Today at noon, "Dar Młodzieży" will moor at the Pomorskie Quay in Gdynia, ending one of the most demanding cruises in its history.
The expedition started on April 16 in Gdynia. The route led through the ports of Europe and America, and its culmination was participation in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. On July 4, during the great parade on the Hudson River, the Polish frigate proudly presented the white and red flag among the largest sailing ships in the world.
This is great satisfaction. This is an amazing cruise, an amazing journey. Such a journey takes place once every fifty years - emphasized the commandant of the sailing ship, Michał Sadowski, in a conversation with our envoy to the USA, Stanisław Pawłowski.
For students of the Maritime University of Gdynia, it was not only a time of internship, but also a unique life lesson.
Two months in one place is a bit like being at work and at home at the same time, so we become very attached - said one of the cruise participants.
Many students set sail on such a long cruise for the first time in their lives.
This is an experience that is extremely rare. Once every two generations. The last time I went to New York was fifty years ago, so it's great. We are glad that we can be part of history - said the young adepts on board the "Dar Młodzieży" on July 4 during the parade.
Atlantic test of strength and everyday life at sea
During the crossing of the Atlantic, the heat was severe. It was very hot. We had an air conditioning failure. Fortunately, it was repaired in the Caribbean, but the winds were favorable. We sailed across the entire ocean crossing, reported Michał Sadowski.
Two months in one place is a bit like being at work and at home at the same time, so we become very attached - emphasized one of the students.
The day before the parade, when sailing ships from various corners of the world were already at anchor, a sudden squall arose.
Yesterday the weather was beautiful and suddenly everything broke down. A white squall came. I don't know if the listeners remember what happened a few years ago in Masuria. It actually happened here in New York waters. In a few minutes, the weather changed dramatically, and this was the first storm that hit this crew - said Prof. Adam Weintrit, rector of the Maritime University of Gdynia.
The anchorage was tight and everything happened in a matter of moments.
The impact was quite sudden and fast. It was obvious that a squall was coming. That's why we immediately ordered engines that were ready, the commander of "Dar Młodzieży" Michał Sadowski explained to our reporter the next morning.
There were many other sailing ships around and they also began to drag anchor and drift. There was very little room to maneuver. Precision is very important here to maneuver between these ships so that no collision occurs. You see for yourself how many of these ships are here, how they are positioned. They don't always line up in the same direction, the captain added.
The collision was avoided, but damage to the propeller was later discovered. Therefore, after crossing the Atlantic, "Dar Młodzieży" will go to the shipyard in Szczecin for repairs.
Overall, the damage was minor and did not affect the ship's operation in any way. Nevertheless, you must always think ahead and it is known that such damage may deepen - explained Dariusz Jellonnek, Director of the Shipowners and Maritime Practices Department.
The celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence gathered thousands of spectators on the New York waterfront. "Dar Młodzieży" sailed in formation with such legends as the Italian Amerigo Vespucci, the American Eagle and the Portuguese Sagres.
We are going in a convoy of the largest sailing ships in the world and it is an honor that Poland has such a ship, said Rector Weintrit.
It's very nice to turn back or look forward and you see a big sailing ship that sails just like us - described the students.
For many cruise participants, the view of the Statue of Liberty from the deck of the "Dar Młodzieży" was a moment that will remain in their memory forever. I will remember the beautiful views. As we entered, on our left side I saw the Statue of Liberty greeting us - recalled one of the students.
Although "Dar Młodzieży" returns to Gdynia, its mission does not end. The sailing ship has more cruises ahead, participation in international regattas and further service in training future merchant fleet officers.
Next year we will most likely take part in Tall Ships, which are also oceanic. There will be Bordeaux, there will be La Coruña, there will be a port in Portugal, so we will also sail a little on the ocean - said Dariusz Jellonnek in an interview with RMF FM.
Generational change
The time of generational change is approaching. As announced by the university authorities, the new sailing ship, inspired by the best traditions of the Polish Navy, is to provide subsequent generations of students with equally unforgettable experiences and solid preparation for work at sea.
Preparations are already underway for a new tender for the construction of a three-masted sailing ship, which is to be larger than the current unit and will resemble the legendary "Dar Pomorza" in appearance.
We want to return to the classics, to the appearance of sailing ships from the early 20th century. Dar Pomorza was the result of those solutions, so we are returning to the shape of Dar Pomorza, especially when it comes to the hull itself - explained Jellonnek.
The first tender for the construction of a new sailing ship was unsuccessful.
After the first unsuccessful tender, where no bidder came forward, we had the opportunity to talk to shipyards and other entities interested in building a new sailing ship and ask why no one submitted an offer. The main point was the deadline. Too short a deadline to build a sailing ship. Now, after analyzing the market, we have changed the conditions, i.e. the construction period - we have increased it to three years from signing the contract - explained Dariusz Jellonnek.
I am in love with sailing, so I am also curious about this new sailing ship and what it will look like. I hope that it will continue to pull the ropes, said one of the students on board the "Dar Młodzieży" during the July 4 parade.
The offers are scheduled to be opened on Friday, October 30.
