Baltic Sail 2025 – International Sailing Rally in Gdańsk
- Damian Brzeski
- Mar 15
- 15 min read
Already in July 2025, majestic sailing ships from Poland and abroad will appear on the Motława River and the Bay of Gdańsk, and the city streets will be filled with shanty music and the atmosphere of a sea adventure.
Baltic Sail is not only a parade of sailing ships and cruises for the public, but also a festival of maritime culture, historical reenactments and attractions for the entire family.
What vessels will we see this year? What new features await participants? Check out what the organizers have prepared and don't miss the biggest sailing festival in Gdańsk!
Baltic Sail 2025 – dates, program and attractions
The Sailboat Parade during Baltic Sail 2025 is one of the most spectacular sailing events in the Baltic Sea region . Dozens of impressive vessels, including the largest Baltic Sail sailboats , yachts and motorboats, will present themselves under full sail in the waters of the Bay of Gdańsk .
Date and place
Baltic Sail Gdańsk 2025 will take place on 11–14 July (Friday–Monday). The main arena of the events will be the water areas and coasts of Gdańsk – from the historic port on the Motława River (the area around the Żuraw, Ołowianka and Targ Rybny) to the waters of the Bay of Gdańsk at the seaside beaches.
Admission to the Baltic Sail event is free , and all land attractions remain free of charge. Only cruises on board Baltic Sail sailing ships require the purchase of a ticket.
Sailing ships and parade
The biggest event of this edition will be the traditional Tall Ships Parade , planned for Saturday morning, July 12. It will take place on the waters of the Bay of Gdańsk , where a rally of Baltic sailing ships will create a spectacular display of white sails.
The parade participants will set off from Brzeźno and sail along the Gdańsk coast through Jelitkowo, returning to Brzeźno again. The Baltic Sail edition introduced this open route a few years ago, which allows the vessels to fully unfurl their sails, providing unforgettable experiences for both participants and spectators.
In previous years, the event attracted crowds - in 2023, thousands of sailing enthusiasts gathered on the beaches of Gdańsk, admiring the Baltic Sail ships in all their glory. In 2025, you can also expect a unique spectacle.
The organizers will provide sound reinforcement and live commentary, allowing viewers to learn more about the history and specifics of individual units. The Tall Ships Parade is undoubtedly a key moment of each Gdańsk sailing ship rally .
Cruises for the public
One of the most popular Baltic Sail attractions are cruises on Baltic Sail sailing ships . Anyone who dreams of a sea adventure can buy a ticket and sail out onto the waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk as a member of the crew. The cruises last about 3 hours and start in the historic port on the Motława River .
After leaving the port channel, the vessels head for the waters of the Bay of Gdańsk , where passengers can admire the city of Gdańsk from the sea and experience traditional Baltic sailing . If the weather conditions are favorable, the crews set full sails, allowing participants to feel the true spirit of sailing.
The popularity of this attraction grows with each edition. In 2024, 117 cruises took place, with over 2,000 passengers participating. The organizers announce that the number of available cruises during Baltic Sail 2025 will also be significant, offering unforgettable experiences to both residents and tourists.
The Baltic Sail 2025 edition is not only a sailing ship rally , but also an opportunity to promote maritime heritage and support traditional shipping in the Baltic Sea region .
Don't miss this unique event and get ready for unforgettable sailing emotions in the heart of the European maritime region !
Participants of the Great Parade of Tall Ships
Participating sailing ships: An impressive fleet of traditional sailing ships from Poland and abroad will participate in Baltic Sail Gdańsk 2025. Year by year, Gdańsk hosts more and more vessels that blend in perfectly with the city's maritime scenery. The organizers have confirmed that 16 sailing ships and about 150 smaller yachts and boats will arrive in Gdańsk.
Among them you will find true legends and sailing gems:
STS "Generał Zaruski" (Poland) - over 80 years old training gaff schooner, flagship of Gdańsk. This restored sailing ship is used to train young people and is a symbol of the city's maritime traditions.
