By Marek Grzybowski
3 July 2003

For the fourth time, Poland will host The Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Races. July 19-22, Gdynia will be visited by the world's 20 largest sailing vessels and several hundred smaller vessels, with thousands of sailors from across the world on board.

The races, held for half a century, are a multi-stage competition for the world's largest sailing vessels. Participants fight to win the trophy, but the overriding goal is to educate young people in the art of sailing; one of the rules is that at least 50 percent of each crew must be aged between 15-25.

The races are not only about competing against the elements; they're also an opportunity to establish new friendships during meetings in port taverns and pubs, as well as mutual visits of crews on board the ships. The races are accompanied by sports competitions, shanty singing, sailors' dances and other attractions offered by the hosts on land. The organizers are preparing an exhibition of sailing equipment, parades of vintage cars and brass bands, a marine film festival, parades of crews through the streets of Gdynia, music/dance shows on board the vessels and a fireworks display.
For residents of the port cities and for tourists, the event is a unique opportunity to tour the vessels and admire their craftsmanship. After their stopover in Gdynia (July 19-22), the sailors will set off on races to ports in Turku (Finland), Riga (Latvia) and Travemünde (Germany). Before the race begins, a great sailors' fiesta will be held in Gdynia, Sopot and Gdańsk. On the last day, an impressive show is planned-a parade of all the vessels under full sail.

Gdynia has already hosted the Cutty Sark flotilla twice-as the finish line in 1974 and 1992. Each time was a success for the city, which gave a warm welcome to the sailors and provided a well organized and attractive stay. Now, for the first time, Gdynia will host the start of these magnificent races.

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