Farewell Norfolk: Dar Młodzieży Sets Sail for New York’s Grand Sail 250 Finale
20.06.2026 | 2 min. czytania
On 18 June, the Dar Młodzieży dropped anchor in the Lynnhaven Roads anchorage before taking part the following morning in the Sail 250 Virginia Parade of sail – an international flotilla of tall ships leading into the port of Norfolk. Prior to the start of the maritime procession, the ship welcomed on board a Polish delegation led by the Polish Chargé d’Affaires in Washington, Bogdan Klich. The parade itself was a demanding undertaking, spanning nearly 30 nautical miles, with participating vessels maintaining an average speed of approximately 6 knots.
Following the parade, the Dar Młodzieży berthed at Front Street, alongside the tall ships Gorch Fock from Germany and Esmeralda from Chile. On the quayside, the crew were welcomed by representatives of the Polish community and the commanding officer of the host vessel, the USS New York. Berthing operations were assisted by sailors from the American ship, which holds a unique place in US history, having been partially constructed using steel salvaged from the ruins of the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.
The itinerary in Norfolk featured numerous diplomatic and military events. The delegation from the Dar Młodzieży also attended meetings with representatives of the City of Norfolk, the United States Navy, and the US Coast Guard, which included a traditional exchange of gifts. GMU students currently undergoing sea training on board the frigate also actively participated in these events.
Throughout the stopover, the Dar Młodzieży opened its decks to members of the local Polish diaspora and others with ties to Poland. Among the visitors was the son of the legendary Polish explorer Tony Halik, who recalled his father’s own voyage aboard the Dar Młodzieży in 1987.
On 23 June, the Dar Młodzieży left Norfolk and set sail for New York. It is there that Gdynia Maritime University’s sail training ship will participate in the culmination of the international Sail 250 programme, organised to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
