We still have less than two weeks left to the greatest sailing festival in our region. What can we expect and what attractions will be provided for us? Here is a small hint!

If you haven’t saved the date in your calendar yet, be sure to do it quickly. Szczecin is a must-be place between 18 and 20 August. Why? Because both banks of the Oder river will be a venue of the best and the most interesting sailing event this year. Let us unveil some of the greatest attractions of this year's Żagle (Sails)!

Vessels

The stars of our event will include sailing ships, old timers, port vessels, and private yachts that will moor at the city marina. The ships will be open to visitors, and some of them will be available for two-hour boat trips along the Oder. Żagle will feature ORP Iskra, a training  barquentine of the Polish Navy which was the first vessel under the Polish banner to sail around the world. Another ship to moor at the Embankment is Morgenster. This Dutch sailing ship with a white figurehead depicting a mermaid holding the head of a galloping horse is sure to enchant the residents and tourists not only with its looks but also history. It will be impossible to go past the oldest vessel to visit this year’s edition of Żagle. German Ernestine was built in 1899. It can accommodate 24 people on its deck.

The main stage

There will we be a lot of things happening for sure! This year’s music stars will prepare an amazing show for us. There will be plenty of strong, rock sounds and atmospheric ballads. The main stage will feature a total of 7 concerts between Friday and Sunday, providing a great opportunity to dance, sing, and have a fantastic time. Top-trending performers, whose music can be heard across Poland, will take care of unforgettable and unique atmosphere. During Żagle, we will have a chance to listen to Sara James, an exceptionally talented singer known from music talent shows and the finalist of America's Got Talent. On Saturday, Łasztownia will be filled with the sounds of such hit songs as  Kraksa, Odbicia or Mam kogoś innego, to be performed by Bryska herself. Julia Pietrucha and her ukulele will take care of the Sunday atmosphere. Her acoustic ballads will be a perfect ending and a farewell to our event.

Sea shanty stage

Żagle without sea shanties? Not in Szczecin. Here, folk and shanty music will be filling the space since early afternoon until late in the evening. During the three event days, the shanty stage, located near the Chrobry Embankment and overlooking the sails fluttering in the wind, will feature the most popular shanty bands. Among the bands coming to Szczecin are Kraków Street Band, ETK Gdynia, and Cheap Tobacco. The event will also feature our Szczecin-based performers, not only those singing sea shanties. On Saturday, the audience will have a chance to listen to, for example, the Jackopot duo and Olek Różanek.  

Children's zone

The youngest participants are invited to the Children's Zone at the park near the Adam Mickiewicz monument. It is a place where our kids are sure to have some fantastic and carefree fun. They will have a chance to watch shows and concerts prepared especially for them. They will take part in attractive activities and interesting competitions. They can also let their imagination run wild during creative workshops.

Under the Sails Fair

The agenda of Żagle would not be complete without the Under the Sails Fair. Colourful stands, full of handicraft and arts and craft products, will be located at the Chrobry Embankment and in Łasztownia. It is where the visitors will find unique marine souvenirs, food and handicraft products manufactured using traditional methods. Enthusiasts of healthy lifestyle will appreciate numerous natural and organic products.

Craft Beer Zone

Craft beverages, meetings with brewers, atmospheric decorations, good music, and the view of the Oder river - this is a brief description of the Craft Beer Zone at Komandorska St. The special zone, filled with deckchairs, atmospheric decorations and lights, will house exceptional craft beer of various types. The rich proposal of craft breweries will include not only alcoholic drinks but also brewed “zero-alcohol” beverages.

Fun fairs

The largest Ferris wheel in Poland, carousels for children and adults, roller coasters and many other facilities will await visitors in two fun fairs at both sides of the Oder river for three days until late at night. The diversity and number of attractions is impressive. The facilities have been prepared in such a way so that everyone will be able to find something to their liking. Neither youngest and older children nor adults will complain that they are bored.

Under the Sails Run

The Szczecin Under the Sails Run is a combination of well-known and popular runs upon the Oder river and the greatest sailing festival. During the Żagle event, competitors will run 5 kilometres going past beautiful sailing ships. The runners will start at the Passenger Quay and move along Jana z Kolna St. towards the pontoon bridge they will use to go across the river. The youngest runners will meet our Umbriaga cat that once sailed and currently runs with children, promoting healthy and active lifestyle.

The Festival of Brass Bands for the Mayor of Szczecin’s Cup

Stage performances, march-pasts, and parade drill shows - these are all the highlights the audience will be able to experience during the 6th Festival of Brass Bands for the Mayor of Szczecin’s Cup, to be held as part of the Żagle 2023 event. Between Friday and Sunday, we will get a chance to listen to hundreds of instruments and view colourful march-pasts. Eight orchestras are due to participate.

Regatta for the Mayor of Szczecin’s Cup

The regatta for the Mayor of Szczecin’s Cup will be held on Lake Dąbie for the first time. All yachts with a maximum length of 15 metres, suitable for navigation on the regatta water body, are invited to participate. The vessels will compete for the Cup on Saturday and sail to Chrobry Embankment after the race. This is where the viewers will have an opportunity to admire a festive parade of Regatta participants.

These and many other attractions will be waiting for anyone who attends this year's Żagle. The weekend, full of fun, breath-taking views, great music and unforgettable atmosphere, is ahead of us. For the full agenda and the description of events, go to www.zagle.szczecin.eu. All latest news and key information can be found the event’s account on Facebook:  Żagle 2023 – Żeglarski Szczecin Zaprasza!

 

The partners of the Żagle 2023 event are the Szczecin Water Supply and Sewerage Company and the Szczecin-Świnoujście Port Authority.