The impressive fleet of more than a hundred vessels including the giant Sedov of Russia, only slightly smaller Dar Młodzieży and Mir, and many other beautiful ships called at Gdynia. For many participating vessels, like the Dutch Morgenster or the Swedish Tre Kronor Af Stockholm, it was the first visit ever to a Polish port. Not only the turnout of the ships was astonishing, but also the number of visitors that came to Gdynia - 2.5 million over 4 days! Dar Pomorza, the legendary tall ship of Gdynia, was celebrating her centenary and, therefore, like in 1992, took part in the spectacular parade of sail as a guest of honour, assisted by tugs.

The TSR 2009 coincided with another world-class event held in Gdynia - Heineken Open'er Festival. Over the course of that weekend, hailed the most interesting in Europe by some, there was so much going on that sleep really seemed a waste of time.