Overview
Merenkävijät, founded in 1922, is a Finnish-speaking yacht club based on the island of Särkkä off Helsinki, next to Suomenlinna. The island holds the club harbour, boatyard, mast cranes, saunas and the Särkänlinna restaurant, and a club ferry runs from Kaivopuisto from April to October. Members race 505, Lightning, Albin Express, X-99, Vikla and 606 among others, and the club co-organises the Helsinki Regatta through the capital clubs’ HSRM partnership. It also runs junior and adult sailing courses.
- Founded
- 1922
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere MRCC Turku – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Helsinki Regattathe Helsinki clubs’ joint regatta (HSRM); Merenkävijät is a co-organiser
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1922Merenkävijät is founded on 17 October as a new Finnish-speaking sailing club; on 9 November the government grants the club Särkkä for 50 years
- 1923The club flag is hoisted for the first time on 9 June
- 1924The Särkkä boatyard starts as a limited company
- 1925The first pier of the Särkkä harbour is built
- 1952Merenkävijät organises the Helsinki Olympic sailing regatta together with NJK and HSS
- 2022The club celebrates its centenary and publishes its history
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 60°9.03′ N 24°57.99′ E
60.15044, 24.96649
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Adult sailing courses and coaching and Junior sailing.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: MRCC Turku +358 294 1000. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Merenkävijät Yacht Club founded?
In 1922.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Helsinki Regatta.