STS "Zawisza Czarny" (Poland) – a three-masted gaff schooner, a legend of scout sailing and the flagship of Polish scouts , which has been attracting the attention of sailing enthusiasts for years.
"Santa Barbara Anna" (Germany) - a magnificent two-masted schooner (46 m long), owned by Joe Kelly (member of the famous group The Kelly Family). This beautiful unit with a wooden hull will be one of the biggest attractions of the rally.
"Tolkien" (Netherlands) - a 42 m long Dutch sailing ship (schooner) that first joined Baltic Sail in 2024. Its presence is a treat for sailing fans - the name refers to the creator of The Lord of the Rings , and the ship itself impresses with its classic silhouette.
"Bonawentura" (Poland) – over 100-year-old wooden gaff ketch (20 m), one of the oldest Polish sailing ships participating in the rally.
"Antica" (Poland) – a small, 14-meter sailing oldtimer, often carrying guests around the waters of Gdańsk.
"Bryza H" (Poland) – an 18-meter gaff ketch sailing ship, formerly a hydrographic vessel, now used for maritime education.
"Kapitan Borchardt" (Poland) - a 45-meter three-masted schooner from 1918, the oldest sailing ship in the Polish fleet. In 2024, she also appeared on Baltic Sail (although late for the start of the parade) and is expected to appear again, inspiring admiration with her classic silhouette.
"Ernestine" (Germany) – a 23-meter wooden ketch from Germany, an example of a traditional Baltic school vessel.
"Libava" (Latvia) – a 17-meter sailing ship from Latvia, a faithful replica of a 17th-century merchant ship, with a crew known for their colorful costumes and songs.
"Brabander" (Lithuania) – a 36-meter training sailing ship of Klaipėda University, a regular participant in rallies.
“Odiseja” (Lithuania) – a smaller, 14-meter sailing ship from Lithuania, which will also take part in the rally.
"Joanna Saturna" (Finland) – a Finnish gaff sailing ship, 34 m long, built in 1903, one of the oldest and most atmospheric guests of the event.
“Barlovento II” (Poland) – a 15-meter gaff yacht from Poland, offering intimate cruises for those who prefer smaller units.
"Szkwał" (Poland) - a 14-meter sloop-type sailing yacht, another Polish unit available for cruises, ideal for those looking for a more intimate experience.
(Note: the final list of tall ships may change – the organizers try to invite new units every year, so in 2025 it is also possible that tall ships that have not previously visited Gdańsk will debut.)
Attractions for "Landlubbers"
Baltic Sail is not only a sailing rally and sailing emotions on the water, but also a rich cultural and entertainment program on land, which reflects the spirit of traditional Baltic sailing . Among the events planned for audiences of all ages are concerts, workshops, historical reenactments and numerous educational attractions.
Shanty Festival "Under the Crane"
The 26th edition of the nationwide shanty music festival "Szanty pod Żurawiem" will be held in parallel with Baltic Sail 2025. It is the largest shanty festival in Poland, which has been gathering the best bands performing sea songs in Gdańsk since 2000 .
The concerts will take place in a unique setting – the main stage will be on Ołowianka , and smaller outdoor stages will appear, among others, on Świętopełka Square and at the pier in Brzeźno .
For several days, the waters of the Motława River and the Bay of Gdańsk will resound with both classical shanties and contemporary folk music with a sailing theme.
In 2024, more than 25 bands appeared on the stages, and the final concert attracted a large audience. The 2025 edition of Baltic Sail will once again create an unforgettable atmosphere of singing together with a view of the historic Baltic Sail sailboats . Participation in all concerts is free of charge.
Educational and entertainment zone for children – “Little Baltica”
With the youngest participants of the Baltic Sail event in mind , the Little Baltic Zone is organized - a place where children can learn the secrets of sailing through play. In previous editions, this space included both the land part (at the Fish Market ) and the water part (at the Green Bridge ).
Children had the opportunity to build model boats, learn about supporting traditional sailing , learn how to tie sailor's knots, and take part in creative workshops – from making pirate hats to painting sailor's bags.
