On 6 February, they set off from Gdynia to Genoa to board the sailing ship Pogoria. They spent a week on board learning teamwork, discipline and how to operate in difficult conditions. This is the story of young people from Gdynia who are taking part in a unique project to mark the city's 100th anniversary.
Gdynia's sailing icons – Pogoria, Zawisza Czarny, Dar Młodzieży and ORP Iskra – are four vessels inextricably linked to our city. Sailing training has a long tradition in Gdynia and is associated with iconic figures such as Karol Olgierd Borchardt. Maritime education plays a key role in shaping the maritime awareness of future generations of Poles.
On board these vessels, one hundred young people, residents of Gdynia, will have the opportunity to experience a unique adventure at sea. The aim of the project, implemented on the occasion of Gdynia's jubilee, is not only to celebrate the hundred-year maritime history of the city and its inhabitants, but also to integrate the young community of Gdynia by referring to the sailing tradition of our city.
Maritime sailing training teaches young people independence, coping with difficult situations and mutual trust, but it also involves discovering new places, making new friends and provides a form of education through maritime adventure.
The first group of young people – 37 students from 18 secondary schools in Gdynia, accompanied by their teachers – has just returned from a week-long cruise on the STS Pogoria. They sailed almost 300 miles – from Genoa via Corsica and La Spezia. They sailed with the Gdynia Centenary sail.
A week aboard STS Pogoria
The cruise, organised to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city of Gdynia, began in the Italian port of Genoa. From the very beginning, the group of forty people under the command of Captain Rafał Komperda had to get into the rhythm of watches, training and deck work.
After leaving the port, the crew set course for Corsica, and the weather conditions quickly reminded them that sailing is not just theory. The several-metre-high waves were a challenging but valuable experience.
They sailed for 27 hours and 55 minutes, including a 24-hour stretch on a full course with the mainsail set.
The total distance covered was 298.78 nautical miles, each of which was the result of the entire crew's commitment.
The young people did very well. Working together on the sails, navigation, housekeeping and bosun's watches, as well as steering and daily deck clearing, quickly integrated the group. Within a week, a team was formed that was able to act responsibly and effectively, regardless of the conditions, says the crew of STS Pogoria.
During the voyage, the sailing ship moored in Calvi and Portovenere. It was a time for a short rest, but also an opportunity to explore other ports in the Mediterranean.
The Gdynia crew officially ended their voyage on 14 February in Genoa. The young people returned home enriched with maritime experience, new skills and an even greater awareness of teamwork.
Photo: Michał Szczyptański