The Port of Gdynia of Poland had the ambiance of a sun-kissed beach party as 409 sailors across 600 nations gathered around for the inauguration of Hempel Youth Sailing World Championships. The event was hosted by the Polish city for the first time since the year 2004. There was a party atmosphere around the beach as the participant sailors paraded from the village of the event to the opening ceremony location with the beat of the drums.
Each nation has a flask of water along with them according to the tradition at the Hempel Youth Worlds which is celebrating its 49th edition this year. As a symbol to represent unity, team spirit, and sportsmanship, the sailors bring a flask of water from their homelands for the mixing of the waters ceremony held on the opening day which brings all the waters around the world together.
On the same evening, the volunteers, local dignitaries, race officials, and people of Gdynia was welcomed. The sailors were welcomed to Gdynia by Tomasz Chamera who is the Polish Yachting Association’s president, and Marek Lucyk, Vice Mayor of Gdynia. The President of World Sailing Kim Andersen opened the championship officially.
Kim Anderson thinks that events like these, especially for young sailors, are absolutely important and at the same time crucial so that they can keep the great sport relevant. They will also be able to make the sport more attractive to the younger generation of future athletes. He also said that he felt privileged to be a part of the opening ceremony of such a sport. He also appreciated the works of the World Sailing who have collaborated with the Polish Yachting Association and also City of Gdynia to make this event a successful one. Gdynia is the perfect place to organize such an event and also the best National Training Centre for Federations.