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Can you imagine a place with hundreds if not thousands of islands? A place still unspoilt and unexploited by tourism? A place with a fantastic and completely unique nature? We have been sailing around experiencing many beautiful places in this world and it’s useless to put them in any order but the uniqueness of the Finnish Archipelago is undeniable, there just isn’t any other place in the world that offers such a rich cruising ground. Shaped by masses of moving ice and water during the Ice Age it presents a myriad of small islands, channels, skerries and hide-outs for yachties looking for something out of the ordinary. Far away from mainland Europe and up in the Northern Baltic this place has presented it’s beauty to those brave few that have dared the long miles to reach this remote destination. It only reveals its sunny and gentle side for a few months in the summer and then retrieves back to its long winter sleep. It’s all about timing. Our summer cruise is ticking all the boxes for sailing the Archipelago. As our Swan 51 has a draft that excludes a great number of channels, anchorages, and sweet spots we are using our shallow draft Bavaria 50. She is also designed with 5 cabins, a large cockpit and saloon for cosy evening gatherings and other comfort features. As this is not a race but rather a chill summer cruise she is perfect for the purpose. We have a long solid knowledge of the area and our skippers can fill you in with the natural, cultural or historical context of the landscape passing by. We will explore the rugged nature, small coastal villages and remote islands with their anchorages completely subject to your preferences. The Archipelago also offers lots of sweet spots with fantastic local cuisine that shouldn’t be ignored. The level of service out there has gone miles during last years. We could easily find a local restaurant for evening dining in most places. That said a solitary anchorage with a self prepared dinner also has it’s charm. In general July is the best time to go concerning weather. During that period of time it’s good to make reservations, something we can do in advance for maximum comfort and experience. We are also happy to organise transport from the airport in Helsinki and advice you in every way to make your holiday as smooth as possible.
A chance to explore the Finnish Archipelago, one of the largest island networks in the world and still largely off the radar for non-Nordic sailors. It’s quiet, wild cruising among thousands of skerries and islands that most international yachts never reach.
A beautiful, secluded anchorage. Picture by Henry Schneider
A 50 miles sail to the coastal summer town of Hanko, a place where sailors hang out in the summer. Hanko offers lot’s of things to see and a fantastic line up of sea-side restaurants. It’s also a gate to the Archipelago Sea and after this stop there is plenty of options.
A 35 miles sail to the wonderful island of Högsåra which is almost a must. This island paradise offers fantastic local cuisine that has been a big hit for most of people sailing with us. For comfort and convenience mooring needs to be reserved in advance.
Next stop could be Kökar or Sottunga. These islands are located at the Åland Islands that are an autonomous part of Finland with their own flag. Kökar has remains of an old Dominican monastery that reveal its long historical past all the way to the Middle Ages.
Next day could be a visit to Nauvo, a larger island in the inner archipelago also with lot’s to offer. Maybe have a dinner at restaurant L’Escale? Nauvo is a 3 – 4 hours sail away from Turku. This stop-over could also be changed into a anchorage and a cosy evening on the boat.
A sail to the coastal city of Turku. It’s a reasonable sized city with lot’s to offer. The marina park up is along the river in the immediate closeness to the city center.
Southern Ocean Company and Swan 51 “Eira" Southern Ocean Company was founded in the first years of the new century but basically restarted in 2009 when shares got redivided among a new set of owners. The mission was to purchase a yacht capable of doing long transatlantic voyages, housing large crews and put it out “on the trade". After considering a number of options the decision fell in favour of a proven design, the Swan 51, and the optimal version, the alternative one layout with its additional crew space. The search started immediately. After viewing several potential boats one stuck out, the hull 009 for sale in Sweden. She had previously done several seasons in the Caribbean and was already equipped for long hauls. Her general condition was also good, or as the surveyor from Nautor loosely put it – “she’s pretty much the same boat that rolled out of the factory in 1981”.
Seb and his Swan 51, Eira, have been part of the charter racing scene since 2009. On board you’ll find the right balance of competitive racing and a friendly, welcoming crew. Between regattas, Eira runs some excellent sailing itineraries as she moves between race venues.
Beginner
No sailing experience required. Perfect for newcomers.
Intermediate
Some sailing experience helpful. Comfortable on the water.
Advanced
Significant sailing experience required. Challenging conditions.
Active Crew Member
Full participation in all sailing activities.
Optional Involvement
Participate as much or as little as you like.
Passenger
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
No
All meals and cleaning are taken care of
12
This is a relaxed sailing trip with stop-overs in scenic places, a laid back holiday cruise around one of the most beautiful places in Northern Europe. Expect long white nights, swimming, trying some local produce in cosy eateries along the way.
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All our trips are led by qualified skippers and sailing instructors
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Perfect for solo sailors looking to join a crew or groups wanting to charter
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Prices shown in USD are approximate conversions, using today's conversion rate. This trip is priced by the operator in GBP and payment will be taken in GBP.