Gdynia Maritime University GMU

A Special Captain Leszek Wiktorowicz Award was given to Captains Ireneusz Lewandowski and Rafał Szymanski who captained the Dar Młodzieży during the Independence Sail The captains were honoured for their contribution to the success of the historic voyage of the “Dar Młodzieży” around the world, the popularisation of sailing, and the seafarer training of young people.

The voyage around the world for the 100th anniversary of Poland’s regaining of independence lasted 313 days. A Special Award was presented to both captains who shared command of Dar Młodzieży during this time. As part of the voyage, almost 1000 trainees completed sea-going service. This included 348 persons who took part in the voyage as part of a competition. The voyage provided a unique opportunity to spend time at sea on a tall ship and experience the adventure of a lifetime – said in her awarding speech Joanna Zielińska, a member of the awards commission and Chair of Gdynia City Council.

I never met Captain Leszek Wiktorowicz, but even today, there are still members of Dar Młodzieży’s crew that served under him. What they remember most about him is that he was a very fair man - he took a real paternal approach to the wellbeing of his crew. The Dar Młodzieży was built to train young seafarers. A wide variety of people carry out seagoing service. It’s our task to show them another way of life and to do it in a way in which they will enjoy it – said Captain Rafał Szymański when accepting his award.

The Award which I have been presented today is for me, a sailor, a great honour. The namesake of the award dedicated his life to the sea, loved the sea and people, and captained the Dar Młodzieży on its first voyage around the world. As a captain of the Dar Młodzieży during the Independence Sail, I felt like I was continuing his idea and his work – wrote Captain Irenuesz Lewandowski in a letter to the guests at the ceremony.

Translated from the source at: nagrodawiktorowicza.pl