"Gdansk rescues the sailing ship" project applies
for the South Baltic funds

In November 2008 Gdansk bought the ketch General Zaruski to save it and bring it back to its former state and duty. After revi-talization the ship will serve as the flagship of the city. It is aimed to promote the city and serve as a sail training ship for the youth, just as it was planned by Mariusz Zaruski.

Since that time there have been many interesting events taking - place. With the support of such companies like DNV, Leica Geosys-tems and the Technical University of Gdansk, the hull of the ship was scanned by modern laser scanner. As a result 3D model was created that allows to take a virtual walk along the ship "Zaruski". Thanks to the very precise laser measurement, the constructors preparing the working plan of the reconstruction could compare the current state of the hull with the previously documentary evidenced one and introduce all necessary changes. To take a virtual walk along the ship "Zaruski" enter the website http://www.zaruski.pl/2009/08/20/zapraszamy-na-wirtualny-spacer-po-kadlubie-ts-general-zaruski/.

In July the ship was visited by the Chairman of European Maritime Heritage, UNESCO agenda that gathers shipowners of traditional ships. He examined the hull and ran a presentation about revitalization of old sailing-ships. During a 2-day conference he introduced Swedish experience regarding revitalization of traditional yachts and suggested many practical and technical solutions. The Project "Gdansk rescues the sailing ship" was also present during all important sailing and touristic events like The Tall Ships Races, Water and Wind Fair, Polyacht, Shanties under the Crane, etc.

Presently, the Municipal Centre of Sport and Recreation in Gdansk, the shipowner, has already the technical plans of rebuilding of yacht. The discussions with the company, which will overhaul the yacht, are in the final stage. Meanwhile, the original elements which are to be used during the rebuilding of the ship "Zaruski" are being repaired.

Recently, the decision has been taken to apply for the funds within the South Baltic Programme for crossborder co-operation 2007 - 2013 (Priority Axis 2: Attractiveness and Common Identity, 2.3. Sustainable use of natural and cultural heritage for regional development), in order to promote sailing, tourism, maritime and ecological education in the BSR. All companies and institutions interested in this project are requested to contact the Municipal Centre of Sport and Recreation.