The marina will be constructed on Grodzka island and on Łasztownia island at Starówka Wharf. Both islands are located in the very heart of Szczecin and “The revitalization and development of them is one of the priorities of the city authorities” – says the document issued by the city authorities.

The local authorities will strive to obtain Interreg Program funds to co-finance the project. The marina is planned to be completed by the first half of 2013. It will be used by the participants of The Tall Ships’ Races finals, to be held in Szczecin in four years’ time.

The authorities did not carry out any research concerning the demand for such facilities in the city center.

"Days of the Sea and The Tall Ships' Races attract hundreds of yachts. If we manage to offer the sailors appropriate conditions to moor their boats at our marine, they will come back to Szczecin on different occasions as well. We also hope that several thousand Berlin sailors will be more willing to chose the shortest waterway to the Baltic Sea, which goes through Szczecin," says Piotr Landowski from the Szczecin City Council Press Office.

mab