Gdynia &#8211; Poland's Sailing Capital

A forest of masts, yards and shrouds; the impeccable white of the hulls reflected in the calm, intensely blue water table; the sun; conversations in various languages of the world every now and then; and crowds of visitors attracted by the dreamlike beauty of the tall ships - this is what Gdynia looked like in 2003, during the most recent visit of a fleet of the largest tall ships in the world. The meeting was one of the most impressive in the history of the event and attracted more than a million visitors. The great undertaking and organisational challenge was a great success, and Gdynia proved itself as the venue of major yachting events. The crews took home images of the picturesque city and the warm welcome by its hospitable inhabitants.
In 2009, the roadstead in Gdynia will again see the parade of dozens of yachts and tall ships during the Tall Ships' Races. It will be the fourth time that the city has hosted this prestigious event, which means that Gdynia is one of the cities most often entrusted with the organisation of the event that is more than 50 years old.

It will be an excellent opportunity, especially for the young, to feel like sea dogs - to get away from the grind and taste the freedom that only the sea, the wind and the sails can offer. It is an opportunity for adventure, friendship and fun - in the rhythm of shanties and marine tales. It is a feast for the brave and tolerant, people with open hearts and minds. And it is a treat for the spectators, too. After all, a ship under full sail is one of the canons of beauty, for which a match can hardly be found.

The City of Great and Small Regattas

Gdynia can rightfully be referred to as the sailing capital of Poland. Every year a number of events of national, European, World or Olympic scale are held here. this is due to the excellent conditions in terms of both, the wind and the infrastructure. Local residents and tourists can watch the races while walking along the beach or the promenade (Bulwar Nadmorski) - nearly two kilometres long. They can take part in the numerous accompanying events, like concerts or meetings. The contestants have an opportunity to relax after the competition, while the spectators can meet the chief players of the races.
There are also contests for young, novice sailors, on Optimist class boats. The passion with which they struggle with nature and the competitors in their little, blue-sailed boats is a pure demonstration of vitality and a lesson of coping with adversities for the spectators.

The Biggest Yachting Port in Poland

The base for all sailing events is the marina in Gdynia - the largest and most up-to-date in Poland. One of its strengths is the location in the city centre. It is one of the beauty spots of Gdynia, busy with sailors from early Spring to late Autumn. Luxury yachts are moored here side by side with small, modest boats.
The marina, which can now accommodate 260 boats, will have doubled its capacity by 2012, becoming a major yachting harbour in this part of Europe. Around the marina there are yachting clubs, where secrets of yachting are taught to kids only a few years of age.
For those who fell in love with sailing a bit later, the clubs have a broad offer of courses and charter races. It is never too late to begin.

The Harbour of Famous Sailing Ships

A gem in the port of Gdynia is the "Dar Pomorza" - one of the most beautiful (for some THE most beautiful) tall ships in the world - a school of life for generations of seamen. Now a museum, she will be celebrating her centenary in 2009. The celebrations in the great company of the fleet of the Tall Ships' Races are probably the best anniversary gift for the honourable twice-winner of the trophy.

The "Dar Młodzieży," the "Pogoria" and the "Iskra" are large tall ships bearing the name of Gdynia on the stern, which have been used to train the students of Gdynia's renowned maritime colleges. So is the legendary "Zawisza Czarny" - the flagship of the Polish Scouting Union. The rare occasions, when they are all moored in the Basen Prezydenta (the Presidential Basin), the view is truly breathtaking.

The Open City of Open-Minded People

Gdynia is one of the few cities where the port is located near the city centre. The link between the two can best be seen in the stately Skwer Kościuszki and the Molo Południowe (the Southern Pier). This is where the heartbeat of the city is best heard. The seashore cafes, pubs and taverns are always humming with people, even when storm is raging outside.

Gdynia is also a beautiful, modern and very green city with a population of a quarter million. A city of open-minded, friendly and dynamic people who are proud of where they live. The winds are fair here, not only for the sailors, but for the inhabitants and entrepreneurs as well. The winds inspire to take even the greatest challenges, like a lot of investments in infrastructure, transportation or culture.

The Gem of Modern Architecture

The inseparable bond between Gdynia and the sea is emphasised even by the city's architecture dominated by the style called the Modernism of Gdynia. The ship-like buildings with characteristic quarter-decks, porthole windows, masts, or curves can be found on virtually every corner. The most distinctive amongst them are: the PLO building in 10 Lutego street, or the Maritime Academy Department of Navigation building in Kościuszki Square date back to the inter-war years. However, the style has also influenced the works of the contemporary Gdynia architects, who design numerous details reminiscent of the maritime character of the city.

The Centre of the Sailing World in 2009

People may look on the sea as attractive or frightening, nevertheless invariably fascinating. The sea brings people together and opens up horizons. You can see for yourself if you come to Gdynia, especially in July 2009. Poland's sailing capital will then, for a couple of days, be the centre of the yachting world. It will be a perfect opportunity to take part in the feast of youth, joy and freedom by experiencing the flawless, graceful beauty of the white "ocean flyers".

Did you know?

During the year, there are 1,671 hours of sunshine in Gdynia, making it the sunniest Polish city.

Gdynia has already hosted the Tall Ships' Races three times - in 1974, 1992 and 2003. The next meeting of the largest tall ships in the world is in 2009.

Gdynia is the only site in Europe where you can see a theatrical performance on the beach, accompanied by the swoosh of the sea.

The marina in Gdynia is the largest and most up-to-date yacht harbour in Poland.

The Gdynia Aquarium is the only such facility in Poland, with thousands of specimens of marine wildlife, which can actually be touched, not only seen.

Gdynia is a festival city - ten are held here annually. Among them are the leading Heineken Open'er Festival, the Polish Feature Film Festival, the unique Ladies' Jazz Festival, the Globaltica World Culture Festival, as well as festivals of church music, blues, shanties, modern art and even fireworks.

The cliff at Orłowo is considered to be the most beautiful spot of the Polish coast and is one of the most commonly photographed natural sites in Poland.

Only in Gdynia can you walk down a passenger ships avenue, and see the large cruiser ships often calling at Gdynia.

The city centre is a unique example of the 20th-century modernism, where shiplike buildings with typical superstructures, porthole windows, masts or curves can be seen at nearly every crossroads.

The gem exhibit at the port of Gdynia - the "Dar Pomorza," one of the oldest and most beautiful tall ships in the world, will be celebrating her centenary in 2009. The WWII veteran warship the "Błyskawica" is slightly younger, but no less famous.

Owing to regular boat connections across the Gulf of Gdańsk, a journey from Gdynia to the towns of Hel or Jastarnia has become nice, quick and comfortable.

You can assume the role of a scientist or researcher at the hands-on Science Centre "Experiment."

Opublikowano: 03.09.2007 00:00
Autor: Marek Grześ