Visitor numbers exceed 1.5 million

Over the course of the first three days of the Regatta in Gdynia, it is estimated that over 1.5 million visitors have come to the port area to enjoy the festival.    Many more are expected today, as the fleet make their preparations ready for undocking this afternoon and the Parade of Sail, which is the time honoured way for the fleet to thank the city for its hospitality during the event. 

Final details will be confirmed around lunchtime, but it is expected that the fleet will begin to undock from 1500hrs local time and travel to a holding area close to Sopot.  At 1700hrs local time they will begin the Parade of Sail, heading north to Gdynia, where they will salute the Polish Navy vessel, ORP Wodnik and acknowledge the many thousands of people who will be on the beach and surrounding areas.

Many vessels of all shapes and sizes are expected to be on the water, including several cruise ships giving around 2000 local people a close-up view of the spectacle. 

The Culture 2011 Tall Ships Regatta is organised by Sail Training International