As the Swan European Regatta 2021 approaches we thought it would be nice to recap the previous edition of the Turku sailing event and let you know what you can expect from this year’s edition. The Swan European Regatta will place take this year from the 21st to 25th of July. The event which was initially scheduled to take place last year, will be finally going ahead this year. Among the confirmed entries is Tapio Lehtinen’s Swan 55 Galiana, with the rest of the fleet (over 40 entries!) hailing from Finland, Sweden and Germany.

The summer city of Turku which has previously hosted the event three times will once again play host to this prestigious event. The regatta is organised by Nautor’s Swan in collaboration with Turku Yacht Club (Turun Pursiseura) as well as the City of Turku. Racing will take in the form of archipelago racing which means enjoying the pristine beauty of the Airisto racing area. Docking for all boats will again be in the heart of the city, along the river Aura.

Racing

The racing course will be located in the Sea of Archipelago – Airisto. The racing will consist of four races – one race per day with each race estimated to take 3-6 hours. The laidback nature of the racing lets sailors enjoy their surroundings on the beautiful waters of Airisto.

Mikko Hongell, who participated in the 2016 edition of the race, while celebrating a friends bachelor party said of the regatta, “First you have some not-too-serious sail racing in the most beautiful archipelago with the most beautiful boats. Then after the racing, you glide to the beautiful Turku river for great layback social events with the other crews and visitors.”.

For people hailing from afar, charts of the area can be found here (Finnish Coastal Chart 26, Korppoo-Turku or Sea Chart Series D, Sea of Archipelago)

The handicap system Time on Time (TOT) scoring will be used. You can find further information on the racing, such as the Notice of Race here.

Social

The mooring will once again be in the guest harbour, which is situated in the heart of Turku along the River Aura. This mooring is ideal for people looking to experience the summer city of Turku as its best. Situated right next to the guest harbour is the trendy restaurant NOOA as well as the Turku landmark Föri (which is the oldest vehicle still in daily operation in Finland). Also, a stone throw away is Forum Marinum, a maritime museum which has a plethora of interesting boats and crafts from yesteryear.

Unfortunately, the well known social events, such as the Owner’s dinner (previously held at Turku Castle) and Crew Party, which have been major highlights in previous editions of the event, will not be taking place this year due to the pandemic. However, the City of Turku will be hosting small events that will run alongside the Swan European Regatta – a stage has been promised.

The Opening Ceremony as well as the Prize giving will take place onboard the full-rigger Suomen Joutsen, so bring something a little more formal than shorts and t-shirt!

As the event is organised by Nautor’s Swan, it means that the regatta is a Swans-only affair. If you don’t own a Swan or don’t know anyone who does – fear not! You can always rent one for you and your friends! Buying and upkeeping a large yacht is a lot so here’s easily accessible options.

For more information on chartering a Swan head over to S/y Belmont Racing!