Dar Młodzieży Participates in International Parade of Sail on the Hudson River in New York

On board the Polish sail training ship were representatives of the University: GMU Rector Professor Adam Weintrit, Sławomir Kalicki, Chair of the University Council; and Master Mariner Dariusz Jellonnek, Director of the Maritime Operations Department, alongside more than 100 student trainees from Gdynia Maritime University and the vessel's crew. They all took part in a unique double jubilee – the culmination of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence and the 44th anniversary of the hoisting of the white-and-red ensign on the Dar Młodzieży, which was raised for the first time on 4 July 1982. 

The parade around 10:00 local time, guiding the fleet from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, past the Statue of Liberty, and up to the George Washington Bridge on the Hudson River. The world's largest tall ships and naval vessels from 20 nations were showcased along the 16-nautical-mile route. Among them was the Dar Młodzieży, commanded during the parade by its Captain, Master Mariner Michał Sadowski. An additional highlight during the celebrations was an air show by the elite pilots of the Blue Angels, the United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron.

The Rector of GMU, Professor Adam Weintrit, spoke about the profound significance of this event not only for the University but also for Poland: 

Today's participation of the Dar Młodzieży in the New York Parade of Sail, held to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, holds special meaning for me as the Rector of the oldest maritime higher education institution in Poland. I am immensely proud of our student trainees and the entire crew of the Dar Młodzieży, who are proudly continuing the traditions of their predecessors. 

Exactly 50 years ago, the crew of the Dar Pomorza – the University's training vessel at the time – undertook a similar voyage to commemorate the bicentenary of US independence. The presence of our frigate in this Parade of Sail is a beautiful symbol of the enduring continuity of Polish maritime traditions.

I am also deeply moved by the realisation that we may be taking part in the final transatlantic voyage of the Dar Młodzieży. This makes me all the more pleased to see the ship once again represent Poland and Gdynia Maritime University so worthily on the international stage. 

Furthermore, I am deeply grateful to the Polish community in America for their warm reception to the Dar Młodzieży across US ports. Moments like these prove that the Dar Młodzieży serves not only as an ambassador for our nation across the world's seas and oceans, but also as a symbol of the bonds uniting Poles living away from their homeland.

The Rector also emphasised that this year's celebrations carry a unique double significance, as they are now woven into the personal history of the Dar Młodzieży: 

Today's event has a special significance for us because exactly 44 years ago, on 4 July 1982, the white-and-red ensign was hoisted on the Dar Młodzieży for the very first time. 

The convergence of these two anniversaries represents an extraordinary celebration for seafaring people, reflecting the values that have united our global community for generations.

At the end of the parade, the frigate berthed at Manhattan Cruise Terminal Pier 91 (Finger Pier), where it will open its decks to public visitors from 5 to 7 July.

Photos: Adrian Dopke