In 2024, the city expanded this zone, seeing the huge interest in sailing activities. In 2025, the organizers will once again provide a rich program - young sailing enthusiasts will try their hand at small vessels and take part in interactive classes about the Baltic Sea and sailing.
Historical shows and other attractions
An inherent element of the Baltic Rally are historical reconstructions, which allow participants to travel back to the times when the city of Gdańsk was one of the most important ports in Europe.
In previous years, there were reenactments of the lives of 18th/19th century sailors, presenting, among others:
unloading of merchant ships,
conscription of recruits for the fleet,
dances of ancient sailors,
a spectacular sea battle on the waters of the Motława River , in which the historic sailing ship Baltic Sail and coastal artillery took part .
Additionally, organizing sailing ship rallies is also associated with accompanying regattas – sailing racing enthusiasts will be able to admire the yachts competing in the waters of the Bay of Gdańsk .
There will also be stands with nautical souvenirs, photographic exhibitions presenting the heritage of the Baltic Sea , as well as meetings with captains and crews of sailing ships. In the evenings, sailing life moves to taverns, where integration meetings are held to the sounds of shanties.
Baltic Sail 2025 – a sailing festival for everyone
This year's Baltic Sail promises to be incredibly rich - four days filled with sailing ships, concerts, stagings and workshops for everyone. The organizers invite both experienced sailors and people who just want to feel the magic of a sea adventure.
"I encourage everyone to talk, to join in the shanty festival , to sing and meet with the crews of sailing ships. Baltic Sail is a festival open to anyone who wants to feel the sailing atmosphere," said Monika Chabior, vice-president of Gdańsk , before the previous edition.
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this unique atmosphere – the Baltic Sail opportunity only happens once a year!
Event organizers and partners
Baltic Sail Gdańsk is organized by the City of Gdańsk and the Gdańsk Foundation , which has been co-organizing the sailing rally since 2009. The patron of the event is the Mayor of the City Aleksandra Dulkiewicz , and the social aspects are supervised by Monika Chabior .
The honorary patronage was assumed by the Polish Sailing Association (PZŻ) , and support was provided by the Pomeranian Voivodeship Self-Government , promoting the event with the "Pomorskie" brand. The main sponsor of Baltic Sail 2025 will once again be Perła - Browary Lubelskie SA , and partners include the Port of Gdańsk , Żegluga Gdańska and the National Maritime Museum . Media patronage is provided by, among others, Radio Gdańsk .
A key role is also played by volunteers who support the organization of the event and take care of the crews. Thanks to the cooperation of the city, foundations and partners, the time of the sailing ship rally turns Gdańsk into the sailing capital of the Baltic Sea region .
What is Baltic Sail? History, Purpose and Meaning
Baltic Sail is an international Baltic Sail agreement , connecting the largest cities of the Baltic Sea region with the aim of promoting maritime heritage and supporting traditional Baltic shipping .
It was established in 1991 on the initiative of the port of Rostock and since then includes cities such as Gdańsk, Klaipeda, Karlskrona, Nysted, Turku, Szczecin and Sassnitz .
As part of the cooperation, Baltic sailing ship rallies are organised, which popularise maritime culture and sailing in the Baltic Sea region .
Baltic Sail Gdańsk – The Great Parade of Sailing Ships
The biggest event within the Baltic Sail agreement is Baltic Sail Gdańsk – an international sailing ship rally in Gdańsk , which has become a permanent fixture in the city's summer calendar. The idea of organizing sailing ship rallies in Gdańsk was born with the opening of a marina in the city centre.
The first edition of the sailing rally took place in 1997 (under the name Sail Gdańsk ) as part of the celebrations of the 1000th anniversary of Gdańsk and was met with great interest from residents and tourists. Since then, the event has been held every year - the Baltic Sail 2025 edition will be the 29th in a row , which is evidence of its well-established tradition.
The importance of Baltic Sail for Gdańsk
Over the years, Baltic Sail Gdańsk has become not only an important sailing event, but also an important element in promoting the heritage of the Baltic Sea and maritime tourism.
