Over 40 vessels – small yachts and tall sailing ships, including Dar Szczecina and Zryw representing our city, have already reached the starting line of The Tall Ships Races. We managed to show our best advantages in Klaipėda. It is now time to show our strength at sea.

We are still two days ahead of the start of The Tall Ships Races, but the fun in Klaipėda has already begun for good. The crews took part in the first parade where the crew of Zryw, the least numerous one in the whole regatta, was the best one. 

“The Zryw crew beat us all, even Dar Młodzieży,” recalls Wojciech Maleika, Captain of Dar Szczecina. “Baywatch” lifeguards emanated with joy, enthusiasm, and really refined choreography. The smallest crew turned out to be the best one.

The crew of Dar Szczecina also have the first success in their track record, as they turned out to be the best ones in their category in sports competitions. 

“The atmosphere in Klaipėda is unique, and we can feel the sailing spirit and slight tension among the crews,” said Magdalena Piasecka, Deputy Director of the Sailing Centre. “It is clear that everyone puts a lot of effort in the regatta, but our representatives have been preparing really hard for the event, and I believe that they will do their best and reach the port safely. 

The vessels will leave Klaipėda on Sunday and sail to Helsinki. This is where the first stage of the race will end on 4 July and the friendship cruise will begin. The second stage will begin in Tallinn and end in Turku on 18 July. An additional friendship trip along a route to Mariehamn, starting from 24 July, is a novelty this year. This is the starting point from which the sailors will leave for the final stage and race all the way to Szczecin.

Over 40 vessels from 12 countries submitted their attendance in Klaipėda. Poland is represented by sailors on 16 ship decks, and Szczecin sent 2 yachts – Zryw and Dar Szczecina. We are keeping our fingers crossed for all the participants, but we hope that our city's representatives will make it to the top.

It’s worth recalling that Dar Szczecina made it to the top three on multiple occasions. The yacht triumphed in C Class in 2007, 2012, 2013 and 2019. Zryw can also boast excellent performance. All this thanks to their Captains’ experience and good crew training.

“This year, Szczecin’s representation totals 30 participants who will fight against their own weaknesses, the elements, and other crews, wearing dark blue and maroon colours,” said Celina Wołosz, spokesperson for the Żegluga Szczecińska Turystyka Wydarzenia company. “The ports will welcome them with countless attractions and accompanying events.

The finish line in Szczecin will be the highlight of the TSR. The sailing ships will moor in Szczecin on 2 August, concluding their five-week-long rivalry on the waters of the Baltic Sea.