90 years under sail. Legendary s/y Orion celebrates its anniversary in Gdynia

One of Poland’s most iconic classic yachts will celebrate its 90th anniversary this June, bringing together generations of sailors, maritime enthusiasts and residents in the heart of Gdynia.

history pomerania west pomerania tricity news sailing boating

28 may 2026   |   11:27   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Maciej Borek / s/y Orion

As part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the City of Gdynia, the historic sailing yacht s/y “Orion will celebrate its 90th birthday on 14-15 June 2026 at the Gen. Mariusz Zaruski Yacht Basin.

The event, organised by Jacht Klub Morski Gryf, will highlight not only the remarkable history of the vessel itself, but also the long-standing maritime traditions of Gdynia and the Polish sailing community.

A post-war symbol of revival

Built in 1936, Orion became the first active club yacht after World War II. On 16 June 1946, during the ceremonial opening of the sailing season of Jacht Klub Ligi Morskiej Gryf, the yacht’s flag was officially raised at what is today the Gen. Mariusz Zaruski marina.

The christening ceremony was attended by Maria Gierdziejewska, wife of pre-war Maritime League activist Wacław Gierdziejewski, murdered in Piaśnica in 1939, and Stanisław Modliński, then vice-president of Gdynia.

In the immediate post-war years, Orion completed dozens of local cruises in the Gulf of Gdańsk before embarking on an international voyage to Sweden in 1947.

Sailing across Europe for decades

Over the past nine decades, Orion has sailed to numerous European ports and capitals along the Baltic and North Seas, visiting destinations such as London, Amsterdam, Antwerp and Boulogne-sur-Mer.

The yacht continues to participate in offshore races, Baltic cruises and international sailing events, including the renowned Tall Ships gatherings known in Poland as Operation Sail.

Its elegant mahogany hull, spruce spars and classic silhouette make Orion one of the most recognisable traditional yachts in Poland. Today, the vessel remains the flagship yacht of JKM Gryf and an important symbol of Gdynia’s maritime identity.

Anniversary programme

The two-day celebration will include ceremonial flag displays, exhibitions dedicated to the yacht’s history, performances by the male shanty choir Zawisza Czarny, family sailing activities and guided visits aboard the yacht.

Visitors will also be able to explore exhibitions featuring yacht and tall ship models, maritime photography and artworks prepared by students from schools and universities connected with the jubilee celebrations.

Additional exhibitions related to both the 100th anniversary of Gdynia and the history of Orion will be presented between 14 and 21 June at the Gdynia Film Centre Gallery.

More than a yacht

For generations of sailors, Orion represents far more than a historic vessel. It is a living witness to the rebirth of Polish sailing after World War II and a continuing symbol of maritime passion, tradition and community.

The anniversary celebrations are expected to gather former crew members, sailors from different generations, residents and visitors who wish to honour one of Gdynia’s most treasured maritime icons.

Buy us a coffee, and we’ll invest in great maritime journalism! Support Gazeta Morska and help us sail forward – click here!

Orion Gdynia 90 lat jachtu Orion JKM Gryf historia żeglarstwa w Gdyni jubileusz żeglarski 2026

comments

---

enter content

COMMENT

nick

Add the first comment