Gdansk students to embark on a sailing study cruise to Iceland

During the unique sea expedition, they will learn the basics of navigation, but also teamwork and independence

Sailing and Gdansk go hand in hand, so it is of great importance for young people in the city to get acquainted with this traditional activity. Here is why the local authorities together with "Gdansk School of Sailing" and the Gdansk Sports Centre have launched a unique project for marine education.

The ABC of sailing

This year participants will be taken on a sea expedition to Iceland. The cruise will start on July 11 from Gdansk with a sailing training.

Then, the participants will sail towards the Shetland Islands, participating, along the way, in educational activities that are part of the cruise program. Emphasis will be placed on teamwork, independence and self-education.

The training includes lessons about the construction and operation of rigging, the basics of navigation, safety at sea, sailing traditions and customs. Also, the history of sailing, with emphasis on ​​maritime education, will be presented.

In the practical part, participants will be acquainted with the basics of meteorology, astronomy and the laws of physics that may come of use on a sailing ship. They will also learn the specifics of the places visited during the cruise.

Finally, recruits will be introduced to the figure of general Mariusz Zaruski, a precursor to the development of sailing and the ideas of maritime education in Poland. Young people will also become familiar with maritime literature and will improve their skills in English as a sailing language.

The cruise will end on August 6 in Reykjavik, but only after the young sailors have had the chance to visit other places in Iceland. Participants are then free to return home whenever they wish, but at their own expenses.

How to participate

Since the cruise is largely funded by the City of Gdansk, the selection is on a competitive basis with a fee. Participants can come from all over the country, but those who study away from the local high schools will have to pay more.

Only 19 of the applicants will get the chance to embark on the unique expedition. Recruitment for the unique cruise aboard STS "General Zaruski" is underway.