Gdynia Maritime University GMU

The masts of Dar Młodzieży were lit up with the glow of the tallest Christmas tree in the Tricity on Sunday 10th December. The lights were switched on by HM Rector Professor Adam Weintrit, along with the Mayor of Gdynia, Dr Wojciech Szczurek, the Captain of Dar Mlodzieży, Rafał Szymanski and the Director of the Ship Management Office, Captain  Dariusz Jellonnek. 

The tip of the Christmas lights display reaches 60 meters above sea level and its glow can be seen as far away as on the Hel peninsula. The tree-shaped light display was put together for the 6th year using 200 metres of cable and more than 200 bulbs. This year, the traditional turning on of the lights was preceded by a chance to visit Dar Młodzieży.  

From 10:00 am, the University's sail training ship welcomed onboard visitors free of charge. Visitors were able to go below deck and visit the quarters inhabited by trainees and the ship's crew during voyages. GMU students and the crew of the Dar Młodzieży also took part in the open day as guides. The open day provided an opportunity to find out how the sailing ship operates, hear about a typical day on board, what it's like being at sea for weeks on end, and more.

The public was also treated to a performance of festive carols and songs by the GMU Academic Choir, conducted by Dr Karol Hill.

Dar Młodzieży is a three-masted frigate. The ship's tallest masts - the mainsail and foresail - are 49.5m tall, whereas the cutter mast is a little shorter at 46.5m in length. Lights hang on tops of all the masts. The lights can be seen on the Pomeranian quay, at the end of the south pier in Gdynia. The docking place of Dar Młodzieży.

The tradition of illuminating Dar Młodzieży during the Christmas season began during the Independence Voyage in 2018 when the sailing ship spent December on the Los Angeles coast.