A Polish three-masted tall ship is visiting Hong Kong until Sunday as part of its 10-month cruise around the world to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Poland regaining its independence after World War 1.
Hong Kong was chosen as one of the 22 destinations for the vessel, named Dar Młodzieży – meaning “Gift of the Youth.” The city marks the halfway point of her voyage, having arrived from Singapore.
The ship is open for public viewing between 10am and 6pm on Sunday at the China Merchants Wharf in Kennedy Town.
“I am delighted that Hong Kong is selected as one of the 22 ports in the world,” said Dominik Jakuszko, Polish vice-consul to Hong Kong. “This is the second time the ship comes to Hong Kong. Last time it was 1997… this time it is to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Poland regaining independence.”
Poland regained its independence in 1918 and formed a republic following 123 years of partitioning by its powerful neighbours.
The ship, commissioned in July 1982, serves as a training vessel for Gdynia Maritime University, one of the largest maritime institutions in Europe. Founded in 1920, it has around 8,000 students.
Dar Młodzieży was the first Polish-built, ocean-going sailing vessel to circumnavigate the globe in 1987-88.
As of this year, she has made 211 training voyages, calling at more than 700 ports and covering around 563,500 nautical miles.
The ship is captained by Rafal Szymanski, with around 170 crew including 150 Polish youth ambassadors, who are Gdynia Maritime University students and national patriotic competition laureates.
Dar Młodzieży set sail on May 20 and is expected to complete her voyage on March 28 next year.
Dar Młodzieży , See you soon ! 白色大帆船已進入香港水域，很快和大家見面! 🇭🇰
Posted by Kocham Polske HK 情牽波蘭 on Thursday, 25 October 2018
The ship will head for Osaka after Hong Kong, before crossing the Pacific Ocean towards San Francisco.
