Almost 50 years with the Tall Ships Races

Adam Puscion is a retired captain residing on Apenesfjellet. Originally from Poland, he has been living in Fredrikstad for the past 42 years. After this year's ship festival, he has been a liaison at The Tall Ships Races Fredrikstad (TSRF) three times: in 2005, 2019, and this year.

In 2019 and this year, he served as a liaison officer aboard the impressive Dar Mlodziezy from Poland, which is nearly 110 meters long.

Dar Mlodziezy is a three-masted full-rigged ship and a training vessel owned by Gdynia Maritime University, which offers professional maritime education. The professional training takes place on board the ship, which accommodates 35 permanent crew members, six lecturers, and 136 students. The name Dar Mlodziezy means "youth gift" in Norwegian.

"A curious coincidence is that Dar Młodzieży is connected to the maritime university in Gdynia, where I studied in the '70s. The captain is a classmate of mine," says Puscion.

Link between the ship and the city

"As a liaison, I ensure that communication between the crew and the organizers flows smoothly. It is an important and rewarding role to be the link between these groups," Puscion says.

The most unusual task he had as a liaison occurred during this year's ship festival in Fredrikstad.

"The doctor on the ship asked me to get a tetanus shot. I contacted a friend of mine, Zbigniew Gorski, who is a doctor. He was on vacation in Poland but arranged a prescription so I could pick up the shot at a pharmacy here in town," Puscion explains.

He has also helped ensure that the ship had a water supply and made arrangements for the crew to have their beddings washed at a laundry in Fredrikstad.

Nearly 50 years ago, in 1974, Puscion participated in the famous ship festival for the first time, traveling from Copenhagen to Gdynia and Portsmouth. Then he joined again in Plymouth, Santa Cruz, Bermuda, and New York in 1976, celebrating the bicentennial of the United States.

Giving back

Puscion has many fond memories from previous Tall Ships Races events. When it was to be held in Fredrikstad for the first time in 2005, he felt it was time to give something back.

"I volunteered as a liaison, which is a direct contact with the ships. It was very enjoyable, and Dar Mlodziezy was also present at that time. We organized a garden party with a barbecue for officers and crews aboard the Polish boats. It was a great opportunity to create good memories and strengthen the bonds between us," recalls Puscion.

"I remember the fantastic memories from back then, especially the celebration of America's bicentennial in 1976. It was an event that truly brought people from different nations together," says Puscion.

In 2007, during TSRF, he sailed on Dar Mlodziezy from Stockholm to Szczecin in Poland. Puscion is grateful to be part of TSRF and says the festival has influenced him as a person:

"Tall Ships Races have a special place in my heart. I have been involved for several years, and it has been a source of joy and inspiration. It is truly a unique experience to see these fantastic ships from all over the world gathered in one place."

Liaisons ensure a smooth running of the tall ships party

Arnfinn Haugberg, Chief Liaison Officer, says the following about Adam's contribution:

"His contribution to TSRF has been invaluable, and we are delighted to have him as part of the team."

Haugberg adds that TSRF relies on a team of around 40 dedicated liaisons to ensure the smooth running of the festival.

"These volunteers work hard to coordinate and assist captains and crews during TSRF. Without their effort and dedication, it would be challenging to carry out an event of this scale."