Saturday at Sails 2025 was like a great voyage, where everyone could chart their own course – from sporting emotions on the running track, through family-friendly activities and inspiring guests, to concerts that lit up the boulevards late into the night. It was a day full of energy, colours, and emotions.
Wind in the Sails
Great excitement awaited also on the water. One of the day’s highlights was the Regatta for the Mayor of Szczecin’s Cup. Twenty-one sailing crews from across Poland lined up at the start, competing in the spectacular scenery of Lake Dąbie. The wind was perfect for sporting competition, the rivalry was fierce, and the sailors had the chance to show off their skills.
According to unofficial results, the winners of this year’s regatta were:
The official prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, 17 August at 12:00 on Grodzka Island.
A special thrill came with welcoming the travellers who had covered nearly 700 km along Poland’s rivers to reach Szczecin. Their long and demanding route led them through the currents of the Vistula, Warta, Noteć, and Oder rivers, ending here – in Szczecin, at the heart of the sailing celebration. Their enthusiastic welcome turned their arrival into one of the most symbolic moments of Saturday.
Throughout the day, Wały Chrobrego and Łasztownia were filled with crowds of residents and tourists. The biggest attraction, of course, were the tall ships and vessels moored in Szczecin. Smiling captains invited visitors aboard, where one could breathe in the scent of ropes, touch the helm, and hear true stories of sea voyages. The first cruises also set off – tickets sold out in no time, and every trip sailed at full capacity.
The WOŚP Square in Łasztownia turned into a colourful town for the youngest visitors. The “Czyścioch Zone,” prepared by Rossmann, proved that hygiene can be a great adventure. Children washed their hands to cheerful songs, learned how to brush their teeth, and took part in games, quizzes, and animations. Nearby, rackets were in action – the “Ping-pong on the Grass” picnic offered sporting rivalry and fun. And ZWiK ensured participants stayed hydrated, serving tap water straight from city fountains.
Walking through the event area, visitors could discover the “Sails Fair.” Fragrant stalls with delicacies, unique handicrafts, and flavours from around the world created a colourful mosaic. It was a place where everyone could find something special – from regional specialities to exotic culinary curiosities.
For those wishing to see the sailing festival from a different perspective, scenic flights were prepared. The city’s panorama, ships on the water, and thousands of people on the boulevards created a breathtaking picture. A few minutes in the air offered a completely new view of the maritime celebration. The helicopter flights were organised by Radio Eska.
Saturday brought a true explosion of sounds that divided Szczecin into three music zones. Shanties and folk resounded across Łasztownia, carried like the wind. Rap beats rolled over Wały Chrobrego – the audience was swept away by strong rhythms and the energy of the hip-hop stage. Performers included Aleshen, Białas, Grubson, and Tede – a legend of Polish rap. Meanwhile, on Grodzka Island, DJ sets kept the night stage pulsating with dance rhythms. The beach turned into an open-air dance floor, with illuminated ships as the magical backdrop to this musical spectacle.
Saturday showed the full spectrum of what Sails 2025 is – from educational fun, through sport and meetings with extraordinary travellers, to musical excitement. It was a day when everyone could find something for themselves. And still ahead lies Sunday and the great rock finale, which will conclude this extraordinary sailing voyage.
Event partners: Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports Authority, PKO Bank Polski, ZWiK Szczecin, PGE, and Radio Eska..