A Personal Guide to Polish Waters
Nicholas Hill
Gdynia
Gdynia is one of the principal sailing centres for the Gdansk bay area. It certainly has the best equipped chandleries in Poland, and gear that is not in stock can be ordered from outside the country.
Although Gydnia is an extremely large commercial harbour, with ferries, container ships, and the like, the marina is situated outside the main harbour, in a corner on the eastern end, well out of the way of the commercial port.
The city centre is very 'concrete', although the area around the marina is more pleasant. The marina is on the outside edge of the harbour. Close by is a museum ship; a Second World War destroyer built in Cowes in the 1930s, and in excellent condition!
The cranes etc of the commerical harbour are visible from almost anywhere in Gdansk bay. As mentioned, you do not have to go into the commercial port, as the marina occupies a space to itself outside.
The marina is visible by the masts from some distance: as you head towards it, the entrance becomes obvious.
There are no obvious hazards on the approach. Further out, you may have to keep an eye open for ferries and other commercial traffic.
berthing and facilities
You can call the marina on VHF for a berth. There are some box moorings on one wall, a quayside on another, or some standard pontoons in the centre of the marina. Most of these are intended for fairly small boats, but there is one set of relatively large pontoons.
Ablutions are reasonable.
Excellent chandleries - indeed, probably the best for a very long way around. Electgronic gizmos are available, and parts can be ordered from suppliers outside the country without too long a wait. Charts (Polish and Admiralty) and pilot books can be purchased here as well. Stock up here - it will probably be your only chance along this section of coast.
Google Earth
The resolution here is very good, and you can see the marina quite clearly. The picture is not quite up to date: only one pontoon has been installed here.
The warship on the other side of the quay, right up against the end, is a museum ship: a pre war destroyer built by White's of Cowes on the Isle of Wight and immaculately preserved.
Entering Gdynia
Views as you approach and enter the marina.
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All photographs copyright CNH/COH. Please ask if you wish to use them and please acknowledge the source.