"Generał Zaruski" Sets Sail for Spitsbergen — Flagship Educational Voyage Marks 50 Years Since Historic Arctic Expe

On June 30, 2025, the Polish sailing vessel Generał Zaruski embarked on a landmark 101-day Arctic voyage to Spitsbergen. The expedition commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first Polish yacht reaching the Polish Polar Station in Hornsund in 1975 under the command of Captain Andrzej Rościszewski. The current voyage, organized by the City of Gdańsk and the Gdańsk Sports Centre, combines maritime heritage, environmental education, and scientific collaboration.

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01 july 2025   |   20:17   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Dominik Paszliński / gdansk.pl

Navigating History — And the Arctic

Sailing across four major seas, Generał Zaruski will cover over 5,000 nautical miles, visiting 10 ports and 5 Polish polar research stations. The route includes stopovers in Longyearbyen, Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, Norwegian fjords, and Bergen, from which the vessel will begin its return journey to Gdańsk.

More than 140 young people and adult participants will rotate through different legs of the voyage. The ship serves as both a training platform and a floating classroom, offering workshops in traditional navigation, seamanship, environmental science, teamwork, and self-reliance — all conducted in low-tech, analog conditions to support the "Zaruski Analog Zone" program for digital detox and real-world engagement.

A Floating Lab, A Strategic Route

In partnership with the University of Wrocław, the ship will also host a two-week scientific expedition within the Arctic Circle. The onboard research program focuses on climate change, glacial retreat, and Arctic biodiversity. These activities position Generał Zaruski as a dual-purpose vessel — both a sail training ship and a mobile research unit.

From a logistics standpoint, the voyage has been meticulously planned, with full provisioning, spare parts, and educational equipment prepared in advance. The 79-year-old vessel — fully restored by the City of Gdańsk after being purchased in 2008 — remains in peak condition thanks to ongoing investment in maritime education and youth sailing programs.

Symbol of Gdańsk’s Maritime Identity

The ceremonial farewell on Gdańsk’s Green Wharf, featuring the Maritime Border Guard Orchestra, served as a symbolic send-off and a celebration of Gdańsk’s deep maritime traditions. The voyage takes place under the official flag of the City of Gdańsk and the regional banner of Pomerania, emphasizing the region's commitment to sea-based education and identity.

- This journey is not only about retracing a historic route — it’s about carrying forward the values of maritime education, said Piotr Borawski, Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk. - Generał Zaruski will proudly represent our city and region, promoting sustainability, teamwork, and youth engagement.

Krzysztof Czopek, Director of Infrastructure at the Pomeranian Marshal's Office, added: “We are proud to support a project that blends heritage with innovation. May the regional flag fly high all the way to Spitsbergen.”

Following in Historic Footsteps

In 1975, under Captain Rościszewski, Generał Zaruski became the first Polish yacht to reach the Hornsund research station, carrying young sailors from the Warsaw Youth Palace. This bold polar journey became a legend of Polish sailing history — a feat achieved despite the geopolitical barriers of the Cold War.

Reflecting on his motivations, Rościszewski once said: “The North offered freedom — and it was often easier to get permission to sail to Spitsbergen than to Western Europe. That unchanging Arctic landscape left a lasting impression.”

Whether this year’s expedition will succeed in circumnavigating Spitsbergen — something weather and ice conditions prevented in 1975 — remains to be seen. Regardless, the 2025 voyage is already historic in its own right.

Legacy, Innovation, and the Next Generation

This 10th edition of the Gdańsk School under Sail exemplifies how heritage vessels can serve contemporary missions. With a multidisciplinary focus on climate, technology, and youth development, the Generał Zaruski project builds on decades of expertise while creating space for new voices in maritime science and leadership.

The vessel is scheduled to return to Gdańsk on October 8, mooring at the National Maritime Museum quay — bringing full circle a journey that combines legacy, learning, and a shared vision for a more sustainable future at sea.

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