Sts Fryderyk Chopin leads the race to Aberdeen. Kapitan Glowacki wins stage one

After a strong performance in stage one of the race—concluded with a win by the Polish tall ship Kapitan Glowacki—the international fleet set sail from Esbjerg (Denmark) to Aberdeen (Scotland) for the next leg of this prestigious sail training regatta. The competition continues not only at sea but also in ports, where seamanship, international camaraderie, and youth engagement come to the fore.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 16.07.2025, 20:07 Reading time: 2 min

Two tall ships at sea seen through the foam of a breaking wave — fot. Krzysztof Radomski / STI

In brief

The Polish sailing ship Kapitan Głowacki of Harcerskie Centrum Morskie won the first leg of the international tall ships race, taking 1st place in Class A. The second leg, from Esbjerg in Denmark to Aberdeen in Scotland, began with a virtual start with a two-hour window in a southerly wind of 15 to 20 knots, and the fleet has already covered more than 100 nautical miles. STS Fryderyk Chopin leads ahead of TS Royalist and Kapitan Głowacki, with about 21 nautical miles remaining to the finish in Aberdeen. Dar Szczecina won Class D, Belfer took 2nd place in Class C, and STS Fryderyk Chopin earned Joint Line Honours together with the Italian Corsaro II.

Fast start, tactical sailing

Stage two began with a virtual start and a two-hour window to cross the starting line in favorable southerly winds of 15–20 knots. After two nights at sea, all vessels have covered over 100 nautical miles, heading north across the busy and complex waters of the North Sea.

What’s not visible on YB Tracking is the challenge of navigating through wind farms, oil platforms, and traffic separation schemes—designated no-go zones that require constant tactical adjustments and route optimization.

Chopin in the lead, Glowacki in the chase

Current tracking data shows Sts Fryderyk Chopin in the lead, closely followed by TS Royalist, with Kapitan Glowacki—the stage one winner—holding third position. With just 21 nautical miles to go until the finish line in Aberdeen, the situation remains dynamic and highly competitive.

Polish success across the fleet

During the prize-giving ceremony in Dunkirk, hosted by Sail Training International and the City of Dunkirk, Polish vessels were prominently recognized across multiple categories—both racing and port events:

Kapitan Glowacki – 1st place in class A
Dar Szczecina – 1st place in class D
Belfer – 2nd place in class C
Fryderyk Chopin – Joint line honours (with Corsaro II, Italy)

These results underline the strength and consistency of Polish sail training teams, both on the water and in team spirit ashore.

Full list of awards

Youngest average crew: Jolie Brise (UK)
Most international crew: Sorlandet (18 nationalities)
Joint line honours: Corsaro II (Italy) & Fryderyk Chopin (Poland)
Best crew parade – winner: Sorlandet (Norway)
Best crew parade – runner-up: Biche (France)
Most potatoes peeled: Gulden Leeuw (Netherlands)
Best dancers: Pascual Flores (Spain)
First to arrive at the showers (joint): HNLMS Urania (Netherlands) & Biche (France)
Sports awards:
1st – Pascual Flores (Spain)
2nd – Shabab Oman II (Sultanate of Oman)
3rd (joint) – Vera Cruz (Portugal) & Juan De Langara (Spain)

Race class results:

Class D:
1st – Dar Szczecina (Poland)
2nd – HNLMS Urania (Netherlands)
3rd – Corsaro II (Italy)
Class C:
1st – Hosanna (France)
2nd – Belfer (Poland)
3rd – Juan De Langara (Spain)
Class B:
1st – Jolie Brise (UK)
2nd – Biche (France)
3rd – Rupel (Belgium)
Class A:
1st – Kapitan Glowacki (Poland)
2nd – TS Royalist (UK)
3rd – Christian Radich (Norway)

Polish teams among the world’s best

The impressive results of Kapitan Glowacki, Dar Szczecina, Fryderyk Chopin, and Belfer confirm that Poland continues to play a leading role in international sail training. As the fleet approaches Aberdeen, the competition remains fierce—and the final positions are still wide open.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier