In the early 1980s, the young Suomenlinna Yacht Club decided to organize a sailing competition in the historic seas surrounding the island fortress of Suomenlinna. The idea of a regatta open only for wooden boats was born. At that time, Finland’s once-magnificent classic yacht fleet was slowly decaying in shipyards and backyards. It can be said with good will that Viaporin Tuoppi is one significant inspiration for the revival of Classic Yacht culture in Finland.
Viaporin Tuoppi quickly grew into the largest wooden boat regatta in the Nordic countries. 54 boats participated already in the very first regatta, and today the number of participants has stabilized at around 150 boat crews from several countries. From the beginning, the regatta has been organized by volunteers. Many thanks to everyone who has been involved over the years – and the years to come too.
Many boats arrive at Suomenlinna, already the evening before. In the morning of the regatta day, the atmosphere is buzzing when the motorless yachts leave the harbor in large groups. The harbor lies between four islands, and tacking along the narrow exit channels requires real skill.
Suomenlinna a Unesco World Heritage Site is a historic sea fortress founded in 1748 off Helsinki. The name Viapori is a popular Finnish version of the name Suomenlinna – or actually Sveaborg the original name. The true heart of the fortress was a dry dock, where the famous warships of the Swedish navy were built under the leadership of Fredrik Henrik af Chapman. Our home port is located next door. The name Viaporin Tuoppi (tuoppi means a beer stein) honors Suomenlinna’s long history of brewing beer – and drinking it too!
Around 15 classes race at Viaporin Tuoppi every year. All Nordic classic classes are involved with their own starts. In addition, non-class boats will start in a staggered start based on their handicaps. The rating system, created specilally for this competition, is based on the Nordic LYS rating. This PUU-LYS – as we call it (puu means wood) – causes a stir every year. The winners are happy and the losers are annoyed, but this is the only way to put these very different boats in the correct starting order.
The sailing course is an archipelago course of approximately 12 nautical miles. In addition, larger boats will sail an additional loop of approximately 5 nautical miles. You can follow the competition from the shores of Suomenlinna and mainland Helsinki. And of course, by your own boat.
Almost every year, we have been lucky to have a great weather. The wind 8–16 knots from south–west, the sun is shining and in August we are still enjoying the summer. Although storm races in freezing conditions have also been experienced. Everyone race at their own risk, but the organizers hope that safety will always be the priority one, especially since many boats are already over 100 years old beauties. There are about a dozen safety boats on the course to ensure that the race runs smoothly.
Although Viaporin Tuoppi is open only to the sailing yachts constructed from wood, all types of sailboats (but only wooden) and sailors are welcome. There are families, groups of friends and those just enjoying a summer day, as well as rank competitors, professional sailors and world champions in their classes. The atmosphere at Viaporin Tuoppi is truly unique!
For many the evening party with dancing and sauna bathing has been even more important event than the race itself. Every year, large crowds gather at our home port in Suomenlinna. During the day, you race, and in the evening, you can go through the race again and again and again – in the very best company. Come rain or storm – or most likely fantastic summer weather the party continues until the very early hours. The port with its festive flag-draped masts has always been a truly magnificent sight.
The concept of Viaporin Tuoppi is unique. In addition to the fact that over a hundred well-maintained classic beauties race against each other, Viaporin Tuoppi is a very low-threshold regatta where many generations and different groups of friends sail together. Some have come to win and some – just to enjoy the fun atmosphere – and maybe to win themselves. Viaporin Tuoppi brings together people who love wooden boats, traditions and the Baltic Sea This year on the August 15th already for the 42nd time!
