fivepointfive - April 2023

NATIONAL REPORT - FINLAND
Finnish classic
revival continues
The Finnish all-classic fleet had a lively postcorona
season in 2022. There were eight yachts
actively racing during the season.
The revival of the 1950s boats is continuing
as the Gullvinge, FIN 1, is undergoing a massive
restoration by Pekko Räsänen and the Teresita, FIN 10, as well
as Pikapuikko, FIN 3, are also being renovated to bring them up
to racing condition. During this season the Bloss, FIN 2, returned
to the race course with Olli Suortti at the helm.
The season started with the traditional Helsinki Regatta 1
in June. Pohjantähti (FIN 12, Juho Peltonen, Aarni Ahvonen,
Knuutti Karsikas) won from Trial (FIN 4, Ville Harkke) and Skylark
(FIN 6, Filip Blomquist, Oscar Norström, Elias Huhtala).
The season then continued with the largest wooden boat
gathering in the Baltic, the Viaporin Tuoppi, with four 5.5 Metres
entered, Vis-a-vis, Pohjantähti, Aava and Remi.
In the Hankø worlds the two close rivals from Turku, FIN 4
Trial and FIN 6 Skylark were the only classics. The somewhat
heavy weather conditions favoured the experienced crew of the
Trial and the classic trophies will stay at the Turku Yacht club
for a year. The young crew of Skylark gave a good fight and are
definitely a team to reckon with in the future.
The season was wrapped up with a very pleasant Brändö
Seglare Fall Regatta in Helsinki where the fleet gathered to enjoy
not only good racing but evening barbeques and social gatherings.
Ville Harkke reports on activities in Finland
during 2022, and the ongoing revival of what is an
all classic 5.5 Metre fleet.
Skylark
Above and top: Trial in Hankø
Figaro (FIN 43, Pekka Ervamaa, Matti Ervamaa, Ervamaa Panu)
won the regatta from Pohjantähti FIN 12 (Juho Peltonen, Knuutti
Karsikas, Adele Kotsalo and Vis-a-Vis (FIN 9 Ari Bungers).
As the world is hopefully normalising there will be more events
in Finland year 2023, especially by the Helsinki Segelsällskap
which is celebrating the club’s 130 year anniversary.
60 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2023