The mission of the event is to promote maritime heritage , integrate sailing communities and introduce residents and tourists to the history of traditional Baltic navigation . It is also the largest shanty festival in Poland and one of the key sailing events in the Baltic Sea region .
The rally was distinguished as a Gdańsk Tourist Product , winning the audience award in the competition for the most attractive tourist event of the city. Baltic Sail Gdańsk strengthens the image of Gdańsk as the sailing capital of the Baltic Sea , and the organizers emphasize that it is a "wonderful celebration of Polish and Pomeranian sailing", which attracts thousands of participants every year.
The impact of Baltic Sail on tourism, local community and maritime culture
Baltic Sail is of great importance for Gdańsk and the Baltic Sea region – both in terms of tourism, society and culture. The event attracts thousands of people, enlivens the urban space and promotes the maritime heritage of Europe .
A magnet for tourists and economic benefits
The sailing ship rally has become one of the key attractions of the summer tourist season in Gdańsk . Every year, the event attracts tens of thousands of tourists from Poland and abroad who want to see the Baltic Sail fleet and participate in the festival.
The Tall Ships Parade gathers crowds – in 2024 the beaches in Brzeźno and Jelitkowo were filled with spectators.
The popularity of the event translates into an increase in the turnover of local entrepreneurs – restaurants, hotels and souvenir sellers report increased traffic, which has a positive impact on the city's economy.
Community Integration and International Cultural Exchange
During the sailing ship rally, Gdańsk is full of life, and residents enjoy walking along the quays, admiring the Baltic Sail sailing ships and attending concerts. The event promotes integration – both for the local community and for guests from other countries.
Evening shanties and conversations with sailors from different parts of Europe strengthen cultural ties. Many sailing enthusiasts, sailing clubs and scouts are involved in the organization.
For the crews , the Gdańsk Sailing Rally is an opportunity for an international exchange of experiences, which makes the city the sailing centre of the Baltic Sea region .
Cultivation and promotion of maritime culture
Baltic Sail plays a key role in maintaining the tradition of traditional Baltic sailing . Locals and tourists can see historical sailing techniques, listen to shanties and learn the basics of traditional navigation.
Educational zones for children and historical reenactments remind us of the port past of the city of Gdańsk and inspire new generations to take an interest in sailing.
Additionally, the opportunity to cruise on Baltic Sail sailing ships encourages many participants to further develop their passion for the sea.
Building the brand of Gdańsk as the capital of sails
The Baltic Sail edition has become one of the symbols of summer in Gdańsk , alongside St. Dominic's Fair . Thanks to wide media coverage, reports from the event appear on television and the Internet, and photos of Baltic Sail sailboats promote the city as a European maritime region . Gdańsk uses this event to strengthen relations with other Baltic cities and develop tourist cooperation.
The impact of Baltic Sail extends far beyond the four-day celebration – the event helps support traditional sailing , promote tourism and build social ties.
As the organizers emphasize, Baltic Sail "brings the maritime traditions of the Baltic Sea region closer to residents and tourists, while at the same time bringing tangible socio-economic benefits."
Useful information - How to get there, ticket prices, etc.
The main Baltic Sail events take place in the center of Gdańsk , in the historic port on the Motława River . Baltic Sail sailboats will moor along the quays from the Fish Market to Ołowianka Island , and larger units can moor in the port basins on Ostrów or Nowy Port .
Visitors can easily move between attractions on foot, and trams and buses provide access to the waters of the Bay of Gdańsk , from where the Tall Ships Parade is best viewed.
You can reach Gdańsk by train ( Gdańsk Główny train station is a 15-minute walk from the quays) or by plane ( Gdańsk Rębiechowo airport is 15 km away, and is accessible by PKM and buses).
During the sailing ship rally, some streets may be closed and parking lots may be crowded – it is recommended to use public transport.
Accessibility and security
Entry to the Baltic Sail area is free. The event takes place in a public space, and safety is ensured by law enforcement, water police , WOPR and medical patrols. People with disabilities have access to the main points of the event - for example, a footbridge with a lift leads to Ołowianka .
