Squadron Sail to Kasnäs, Korpoström and Mariehamn

This year’s club Squadron Sail brought together a record 22 boats and 58 participants. The cruise took the fleet through the beautiful Finnish Archipelago, from Kasnäs to Korpoström and on to Mariehamn, offering participants memorable sailing experiences as well as enjoyable evenings spent together ashore.

The Squadron Sail began on 15 July in Kasnäs, following an opening leg of approximately 80 nautical miles. The official opening ceremony took place that evening, with welcoming remarks by Valdo Kalm, a member of the club’s Board. New club members Aleksi, Janek, and Margus were presented with their membership cards. Anneli Taal and Valdo Kalm then hoisted the club flag, after which a group photo was taken with all members who had gathered in Kasnäs, marking the official start of the cruise.

Dinner at the Kasnäs Harbour restaurant provided a warm and convivial setting for the first evening together. Long-time club member Egon Mats shared memories of the club’s very first Squadron Sail, which followed a route from Narva through the Saimaa Canal to Savonlinna and lasted a total of two weeks. His recollections highlighted the long-standing tradition of the Squadron Sail and how, over the years, it has become one of the club’s most valued annual events.

The following day, the fleet sailed to Korpoström, where everyone spent another enjoyable evening together. The club flag was once again hoisted in the harbour flagpole, while during the day a group of members, led by Riho Sepp, explored the island by bicycle, taking in the local scenery and the unique atmosphere of the archipelago.

On 17 July, the fleet faced the longest passage of the cruise – nearly 60 nautical miles to Mariehamn. Upon arrival, the club flag was ceremonially hoisted together with Steve Elimä, Harbour Master of Mariehamn Eastern Harbour, on the harbour’s flag mast. The day concluded with a festive dinner at Paviljongen, the restaurant of Åländska Segelsällskapet (ÅSS), where participants shared stories from the voyage so far and enjoyed another memorable evening in good company.

The following evening, participants gathered once again for a shared dinner, this time at Club Marin in Mariehamn’s Eastern Harbour. The evening was filled with lively conversations about the voyage, summer sailing adventures, and the club’s activities.

On Sunday, the Squadron Sail officially came to an end, and the fleet set off in different directions. Some boats continued westward towards Sweden, while others began their return journey to Estonia along the Finnish coast.

The 25th Squadron Sail was a great success in every respect. Favourable weather, beautiful harbours, enjoyable dinners, and excellent company created a memorable atmosphere throughout the voyage. Once again, the event demonstrated that the Squadron Sail is one of the club’s most cherished traditions, offering members a wonderful opportunity to enjoy sailing together while strengthening the friendships that make our club community so special.