Skip to main content

Dar Młodzieży's Transatlantic Journey

30.06.2026 | 4 min. czytania

Gdynia Maritime University’s sail training ship, Dar Młodzieży, is currently on an intercontinental voyage, having departed its home port of Gdynia on 16 April 2026. Initially setting course for the Irish Sea and the Isle of Man, the frigate’s transatlantic itinerary includes Spain, the Bahamas, Norfolk, New York, and Boston, culminating in its participation in the international Sail 250 Tall Ships Regatta to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.

A Voyage Steeped in History

The transatlantic journey of the Dar Młodzieży follows in the wake of the historic voyage of the Dar Pomorza exactly which took place to mark the bicentennial of the United States. Back then, the ‘White Frigate’ took part in races on the Plymouth – Tenerife – Bermuda – Newport route, finishing in leading positions in the classifications. The ship then visited key American ports, including New York, Boston, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, taking part in the tall ship parade held on 4 July 1976 on the Hudson River.

The voyage of the Dar Młodzieży in 2026 continues this tradition. The event serves not only as a training voyage for students of Gdynia Maritime University, but also has a promotional character – strengthening Poland’s presence on the international stage and supporting the development of diplomatic and cultural relations as part of the celebrations of the US 250th anniversary and the international Sail 250 regatta. 

The voyage to the USA began, just as it did 50 years ago, on 16 April, with the return of the ship to Gdynia planned for 24 August 2026.


Fair Winds and Following Seas!

Immediately before the ship headed to sea, a press conference was held on board the vessel with the participation of the Gdynia Maritime University leaders, representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Gdynia municipal authorities. 

The meeting provided an opportunity to present the objectives of the voyage, its importance for the education and training of future maritime professionals, and the role of the Dar Młodzieży in the international Sail 250 regatta. The Minister of Infrastructure also had an opportunity to tour the ship before its departure and speak with the expedition participants and crew members.

The Dar Młodzieży was waved off from the quay by University leaders, national and local government officials, representatives of the maritime community, the families of the students and pupils taking part in the first leg of the voyage, and a large crowd of Gdynia residents.

https://umg.edu.pl/en/news/2026/dar-mlodziezy-sets-sail-transatlantic-voyage


Three Legs of the Transatlantic Voyage

The journey has been divided into three distinct legs:

4 July – A Double Celebration

The highlight of the voyage is the frigate's participation in the international Parade of Sail on 4 July in New York. 4 July represents a double celebration – Gdynia Maritime University’s sail training ship will celebrate its 44th birthday that day (the first ceremonial hoisting of the flag on the Dar Młodzieży, launched on 12 November 1981, took place on 4 July 1982), while the United States of America will commemorate 250 years of independence. 

During the entire journey, the Dar Młodzieży will cover approximately 12,000 nautical miles over a total of 131 days.

 

Voyage Log

Explore the full itinerary of the Dar Młodzieży’s transatlantic voyage to the USA, alongside a photo gallery from the expedition.

Photo Gallery - Dar Młodzieży departs for the USA on 16.04.2026
Photo Gallery - First leg of the voyage to the USA
Photo Gallery - Second leg of the voyage to the USA