The Gulf of Gdańsk: an ideal location for learning to sail
- Aleksy Duchnowski
- May 19
- 3 min read
Sailing in the Gulf of Gdańsk is not only a pleasure for those keen to navigate one of the most fascinating areas of the Polish coastline, but also an excellent opportunity to learn and refine manoeuvring skills.
With a variety of ports, good technical conditions, and diverse situations on the water, it's an ideal place to prepare for skippering a yacht independently. Whether you're planning short sailing trips in Poland or week-long charters in other seas, mastering manoeuvring here provides a solid foundation for safe and confident sailing as a skipper.
The proximity of this area means it’s only a few hours’ drive from many cities in central Poland. Once there, you're welcomed by a varied shoreline, Baltic weather conditions, and above all, excellent port infrastructure – perfect for practising manoeuvres.
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The most popular place to start a trip is Przystań Cesarska, located near the centre of Gdańsk. Here you'll find the largest charter yacht base in the Tri-City area. You begin your journey in the heart of the Gdańsk port canal. It's very important to obtain permission via VHF radio from the Gdańsk Harbour Master on Channel 14 before entering the waterway.
Sailing along the canal near large commercial vessels and the fairway by Westerplatte is a great opportunity to practise navigation rules and recognise waterway markings. Especially at night, for example, en route to Sopot, the harbour lights are very helpful for terrestrial navigation.
Sopot Marina is one of the most prestigious spots on the Polish coast. Located at the end of the famous pier, surrounded by elegant architecture and sandy beaches, it's a beautiful location offering excellent conditions for manoeuvre training in a modern and well-maintained port. The marina staff are helpful and professional, creating a comfortable environment for the crew. The entrance to the marina is relatively exposed to wind and waves. Sopot Marina operates on VHF Channel 63.
The marina in Gdynia, located in the heart of the city, is a symbolic cradle of Polish sea sailing. It’s from here that legendary yachts once set off and many well-known captains began their sailing careers. The older part of the harbour has its own character and atmosphere – you can feel the maritime traditions at every turn, and the quayside surroundings are ideal for both training and relaxing onshore. From a manoeuvring perspective, it's a good place to practise, although it's worth noting that the Y-berths are quite tight. This requires precise handling, composure, and good teamwork from the crew. Such conditions provide great preparation for the kind of scenarios you may encounter in many northern ports
An interesting destination on the Gulf of Gdańsk route is the port of Hel, located at the very end of the Hel Peninsula. Though it’s slightly farther than the other marinas, it’s well worth a visit – particularly because the port is well-sheltered and offers plenty of space for manoeuvring, providing comfort when approaching and docking. It’s a great place to calmly practise different manoeuvres, without the pressure of narrow quays or heavy traffic. Once ashore, Hel also has much to offer – its atmospheric restaurants and bars make for a pleasant way to end a day on the water.
On the return journey, or when strong winds are forecast, the marina in central Gdańsk offers excellent shelter. The surroundings of the Main Town, complete with the famous crane, create a fantastic atmosphere. To enter the marina, coordination with the drawbridge to Ołowianka is required – it operates on VHF Channel 15. In the summer season, the bridge is raised on the hour for 30 minutes. The marina itself has limited berths, so it’s worth booking in advance.
In summary, we believe the ports and waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk are ideal for learning to sail and practising yacht manoeuvres – and in the summer, they’re perfect for enjoyable leisure cruises. □
