Nordic Expedition Sailing Society (NESS): Exploring the Finnish summer by sea
By Molly McPharlin | Photos: Nordic Expedition Sailing Society.
The classic schooner Anny Von Hamburg was built in 1914.
A highlight of summer in Finland is sailing its coast and the north Baltic Sea, exploring the archipelago’s islands and coves. Sailing is a way of life during the long Nordic summer days. With the Nordic Expedition Sailing Society (NESS), visitors can experience life at sea aboard the Anny Von Hamburg, a classic schooner built in 1914 and lovingly restored.
Constructed in Germany where she survived both world wars, the Anny Von Hamburg has a colourful history, flying under various flags and owners before coming into the hands of Jan Rautawaara and Juha Pokka in 2022. Between them, the two Finnish sailors have years of experience sailing the waters of various locations including the Arctic, the Pacific Islands, and the Horn of Africa. With a plan of restoring the schooner and offering environmentally friendly charters on the Baltic Sea, they brought Anny to Finland. In the summer of 2024, she made her maiden voyage as a charter vessel with NESS.
The interior of Anny is reminiscent of that of a luxury yacht from the golden sailing era of the late 19th century. “There are five guest cabins with queen-sized beds and a comfortable lounge area,” says Rautawaara, who with Pokka, acts as captain of the Anny. “One of the cabins even offers a private bathtub.” Moreover, the main dining room has a generous dining space for 14 people as well as a fireplace and library, and the ship is fully heated for winter excursions.
NESS organises both day excursions and longer trips abord Anny. “We can take up to 30 guests out for a day or up to ten for weekend trips along the Finnish coast,” says Rautawaara. “We also arrange longer 7-to-10-day voyages on special request.”
Journeys take in the local sights, nature and islands located around the archipelago, also during winter, where expeditions sail through ice and snow, offering an authentic Nordic adventure.
During charters, NESS can arrange different activities, such as wreck diving, fishing, sightseeing tours, sauna visits, and exclusive dinners. In winter, you can even go horse riding on the ice. “The most pleasant sailing area stretches from the southern coast of Finland to the Åland Islands and over to Stockholm,” says Rautawaara. “Visitors can help sail the boat or just enjoy the perfect summer day at sea with a refreshing drink.”
www.classic-charters.com/classic-yacht/anny-von-hamburg
Facebook: s/y Anny Von Hamburg
SHARE
Requests to commercially license our content for republishing are now being processed through PLSclear. Please visit www.plsclear.com to complete your permission request. You can search PLSclear by title, ISBN/ISSN, author, or keyword.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Receive our monthly newsletter by email
