Polish training ship Dar Młodzieży ends US visit, sails back toward Europe

The Polish Navy training frigate Dar Młodzieży concluded its Atlantic leg in Boston and is preparing to cross the ocean toward the British port of Cowes. The vessel had represented Poland in the United States for the 250th anniversary of American independence, taking part in the Sail4th 250 tall‑ship parade on the Hudson River on 4 July, an event observed by an estimated six million spectators and overseen by U.S. Vice‑President J. D. Vance.

Commander Krzysztof Kocyba, who replaced Captain Michał Sadowski in early July, said the crew of about 120 second‑year navigation students received a warm reception from Americans and noted the “different mentality” of the United States. After departing Boston, the ship will spend roughly four weeks crossing the Atlantic to the Isle of Wight, then visit ports in Germany in mid‑August before returning to its home port of Gdynia on 24 August.

The current cruise may be one of the last long‑distance voyages for the 45‑year‑old vessel. The Gdynia Maritime University has opened a tender for a new three‑mast training ship to replace Dar Młodzieży, with an estimated cost of 350 million PLN, but no bids had been received by the early‑July deadline.