| What is The Culture 2011 Tall Ships Regatta? |
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The remarkable view of the Gdynia port full of ship masts and the Parade of Sails in the roadstead will be remembered by millions of people who watched the 2009 tall ship race live or broadcast by the media. Looking at the majestic beauty of the fleet sailing away, people asked with nostalgia when those big vessels would visit Gdynia again. Probably nobody expected then that they would set a course for the city of sea and dreams already in 2011! In recognition for the warm welcome sailors received in Gdynia two years ago, our city was once again awarded the privilege to host the races on September 2-5. The panorama of the city, usually marked by Sea Towers, during these few days will be again dominated by high masts. This time the races, as their name indicates - The Culture 2011 Tall Ships Regatta - are dedicated to the promotion of cultural heritage of the Baltic Sea Region countries. The regatta is organized in cooperation with Sail Training International and will be one of major events held within celebrations of European Capital of Culture 2011 - the title awarded to the Finnish city of Turku, which, just like Gdynia, played host to the races two years ago and will welcome the fleet again this year. The regatta will be divided into two legs: the first one starting in Klaipeda (Lithuania) and finishing in Turku, and the second one - from Turku to Gdynia where the great final will take place. The formula of the regatta will be similar to that of the 2009 races. The tall ships will stay in Gdynia for four days, which will be the time filled with shanty and jazz concerts on the outdoor stages as well as those in Gdynia clubs, a colourful crew parade in the city centre, a fireworks display or a great concert on the beach. At the quays of President Basin there will be docked several dozen tall ships, among them the world's biggest vessels such as - four-mast Sedov and Kruzenshtern, who will be happy to open their hospitable decks to visitors. A guest of honour of this year's regatta will be a legendary Gdynia schooner Zawisza Czarny, who's celebrating her 50th anniversary this year. The climax of the regatta will be a picturesque Parade of Sails. On September 5th, the waters near Gdynia will welcome hundreds of small yachts and sailing boats, among which will rise the masts of the biggest tall ships. The races of The Culture 2011 Tall Ships Regatta and the accompanying events are a perfect occasion to experience a real maritime adventure. Plan your time today and end your summer in Gdynia in the company of beautiful frigates, barques and schooners. |
