Tuesday, 08 October 2013 14:37

Sopot visit

Report by Andy Denison.

September 21st  2013

 Venue for the 2014 Finn World Masters Championships

Sopot.

Located on the Northern coastline of Poland fronting the Baltic Sea, this lively town has an abundance of bars, restaurants and facilities that one would hope to find on a holiday.

Shops include, Zara, River Island, Marks and Spencers, H&M and many other recognised shops from around the world.

Whatever your negative thoughts are about Poland, you can ignore! Sopot has had a lot of money and effort thrown at it! And it’s no surprise that this is the Riviera resort that the people of Poland flock to for their holidays.

Sopot report pictures 

Sailing Venue

Situated, fronting the beach approximately 1.3 km from the town centre of Sopot.

There is a running and Cycle path which adjoins the club, beside the beach and provides an easy scenic route for the keen sports person or somebody who just wishes to walk into the town.

The Sailing centre has very good facilities, there is plenty of space and a wonderful bar and restaurant area, with additional seasonal eating and drinking areas, there is good on-site parking and the impression is that it can cope with a large number of participants.

The idea is to keep the boats in two secure illuminated compounds on the beach, which is about 20 mtrs from the club house and is accessed via a couple of wide slipways. Once they are in position, launching into the shallow water is only around 10 mtrs distance, providing a large expanse for launch and recovery, (Helpers will be on hand.) to ensure the safety of the competitors, however my feeling is this will be a safe launch and recovery.

The road trailers will be stored closed to hand on the complex or Campsite.

Transportation

Airport at Gdansk approx. 12km

Taxi from Airport to Sopot around 10euro

Main rail station Gdansk and station at Sopot.

Ferry to Gdynia.

Accommodation

We visited, what we felt were the nearest Hotels to the Venue,

Novotel is next door to the grounds of the sailing venue/campsite and is very good 3 star accommodation, with sea views of the race area to the rear.

Hotel Mera is next to the entrance of the club and is a fabulous 4 star luxury hotel.

Hotel Bursztyn. Again is ideal for the venue but a little further to walk, maybe 300 mtrs.

The choice is yours! It is intended to set up one booking agent who will be able to guide you better.

If you are contacting these Hotels direct, mention the Finn sailing to negotiate a discount of 10% (But, no guarantee, so don’t hold me to it!)

There is also a lot of self-catering accommodation, again the agent will guide you, but for ease of getting to the sailing centre by foot you need to stay east of Sopot town.

Motor Home/ Campers/Camping

Excellent facilities exist for camping in the sailing centres grounds for Tent, Campervan or Caravan.

There is a large campsite next door which can offer a more peaceful wooded setting.

It is anticipated that the OA will arrange to have this facility next door to be opened for the duration of the event.

Local Attractions

The old part of Gdansk is a must! There are many interesting sites in the old town and on the banks of the river.

Sopot town, with the pedestrian street down to the pier offers a huge range of gastronomic delights, we walked to the town in 20 mins, a cycle would be 5-8 mins and off course you can jog!

There are many other attractions, the Sandy beach; pier at Sopot the list is extensive!

Food and Drink

The local speciality is fish and it is in abundance with many varieties to choose from. We ate out, 4 people 2 courses with drinks and coffee at around 50 euros for all of us.

Also worth trying are the local soups and the home made stuffed Dumplings.

The Club offers a good restaurant area and outside bars and dining areas for snacks and lunches.

Local drink: Vodka.

Large Beer: 2 euro.

Ladies

It is proposed to offer the ladies a comprehensive programme of choice; however I did say that it would not be a favoured option to travel long distances in a coach, so the programme will evolve around the areas of Gdansk and Gdynia. A Guided tour around the old town of Gdansk will be well worth attending.

Many thanks:

To Jan Okulicz POL 3, for traveling a great distance to ensure that my stay was made pleasant and informative.

To the Polish Finn Association and the sailing centre for their generosity in my visit.

 

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