The final of the Tall Ships Races has begun. This is the largest event of its kind in Poland. Over 60 units have moored on the Oder at Wały Chrobrego, including the 80-meter three-masted “Guayas” from Ecuador.
The sailors from ORP “Iskra” welcomed the people waiting on land with a so-called square parade, but that was only the beginning of the impressions. Each subsequent unit entering the port of Szczecin was equally awaited and looked for by the residents.
– When we arrived, we were greeted by a team of people with banners: welcome to Szczecin – says Julia Piołun-Noyszewska, a crew member of the STS “Fryderyk Chopin”.
– It's wonderful, the atmosphere, the sails are beautiful and the impressions are incredible. I love Szczecin – comments Ms. Danuta, a tourist from Kołobrzeg.
Szczecin became the capital of sailing for a few days
The capital of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship became the capital of sailing for four days. Over 60 vessels moored on the Oder at Wały Chrobrego. Among them were the largest ones, sailing not only under the white and red flag. Almost 1,500 sailors from 15 countries arrived for the final of The Tall Ships Races.
– This is the largest sailing event in Poland and this part of Europe – says the mayor of Szczecin, Piotr Krzystek.
– After a six-week regatta on the Baltic Sea, the sailing ships have finished their competition and are celebrating this ending in Szczecin. For the fourth time, we have the honor of being the final port – says Celina Wołosz, representative of the organizer of The Tall Ships Races in Szczecin.
Before they took off their sails, they competed on the high seas in four categories, depending on the type and size of the vessel. They set off from the port of Klaipėda in Lithuania. They sailed a thousand nautical miles. The finish line was in Helsinki, the capital of Finland.
– It's like the starting gate opens. It looks beautiful because all the sailing ships are somewhere next to each other, so from the side you can really see all these giants that are standing here next to each other at sunrise – describes Julia Piołun-Noyszewska.
The wind was not always favorable
– In every class, from A to D, Polish sailing ships won – emphasizes Kosma Kulczycki, crew member of the STS “Fryderyk Chopin” sailing ship.
The 52-person crew of the “Chopin”, a sailing ship on which young people train, has something to celebrate. They won in category A, or the largest sailing ships, although the wind was not always in their favor.
– It was the worst near Gotland, because the wind was very strong there, so half of the crew had a hard time with it, but we managed – says Julia Piołun-Noyszewska.
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– A ship is made of people and it is people who win regattas, of course, sailing on a ship, but the strongest and weakest link is the human being – says Kosma Kulczycki.
Nowadays, all sailing ships can be admired in Szczecin not only from land. Everyone can go on board and see with their own eyes, among others, powerful masts reaching up to 50 meters, like those on the “Dar Pomorza”.
The greatest interest was enjoyed by the sailing ship from Ecuador
– These large sailing ships make a huge impression – says Mrs. Barbara, a tourist from Leszno. – Something beautiful. Big. If someone hasn't seen it, it's worth it – agrees Mrs. Karolina, a tourist from Wielkopolska.
There were queues everywhere, but the longest were for the 80-metre three-masted ship Guayas, belonging to the Ecuadorian fleet.
The crew welcomed the residents of Szczecin and tourists in Latin American rhythms. Ecuadorian sailors traveled the longest route to reach this part of Europe. They sail the oceans every day – the Pacific and the Atlantic.
– All the maneuvers were difficult for us because they were different. This is our first time on the Baltic Sea and our first time in Poland. So it's different here. It's a beautiful place worth visiting. Very beautiful – says Meoller Vera, a crew member on the sailing ship Guayas from Ecuador.
“We are commonly called a friendly port”
The first regatta final took place in 2007. It is also an excellent promotion for the city, because tourists come to Szczecin from all over Europe.
– Thanks to these events, Szczecin is becoming more and more attractive and can find a place on the map of the sailing world – says Mr. Andrzej, a tourist from Łódź.
– In my opinion, it's phenomenal. It's primarily an advertisement for the world that something is happening here. I've seen a lot of people from other countries here – says Ms. Zofia, a resident of Szczecin.
– A prestigious event, sailors are eager to go to Szczecin. They are waiting for this last port, because we are commonly called a friendly port – says Celina Wołosz.
The city is full of life from morning till night. Sightseeing on sailing ships is the biggest, but not the only attraction. There are also concerts. This weekend, Szczecin may be visited by up to two million tourists.
Main image source: TVN24