Twelve years together
12 Years ♥ Across the Globe
Some things that happened while we were planning the party.
Where to find us
The Location
We're setting sail — quite literally.
Vessel
Clipper Stad Amsterdam
Three masts · teak decks · WereldhavendagenPort
Rotterdam
The Netherlands
Date & Arrival
6 September 2026
Boarding from 13:00 (all day) or 20:30 (party)Getting there
Loydkade, Rotterdam
Metro, taxi or water taxi to Loydkade
About the Stad Amsterdam
Built in 2000 as a modern interpretation of a 19th-century clipper, the Stad Amsterdam is one of the world's most elegant tall ships. At 76 metres long overall with three towering masts rising 46.5 metres, she carries 31 sails across 2,200 square metres of canvas, her polished teak decks gleaming as the Maas river flows beneath us. And we're sailing during Wereldhavendagen — Rotterdam's World Port Days — when the whole harbour comes alive.It had to be right here for our overdue party. Over the years we've lived in multiple places, yet water and boats in some form have always been the recurring theme of our life together. Pauliene has even been a sailor aboard this very yacht in the Mediterranean years ago, cleaning these same decks. Not a bad backdrop at all.
The day
The Schedule
An afternoon and evening aboard, in order of events.
Boarding & Welcome Drinks
Step aboard the Stad Amsterdam. Champagne will be waiting — you deserve it. (Party-only guests board at 20:30.)
Sail on the Stad Amsterdam
Three and a half hours under full sail on the Maas and beyond. The open water, the wind in the rigging, and very good company. And all around us — the spectacle of Wereldhavendagen, Rotterdam's World Port Days, with the harbour at its most alive.
Cocktail Hour
Back in port. Drinks on deck as the Rotterdam skyline turns golden. Imagine Palomas, Whiskey Sours…
Dinner
A seated dinner. Travel with us across all the countries we've called home — each course a different chapter of the journey.
The Party
Music, dancing, the night river. The party we promised you. Finally here. Dancing will go Automatisch.
Afterparty
For those who aren't ready to stop.
Good to know
Everything Else
A few practical notes before you pack your sea legs.
Dress Code
Smart & celebratory. Cocktail attire. Stiletto heels not recommended on deck.
Gifts
None. Your presence — finally, after all this time — is more than enough.
Dietary needs
Please send us a message with dietary wishes should you have any.
Accommodation
Rotterdam has excellent hotels nearby. Have a look on Booking.com — plenty of great options close to Loydkade.
Getting there
The Stad Amsterdam is moored at Loydkade, Rotterdam. Approx. 10 min by taxi from Rotterdam Centraal. Street parking available nearby.
Photos
A photographer will be on board. Album shared with all guests after the evening.
Seaman's Lingo
A few words to help you fit in. Starboard = right. Port = left. Bow = front. Stern = back. Galley = kitchen. Head = toilet. Deck = floor (do not call it the floor). All hands on deck = everyone outside now. Landlubber = you, probably. Use these freely and no one will question you.
Sketches & Songs
We've been married for 12 years. You had your moment. It has passed. There is really no point in doing it now.
Kids
Children are very welcome. They'll have their own special food and dedicated attention on board. There will be someone keeping an eye on them throughout the day — but they remain your responsibility, especially while we're sailing. And around 2pm, if time and weather allow, some of them may get to climb the mast.