ARTICLE "NOWY DZIENNIK", august 2001"
I AM CRAZY ABOUT SAILING
Janusz M. Szlechta interviewing Wojciech Siodelski - captain of "Zjawa"
When I came on "Zjawa" board and I was looking for the captain, I expected to see old, bearded man, but I met a boy. How did you become a captain of sailing vessel?
- Oh, yes, I celebrated my 22nd birthday in the shadow of Empire State Building. My crew surprised me, they had some gifts for me and sang me "Happy birthday". It was very touching moment.
My adventure with yachting started when I was seven years old. My first Baltic cruise started in 1992 on "Smrek". I used to do more races each year. Last year I spent on sea more than 2 months. This is the first opportunity for me to lead such a big yacht.
Last year in the summer Witold Gizler, owner of Sailing School "Skipper" told me, that he was going to send "Zjawa" to Tall Ships Race. In the autumn he promised, that I could be a captain but I had to pass exam for Yacht Master first. Witold trusted me, because I commanded few races for him on the Baltic and Mediterranean Sea.
I passed this most important exam on 25th of March. "Zjawa" left Gdynia on 1st of April, without me because I didn't have the certificate in my hand. I went with my bosun to meet "Zjawa" in France 10 days later.
- What was your route?
- We went from France to Cadiz visiting Lisbon. New crew came to Cadiz. Tall Ships Race started from there. All ships took a course to Bermuda. We were not appropriate crew, as a result we could not participate in that race. Half of all crew members should have been under 25.
All great tall ships went to Bermuda, we took course to Canary Islands first. We were sailing 23 days from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Hamilton on Bermuda Islands. Here new crew came on board. From Bermuda we went to USA. We visited Norfolk, Annapolis, Baltimore and Newport. It was a lot of interesting parties for crew members. I was on captains meeting with Stephanie Felmly. She came on "Zjawa" board and sailed with us to Halifax.
- Why "Zjawa" didn't participate in great Tall Ships parade in New York?
- Parade in New York was organized for ships participating in race. We joined "Cruise in Company" and selected other ports and different attractions.
- That parade was most famous sailing event in this year. There were only two polish sailing vessels: "Pogoria" and "Dar Młodzieży". Why only two? Why polish sailors didn't appear in New York at this time?
- I think a lot of sailors dream about crossing Atlantic Ocean, but our country has only about 200 marine yachts. They are rather old and in poor condition. I also think that lot of people couldn't take so long break at their working place.
- "Zjawa" joined "Dar Młodzieży" and "Pogoria" in Boston - it was very nice!
- Yes, I definitely agree.
- How do you reconcile your study and seafaring?
- It is very difficult because the sea took my heart and soul. I study telecommunication on Technical University. I had to take a long holiday after fourth semester, therefore I can command "Zjawa".
- Are there many people in Poland who would like to sail?
- Oh yes. A lot of young people are keen on sailing. "Skipper" has many clients for cruises and courses. In my opinion it is very important to diffuse this kind of sport in secondary schools and universities. Unfortunately for teenagers and students -who don't earn money- it is rather expensive sport.
- How much does it cost to sail on "Zjawa"?
- On "Zjawa" it is 40$ per day.
- You are very young man. Do you have problems with your crew in long cruises on such small area?
- Yes, I am very young so I think I have good relations with a crew but in conflict I have to react immediately. I think it is crucial to have a nice atmosphere on board. Of course safety is still most important.
- When are you going to come back Poland?
- In the end of August. From Boston I am going to go to Halifax, next Amsterdam through New Foundland, Ireland. Last change of crew will take place in Cherbourg, I shall be in Amsterdam on 26th of August and then I will come home.
- Thank you for interview and wish you good winds!
