Zbąszyński Klub Żeglarski

History

Sailing in Zbąszyń began on 7 June 1930 with the local branch of the Liga Morska i Rzeczna, which organised the „Wianki“ event on 23 June 1930. Goals included promoting maritime awareness and youth education, including cooperation with scout groups. In 1933 three participants kayaked from Zbąszyń to Gdynia for the „Dni Morza“. Members helped build a swimming pool on the Obra and the „Łazienki“ bathing area. The branch ran sailing, swimming and rowing sections until World War II interrupted activities. On 21 January 1946 work resumed within the Liga Morska, with efforts for a marina at Dąbki and repair of water craft. A water and sailing exhibition was held in 1948; annual „Dni Morza“ and „Bale Morza“ followed. In 1956 the organisation became the Klub Morski of the Liga Przyjaciół Żołnierza; the fleet gained DZ, Syrena and Słonka boats, and the first „Błękitna Wstęga Jeziora Zbąszyńskiego“ was sailed, still held today. In 1959 two sailors reached Gdańsk on a P-7 bis. Between 1956 and 1962 a road to Dąbki, electricity and hangar repairs were completed. From 1962 the Klub Wodny of the Liga Obrony Kraju continued with a stronger sailing focus. In 1965 two further Słonka yachts were launched; in 1966 the club hosted Polish junior OK-Dinghy and senior Słonka championships. In the 1970s two hangars, a common room, workshop and social rooms and a slipway were built; Cadet, OK-Dinghy, Hornet and Flying Dutchman boats were acquired 1970–1974. After LOK dissolved the Klub Wodny, sailors registered Zbąszyński Klub Żeglarski on 5 May 1980. Private cabin yacht fleets grew and the marina also served as a harbour. Cabin yacht races such as Bieg Samotników, Srebrna Szekla and „Beczka“ were added. The club organised championships up to national level in Optimist, Cadet, OK-Dinghy and Flying Dutchman. In 2000 sixteen members canoeed to Gdańsk for the 70th anniversary. Later years brought three new piers, a new DZ dinghy, a crane and renovations. Members support „Żagle dla Wszystkich“ for disabled and disadvantaged children and Obra lake route cruises.

Boat types