Record-breaking HSS 130th anniversary – The festivities honored the seniors of the club and historically significant classes

HSS celebrated its 130th anniversary with a record-breaking Champagne Regatta from August 18th to 20th. On Saturday, a grand party took place with celebrating sailors filling up the HSS restaurant and Western Boatshed. A large number of clubs from Finland and Sweden were present and HSS received congratulations from NJK, KSSS, Airisto, and many other yacht clubs. During the evening, the HSS senior committee received special honors. In his speech, honorary member Rolf Kokkola described how he joined in 1952. Commodore Mikael Stelander addressed the historically important classes of HSS – the 22 square metre Skerry Cruisers, the Hai-5.5, and H-boat classes, as well as all who have sailed them up to the present day. The evening concluded with fireworks and dancing.

HSS 130 Years Champagne Regatta – Baltic Classic Masters took place off Liuskasaari with 91 registered boats across nine classes, with the 5 metre class setting a historic record with 18 registered boats. New for this year were the modern classics featuring H-, S&S, and Swan boats, which sailed on an archipelago course alongside thirty boats. The major race was organized by race director Jussi Seppälä and 25 enthusiastic organizers. Also new for this year was the floating exhibition for classic boats.

In total, more than 150 HSS members participated in the races and festivities, and more than 400 guests attended the event. Apart from the race organizers, around 40 people contributed to the arrangements alongside the HSS Classic Committee. This should qualify as the largest volunteer effort since the HSS 100th-anniversary in 1993.

HSS’s 130th anniversary was organized in collaboration with principal partner Gonet Sulcova Champagne and Tolt Traders Oy. Other partners included Marketing Marina Oy, Art Goes Kapakka, Nokian Panimo Oy, and Arctic Blue Beverages Oy. The fireworks were provided by Kristian Björk from Sceneve Oy and Tommi Pyykkö from Fair Factory Oy.anizers, and partners!

A warm thank you to all participants, organizers, and partners!