Finland’s 2025 handicap sailing season set sail in style as the traditional Offshore Sailors’ Evening took place on Thursday, February 13, at the Vene 25 Båt in Helsinki. The evening brought together Finland’s offshore racing community to discuss the season ahead, with a special focus on major international events.
ORC Measurer Karl-Hannes Tagu from Estonia welcomed Finnish competitive sailors to the ORC World Championship in Tallinn, set for August 2025, and shared expert insights from top-performing teams on how to succeed at the highest level of competition. He also introduced the renovated Kalev Yacht Club marina in Pirita, which will provide world-class facilities for the championship, promising an exceptional racing experience for all teams.
Reflecting on Finland’s strong history in ORC events, Karl-Hannes acknowledged the impressive participation of Finnish crews in previous major regattas in Estonia—14 Finnish teams competed at the ORC Europeans in Pärnu 2014, while 23 Finnish teams raced at the ORC Worlds in Tallinn 2021.
Noora Westerlund, Chairman of the Finnish Offshore Racing Association, presented an update on the upcoming ORC Double-Handed European Championship in Helsinki. She also expressed gratitude to Garmin, which continues its partnership with Finnish offshore sailing. After first supporting the class at the Åland ORC European Championship 2024, Garmin has now extended its commitment as the title partner of the Garmin Ranking and will also support the ORC DH Europeans in 2025.
With a packed season ahead, Finnish offshore sailors have plenty to look forward to—on home waters and beyond! We are happy to welcome them at the ORC Worlds in August and preceding regattas!
Photos - Jouni Koivuneva and Perttu Monthan
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