Classic Yacht Symposium 28th March 2026 – Helsinki Music Hall
About the Classic Yacht Symposium – FAQ
1. What is the mission for the Classic Yacht Symposium?
“Our mission is to strengthen the bonds among classic yacht sailors and to foster a deeper appreciation of the history, present, and future of classic yachting. The symposium also pays tribute to the designers, builders, owners, and sailors whose contributions have shaped the enduring legacy of classic yachts.”
Esko Kilpi (1952-2020)
2. Who are the organisers?
The organisation committee is headed by Kim Weckström, owner of the classic Int. 8-Metre Vågspel. On the central committee he is joined by Rudy Jurg, William Collier and co-chairs Samppa Vilkuna and John Lammerts van Bueren. In turn they are joined by an amazing group of over 30 volunteers from HSS and the partner yacht clubs. Helsingfors Segelsällskap in the principal organiser. Co-organisers are the Finnish Yacht Clubs NJK, Merenkävijät, SPS, SuPS, HSK, BS, ESF, HTPS, TPS, HaPu, ASS, ÅBSS and the Finnish Sailing and Boating Federation.
3. Where is the Symposium held?
The Symposium is held at Musiikkitalo, the Helsinki Music Centre. This modern, fully equipped concert and event venue is located in the heart of Helsinki. The Paavo Auditorium seats approximately 320 people and features state-of-the-art audio and visual systems. A full-time professional team manages the auditorium’s sound and lighting, as well as live streaming and recording of the event. The Symposium Dinner will take place at Hilton Kalastajatorppa, in the marquee Round Room.
4. Who is in the audience of the Symposium?
The audience ranges from youth and club sailors to the Finnish Olympic Squad, to classic boat enthusiasts of all ages, boat builders, sailmakers, naval architects, historians and more. A significant part of the audience is international, mostly from other Nordic countries and Europe. This year the furthest away attendant comes from Australia.
5. What is special with Finnish classic yacht sailors?
In Finland, classic wooden sailing boats have never gone out of fashion. While much of the world shifted to fiberglass, sailors in the Nordics kept their wooden boats alive. Yards such as Nautor and Baltic Yachts built a reputation with fiberglass yachts, but more than 90% of their production was exported.
Ask a sailor in Finland how long they’ve had their Skerry Cruiser, International 6-Metre, or 8-Metre, and it’s not uncommon to hear: “All my life—it was my father’s boat.” Ask how long their father had it, and the reply might be: “My grandfather ordered it new from Johan Anker in 1914.”
For generations, families have cared for these boats themselves—racing and cruising them, sleeping and cooking aboard. A survey I conducted a few years ago revealed that the average Nordic classic wooden boat owner had kept the same boat for 28 years.
The Finnish Archipelago offers breathtaking cruising grounds: thousands of islands provide shelter, the waters are calm, and the winds are moderate. It’s the perfect recipe for joyful days on a classic yacht with family and friends.
These waters host the world’s largest active fleet of International 5-, 6-, and 8-Metres, along with 22, 30, 40, 55, 75, 95m² classes as well as domestic one-designs, such as the Finnish Hai-class. Sailing them embodies the timeless Nordic culture—an appreciation of beauty and a love for the outdoors. Perhaps that’s why the Helsinki Classic Yacht Symposium has become a fixture in the North, an event that has sold out eleven times and counting. – John Lammerts van Bueren