This summer, Gdynia will be all about sailing. The Hempel Youth Sailing World Championships begin on 13 July, and afterwards, between 22 July and 3 August, Gdynia Marina will be teeming with sailors of the 20th edition of Volvo Gdynia Sailing Days.
The previous edition proved that Volvo Gdynia Sailing Days, aspiring to be Polish Kieler Woche, is second to none in Poland. And it is indeed. It is the most prestigious regatta in Poland and the biggest sailing event in this part of the Baltic Sea.
‘Not without reason Gdynia is often called the sailing capital of Poland. We are proud of the fact that sailors from all over the world feel at home here,’ saysWojciech Szczurek, Mayor of Gdynia.
More than 2000 participants from over 30 countries will compete in 19 competitions. There will be 23 days of races in total! This year, Gdynia holds European Championships in three Olympic classes – 49er, 49er FX, and Nacra 17 as well as Laser Under‑21 World Championships. Other competitions held in the Gdańsk Bay this year include races of super-fast skiffs, small Optimists, and catamarans.A sack of medals, trophies, prizes, and honourable mentions are waiting to be won.
Apart from extreme emotions and rivalry on water, Volvo Gdynia Sailing Days also offers plenty of attractions on land. One of this year’s accompanying events, like last year and two years ago, is the Sailing Films Festival. It is a great chance to explore films immersed in the sea. But there is more.
‘There will also be a sailing town, where sailing enthusiasts will be able to talk with the sailors. We are also arranging a fun zone with attractions for children, such as sporting activities run by qualified coaches. There will also be plenty of attractions for adults,’ says Rafał Klajnert, CEO of the GSC.
Best Young Sailors in Gdynia
The day before VGSD, sailing enthusiasts will have a chance to watch novice sailors. The city of the sea and dreams has won hosting rights for the organisation of the biggest youth regatta in 2019. The 2019 Hempel Youth Sailing World Championships will be held in Gdynia for the second time in history.
The Hempel Youth Sailing World Championships are organised according to the rules of the Olympics. Thus, a country may enter only one participant or team in each class. The event comprises three competitions, which are also held during regular championships: RS:X Boys and Girls and Laser Radial Girls. Sailors will compete in the following classes: 29er Boys and Girls, 420 Two Person Dinghy Boys and Two Person Dinghy Girls, as well as Nacra 15 Catamaran, Mixed. In total, almost 410 participants from several dozen countries will arrive in Gdynia.
‘Our attitude towards sailing is that there are no problems but challenges, and hosting this regatta is undoubtedly a huge challenge. Yet, we have considerable experience in organising such events, because we hosted those championships in Gdynia in 2004. Since then, however, the event has grown much bigger. We have already achieved a record number of participants, and the regatta may almost be compared to sailing events at the Olympics. Here, each country may enter only one competitor in a given class. As regards organisation, we rely on our long‑time close cooperation with Gdynia. Our position in the International Sailing Federation has been strong for years, and it is getting easier for us to win hosting rights for such events. We want to show that we can set an example of good hosts,’ says Tomasz Chamera, CEO of the Polish Yachting Association.
Gdynia’s experience, infrastructure, and dynamic development of sailing projects helped the city win hosting rights for the organisation of youth world championships. The application process lasted several months and ended with a presentation of the city in Southampton on 8 February. Shanghai (China), Lelystad (the Netherlands), and Gdynia (Poland) qualified for the last stage of negotiations. The International Sailing Federation ISAF chose the city of the sea and dreams.
‘With its considerable experience, Gdynia is well-prepared for organising the most important sailing events. Its extensive infrastructure, as well as handy location and weather conditions, make it a perfect place for hosting fantastic world championships. I am looking forward to the cooperation with the Polish Yachting Association and the City of Gdynia,’ says Alistar Dickson, CEO of the World Sailing Events.
The Hempel Youth Sailing World Championships begin on 13 July and last eight days.
