A Renewable Maritime Resource

To ensure Szczecin's future success as source of world class nautical expertise, the city is moving forward with plans to widen the spectrum of its maritime education program.

The launch of the International Sailing Center at Lake Dabie will bring together existing, classroom-based programs for local schools with practical instruction, as well as a full schedule of training and competitive events that will run throughout the year.

According to Filip Gruszczynski, an inspector in the city's Sailing Events Bureau, the new center promises to cast a wider net. "We hope to create a center of regional excellence that will be open to both those from Szczecin - who currently benefit from existing city programs - and from the whole of the Euroregion Pomerania."

Under the direction of the city government's education department, the International Sailing Center builds on programs and facilities already in place. These include schools-based programs devoted to maritime cultural education and related interscholastic competitions, as well as practical instruction in seamanship offered at the youth center on the lakeshore. Children and young adults aged 7-20 are eligible to take part in these programs, which make use of three sea-going vessels and a fleet of smaller craft. Practical seamanship courses are offered at the center throughout the year and focus on all aspects of the discipline, from theory to ship maintenance.

The launch of the combined education and instructional program is set for the arrival of the 2008/2009 school year, which begins on 1 September. In order to broaden the offering to a wider array of students from both West Pomerania and neighboring Germany, the city is seeking funds from the European Union that will expand both the center's operational budget and enable continued investment in marina facilities. In 2009, the city plans to enter the largest of its ships - the Dar Szczecinski - in the Tall Ships racing program for student sailors. The boat will join a flotilla of similar vessels from countries around the world that will visit various Atlantic Ocean ports as part of the racing schedule.