Sailors wanted for the HSS Hai boat for 2025
In June 2023, HSS received a donation of a beautiful shark boat called Zoé. For next season, we are looking for new enthusiastic sailors to join the crew of 10 people responsible for the maintenance and operation of the boat. The core squad, should be committed, interested in wooden boats and maybe thinking of buying one of their own, will take care of Zoé and enjoy her sea adventures by sailing her diligently.
Zoé is first and foremost an excursion boat. It is equipped with a fixed electric motor, making it easy to leave the harbour, go ashore and navigate in narrow waters. The boat is equipped with mattresses and a tent cover around the cockpit, making it easy and comfortable to sleep on board. The boat can also be used in races, but the fixed propeller and other features mean that the boat cannot challenge the rest of the fleet, and Zoé’s place will be at the back of the fleet.
By being part of the Zoé crew, you will learn how to maintain a wooden boat. Maintaining a wooden boat takes a bit of work, but it’s not rocket science. Zoé is in excellent condition and needs no major repairs. Good maintenance can also prevent major repairs in the future. The group will learn different skills and tools for maintaining wooden boats. Heikki Häyhä, member of the Classics Committee, will be in charge of the training. Heikki is a teacher by profession and has an excellent knowledge of wooden boats.
The sailing season starts in mid-May and lasts until mid-September, so there are about 120 sailing days in total. The group decides among themselves on the rules of the game for the use of the boat and how the boat will be reserved for use by the members of the group. Representatives of the Classics Committee participate in the discussions and take note of the agreed rules.
Being part of Zoé will give you a good foundation for buying your own boat. You will learn about the boat and the critical issues that you should consider when considering buying your own boat and look at what is on offer.
The crew pays a fee for the use of the boat. The total seasonal fee is €600. The fee includes the following:
- 120 sailing days shared between the group on an electric Hai boat
- Mooring of a summer boat
- Boat insurance
- Winter storage
- Tools for maintenance on behalf of the club
- Ongoing counselling available
- Possibility to participate in classic events by boat
- Presentation of the boat and the history of the club
- Access to the Classical Community
HSS is looking for people who can already sail to join Zoé. You don’t need to be a master sailor, but you should have the basics. The group is not suitable for beginners. We hope that applicants have a particular interest in wooden boats, their history and maintenance. The club hopes that the boat will be sailed as much as possible during the coming summer and therefore we are looking for active people who want to collect miles on the boat.
The application deadline is 15 December 2024-31 January 2025 and you should be prepared to consider the following: your background in sailing, whether you have any training (e.g. skipper’s course, boatmaster’s course or VHF licence), how you want to spend your time sailing, what your expectations and wishes are and whether you are applying alone or with others.
You can be part of Zoé for one or more seasons. Several of the 2024 team will continue next year, so there will also be some more experienced Zoé sailors who will be happy to share the lessons and tips they have learnt over the year.
The Zoé team must be committed to maintaining and sailing the boat. No certificates or qualifications are required, but you will be asked to share your sailing experience when you apply. Group members will hold two boat show days for other club members during the 2025 season, one in spring and one in autumn. The group will also write about their experiences in the club newsletter. The Zoé group is for HSS members only. You can apply for membership of the association using this form(https://helsinkisailing.com/jasenhakemus/).
The aim of the Zoé project is to pass on knowledge about wooden boats to new generations, thus securing the future of wooden boats and ensuring that beautiful wooden boats will still be sailing many years from now.
More information will be provided in future newsletters. So stay tuned!
