The 30th edition of Baltic Sail Gdańsk begins on Friday, 21 August, marking one of the most important sailing events in Pomerania. The event will run until Monday, 24 August. Visitors will be able to see 14 sailing vessels and take cruises around the Gulf of Gdańsk aboard them.

“There are few events with such a long and continuous history. Over the years, Baltic Sail has become not only a celebration of sailing, but also of maritime traditions, culture, music and shanties” –  said Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, during a press conference announcing Baltic Sail.

14 Sailing Vessels and Cruises on the Gulf of Gdańsk

One of the main attractions of this year’s event will be the opportunity to board 14 traditional, historic sailing vessels and take part in approximately three-hour cruises around the Gulf of Gdańsk. Cruises will be organised from Friday to Monday. The organisers are encouraging visitors to purchase tickets soon, as some cruises have already sold out.

“I encourage everyone to visit the Baltic Sail website as soon as possible, because many of these cruises have already sold out” – the Mayor of Gdańsk said.

Those who do not opt for a cruise will still be able to admire the sailing vessels from the shore. One of the highlights of the programme will be a sailing parade on the Gulf of Gdańsk, scheduled for Saturday at 11am. The vessels will be visible from the beaches and pier in Brzeźno. Among those taking part will be the city’s sailing ship Generał Zaruski.

“I am particularly proud that we will be able to welcome our city sailing ship Generał Zaruski, which is returning after a two-month voyage around the Baltic Sea. It always combines a school under sail with education, learning and knowledge” – said Aleksandra Dulkiewicz.

In addition to Zaruski, the participating vessels will include Antica, Barlovento, Bonaventura, Bryza H, Stenia, Brabander, Ernestine, Joanna Saturna, Libava, Lisette, Loth Lorien and Minerva. The latter is particularly noteworthy as the largest vessel at this year’s gathering, with accommodation for 114 people on board.

“These are beautiful sailing vessels with a rich history. Many of them have a fishing or rescue background, and today, as part of cruises around the Baltic Sea and beyond, they can continue sailing and bringing joy to successive generations” – said Milena Mieczkowska, Vice-President of the Gdańsk Foundation.

The Gathering Without Zawisza

Cruises aboard the sailing ship Zawisza Czarny were initially also offered on the Baltic Sail website, but they have since been cancelled due to the vessel’s extended stay at the shipyard.

“On 18 August, the shipowner informed us that the ongoing work and the associated technical procedures would not be completed before the start of the event. The decision is beyond the organiser’s control and is based on concerns for the safety of the vessel and its crew” – the organisers said.

Passengers who purchased tickets for Zawisza Czarny will automatically receive a full refund.

Little Baltic Zone and Attractions on Land

Baltic Sail is about more than sailing vessels and cruises. From Friday to Sunday, the Little Baltic Zone will operate at Targ Rybny, with activities aimed at younger visitors. The programme includes, among other things, entertainment and games, lessons in tying sailing knots and arts and crafts activities.

The organisers have also planned historical re-enactments. On Saturday, from 2pm to 8pm, historical re-enactment groups will stage scenes relating to the history of Gdańsk and sailing. The programme will include military demonstrations and a re-enactment of a naval battle involving the Libava.

A new feature this year will be a 20-minute flyboarding display, beginning on Friday at 9.40pm. The show will be visible from both banks of the Motława River.

Shanties Under the Crane for the 27th Time

An integral part of Baltic Sail will be the 27th edition of the Szanty pod Żurawiem shanty festival. According to its producer, Michał Juszczakiewicz, this year’s event will bring together 33 bands performing on two stages.

The main stage will be located on Ołowianka and will be named the Poręba Stage, in honour of Jerzy Porębski. Concerts will begin on Friday and continue until Sunday evening. During the day, some events will also move to Targ Rybny.

One of the events opening the festival will be an attempt to set or break the record for the number of people singing “Morze, nasze morze” (“The Sea, Our Sea”) together. The mass singalong will be led by the band Klang.

“I hope we will manage to break the record. The most important thing, however, is that we come together and share the sailing atmosphere of this special 30th anniversary of Baltic Sail in our city" – said Michał Juszczakiewicz.

The organisers are also encouraging visitors to check the festival programme, available on the Szanty pod Żurawiem website and on social media, where information about performers and any changes to the schedule will be published.

Photo: Mateusz Filipski