singer Jan Joost
  • 9:15 p.m. Official opening of Sneekweek / start of the ceremonial events and the official kickoff of Sneekweek.
  • 9:45 p.m. Start of the Sneek Fleet Review, featuring a presentation of the participating sailing classes, Boat of the Year, Panschippper, music boats, a flyboard show, and various guest ships
  • 10:15–10:30 p.m. Grand Finale
  A spectacular closing act featuring DJ AlltheFok, followed by an impressive light show and event fireworks as a festive conclusion to the evening.
  
  From 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., there will also be a DJ on-site at Sommerrak. 

The Sneekweek sailing races begin the following day, Saturday morning, on the Sneekermeer. Throughout the week, there will be various cultural and musical festivities in downtown Sneek.