After a comfortable bus ride through rolling countryside from Helsinki to Kasnäs, known as “the Cape of good winds, check in to the charming small hotel right by the base.  The next day set off on an itinerary that will take you to the Åland archipelago between Finland and Sweden. For the GPS-minded Kasnäs marina is situated at 59°55.2 N - 22°24.5 E. 

Åland itself has 6500(!) islands and skerries (a rock or rocky mound jutting up from the water).  The area is studded with small harbors, some with marinas; and if there is a sauna available, it is customary to end your sailing day with this invigorating and rejuvenating Nordic tradition. 

Finland has an interesting history, with a secretive past and a unique language.  The country was ruled for many centuries by Sweden, and in recognition of this, Swedish is still the official language of the Åland region.  Sweden ceded Finland to Russia in 1807 when it became a Grand Duchy with the Tsar-Grand Duke of Russia agreeing to rule jointly with the Finnish Diet.  Finnish independence from Russia was finally gained in 1917.  Well before that, in 1906, Finland was the first European country to grant universal suffrage to women.  Fully 98% of the population is Lutheran and the church collects a small tithing through Government collection.

Modern Finland is known for innovative design, reflective of its love for the  austere beauty of its natural environment.  The fine design and workmanship of Finnish yachts is legend.  Finland is home to the cell phone – Nokia  -  and 50% of the population uses them.

Try to make time when in Helsinki, for a visit to the National Maritime Museum by waterbus.  Also, take a ferry across the Gulf of Finland to the fascinating walled city of Tallinn, the 14^th century capitol of Estonia. 

	Contact us for more information e-mail us