The Janusz Korczak Secondary School No. 2 in Bolesławiec has established a Sailing Club. – The students reacted very positively to this initiative – says Jacek Maj, a German teacher and the club’s supervisor.
In winter, students from the “two” learn about yachting in theory; in May or June, they will set sail on a cruise across the Great Masurian Lakes. They will be able to obtain yacht sailor and coastal skipper qualifications, as well as serve as boat commanders. What is more, they will also receive first-aid training.
On Thursday, January 30, Zdzisław Czyżowicz, vice-commodore of the Bolesławiec Yacht Club and head of the II Private Middle School, a school that cultivates sailing traditions, met with the young sailing enthusiasts. – There is a club in our county that educates children from primary schools, and there is our middle school. What was missing was an organization where students from upper-secondary schools could develop their passions – the vice-commodore emphasizes. – Now the Sailing Club at II LO will be that link.
– I am glad that we have established cooperation with the II Private Middle School and that our students, after completing middle school, will have the opportunity to continue their sailing education with us – adds Mirosław Sakowski, head of Secondary School No. 2.
– Sailing teaches humility – says Zdzisław Czyżowicz. – Someone who spends two weeks on the Baltic returns changed. They gain perspective on themselves and their everyday worries. When you are fighting for your life, problems at work become utterly trivial.
Moreover, as the Yacht Club’s vice-commodore relates, sailing experience can help with… finding a job. Czyżowicz recalls a situation when one of the companies in Bolesławiec wanted to hire an accountant. Several women applied, each with similar qualifications. Then the company president looked at the “interests” section. – And said: we will hire this person. She is a sailor, so she is organized and reliable. Those are invaluable qualities in this job – the head of II PG says with a smile.
For Zdzisław Czyżowicz, sailing has meant something different at each stage of his life. During the Polish People’s Republic, it was a way to see the world. – Back then, it was difficult to leave here. I had no family abroad. It was sailing that gave me the opportunity to see many interesting places – the vice-commodore recalls. – Later, it became my way of repaying others for what I had experienced on various cruises. At that time, I was the one teaching young people the sailing trade. Today, above all, it is an excellent way for me to spend my free time.
During the meeting with members of the Sailing Club, Czyżowicz spoke, among other things, about maritime traditions. He discussed the elements of a sailor’s uniform, Admiral Edward Vernon, the physical and psychological punishments used on ships, the mutiny on the British sailing ship Bounty, and how beautiful the Seychelles are.
(information: ii)