Maritime history of Gdynia

Guided by a professional photographer, the participants of the open-air photographic workshop “Gdynia Maritime Legend Trail” were on the lookout for perfect camera shots. The photographic walk-about was part of the Sea Festival celebrations and preceded this year’s edition of the competition “Legenda Morska w Obiektywie” [Maritime Legend in a Lens].

The municipal self-government cultivates the city’s relationship with the sea. Many of the city residents have devoted their lives to the sea, and there are multi-generational families of seamen, sailors, port and shipyard workers. Every year Gdynia hosts the Gdynia Maritime Economy Forum, where industry representatives discuss the directions for growth and the opportunities in this sector. The maritime character of the city is also evident in its buildings and architecture. The city’s most iconic buildings follow the streamlined ship design. The new architectural projects being developed in the city centre and the Sea City are also inspired by nautical elements.
Every year, the city hosts lavish Sea Festival celebrations. One of its regular features is the photographic walk-about, which gives participants the opportunity to take unique photos of maritime Gdynia. It is a chance to take a peek at places that are not accessible to passers-by on a daily basis. This year, amateur photographers visited the historic interiors of the Klub Marynarki Wojennej “Riwiera” [the “Riwiera” Navy Club] and the grounds of Dalmor, located by the Fishing Pier, together with the historic cold stores. They also had the opportunity to take a ride in the motorboat of the “Junga” Sailing School and take photos of the city while onboard.
Photography enthusiasts are looking forward to the next “Maritime Legend in a Lens” competition, which will be announced soon. The photography competition takes place every year and is open to both professional and amateur photographers. As usual, photographs can be entered in several categories. This year’s edition of the competition was revealed by Jacek Debis, director of strategic projects at the Gdynia Development Agency, the organiser of the competition.

– Traditionally, we will be accepting competition photographs in categories such as ‘Maritime Detail’, ‘Sea Panorama’, ‘Work at Sea’ and ‘Sea Holidays’. But there will also be a new category – ‘Tales of the Sea’, i.e. a maritime reportage from Gdynia, the port or from the deck of a ship – 3–5 photographs telling the story of people, events, ships, vessels, life at sea. Photography lovers, set the course for Gdynia! – says Jacek Debis.

photo:  Przemysław Kozłowski