Where can I buy tickets for sailing ships?
Participation in land events is free, while cruises on Baltic Sail sailing ships are ticketed. In 2024, prices started at PLN 10 for children, and regular tickets cost several dozen zlotys.
In 2025, the price list may change, but the organizers strive to keep prices affordable. Tickets can be purchased online on the organizer's website or at the box office on site - however, due to the great popularity, early purchase is recommended.
Touring the sailing ships
Officially, there is no fixed sightseeing program, as most of the vessels sail with tourists. However, in between cruises, the crews often invite visitors on board – this is especially true for training sailing ships, such as Generał Zaruski or Zawisza Czarny .
Entry is usually free or at a symbolic cost, and up-to-date information can be found on the quayside or on Baltic Sail's social media.
Catering during the event
The event will feature numerous food trucks and food stands offering both local specialties and international dishes.
There will also be a sailing tavern serving Perła beer – the event sponsor. Alternatively, guests can use the restaurant at Długie Pobrzeże and Długa Street .
Accommodation
Gdańsk offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to hostels and apartments. The 2025 edition of Baltic Sail falls during the peak season, so it is worth booking accommodation in advance.
Popular hotels in the city centre can be booked well before July, so it is worth considering options in Sopot , Gdynia or other districts of the Tri-City . Sailors arriving with their own yachts can use the Marina Gdańsk , which also requires advance booking.
Due to parallel events such as the St. Dominic's Fair , planning your accommodation in advance will allow you to fully enjoy the Baltic Sail event without the stress of accommodation.
Baltic Sail 2025 Edition – News and Changes
Return to traditional date: After a unique edition in August, Baltic Sail 2025 returns to its traditional date in midsummer – July 11–14 . This is the period of the highest tourist traffic in the Tri-City , which may translate into even greater attendance. The change also allows to avoid collisions with other sailing events, and Baltic Sail sailboats will be able to continue cruising on the Baltic Sea for the rest of the summer.
The established route and date of the Tall Ship Parade: Since 2023, the tall ship parade has taken place on the waters of the Bay of Gdańsk , and since 2024 its date has been changed from Sunday to Saturday morning . These innovations have proven to be a success, so in 2025 the parade will again take place on Saturday, which facilitates the organization of cruises and regattas and allows viewers to see tall ships in all their glory on the open sea.
Modernized quays and new space for the public: In 2025 , for the first time, spectators will be able to use the completely renovated Długie Pobrzeże . Wider sidewalks, new fortifications and better infrastructure will make the Gdańsk sailing ship rally even more comfortable for walkers and sailing enthusiasts. Thanks to this, the main Baltic Sail sailing ships will probably return to the Żuraw and the area of Zielony Most , which will increase the visual appeal of the event.
New sailing ships and special guests: Each edition of Baltic Sail is an opportunity to see new vessels. In 2024, the Dutch schooner Tolkien made its debut in Gdańsk , and in 2025 the organizers announce more surprises. Talks are underway about the participation of large Baltic Sail sailing ships from Sweden , Norway and the return of famous units such as Loth Lorien or Roald Amundsen . Greater involvement of Polish training sailing ships and Pomeranian yachts is also possible.
Expanded program on land: Following the success of the Little Baltica Zone in 2024 , organizers plan to further expand it – possibly new educational workshops and ecological activities. Expansion of the shanty festival is also under consideration , possibly with a gala concert or additional performances by international folk bands from the Baltic countries.
Ecological innovations: Baltic Sail 2025 will also focus on promoting maritime heritage in the context of environmental protection. The plans include educational campaigns on the cleanliness of the Baltic Sea , a competition for crews for the most ecological sailing ship and refill zones for replenishing drinking water.
Baltic Sail 2025 will maintain its sailing tradition while introducing modern improvements and attractions. The organizers listen to the participants and improve the event every year so that everyone can feel the true atmosphere of traditional Baltic sailing .
There is nothing left to do but plan your July stay in Gdańsk and prepare for an unforgettable sailing adventure!
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