8mR World Cup, Turku 2025

The sailing association Airisto Segellsällskap i Åbo has been selected to organize the 8mR World Championship in August 2025, coinciding with the association's 160th jubilee.  We do not only invite these beautiful boats and crews from all around the world to Turku for this spectacular event; we also welcome the public to follow the event on shore and the water in the scenic archipelago of Southern Finland. ‍

Since 1921 8mR yachts have been part of Finland's sailing culture and we’re still going strong!  Finland has the most 8mRs’ per capita in the world and we currently have an active racing fleet of nine. There’s a fully packed ragetta season in Finland and you’re more than welcome to join the local races both before and after the regatta. ‍

The perfect regatta city

Turku offers great travel connections, culinary experiences, architecture, history. From a sailing perspective Turku has a lot to offer:

• The waters of Airisto offer a sheltered racing area
• Ruissalon Telakka is a historic shipyard newly renovated with all facilities we can dream of.
• Local craftsmen available for boat and sail repairs
• Just 4 NM from the marina to the race course
• No tidal waters or significant streams
• Tactically demanding wind conditions
• Winds in August are statistically light to moderate

Ruissalon Telakka, the venue.

‍The historic boatyard (1899-1954) has built over 5,000 boats, including 8mR yachts. Today the boatyard functions as a marina combined with an event centre with multiple restaurants, cafés and even a theater. The boatyard, its staff and partners are used to catering to unique wooden yachts as well as creating memorable experiences for visitors and guests.

Accomodations in Turku

‍Right next to the race harbour, on the shores of an oak forest, once the hunting grounds for the court of Turku Castle, you’ll find 19th century villas for rent during the regatta. We’ve also negotiated preferential room rates in hotels located in the city centre right next to the river Aura from where you can grab a water bus taking you straight to the race harbour in just 10 minutes.

Shipping your 8mR

‍Turku offers great shipping connections with two international cargo ports near the race harbour. When shipping your 8mR to Turku, you’ll be able to launch her in the cargo port; no need for road transport

Mann Lines:

• Harwich (GBR) - Turku (FIN)
• Rotterdam (NLD) - Turku (FIN)
• Cuxhaven (GER) - Turku (FIN)
  

Finnlines:

• Kapellskär (SWE) - Naantali (FIN)
• Travemünde (GER) - Turku (FIN)
• Travemünde (GER) - Helsinki (FIN)
• Hull (GBR) - Helsinki (FIN)
• Rostock (GER) - Turku (FIN)
• Rostock (GER) - Turku (FIN) (this is a potential connection for those taking part in the Hanko Regatta 4-6.7)

On the Water

‍The local yacht clubs have a long tradition of cooperation as well as organizing international regattas. FEMA has hosted five successful 8mR World Championships in years gone by. We’re standing by with a dedicated group of volunteers, experienced race officials, suitable vessels for committees and marklaying as well as spectators and media - some with as much history as the yachts racing at Airisto.

In the heart of Turku

‍The World Championship will be advertised to, and followed by, local residents and tourists. We’re not only creating a regatta for a select few, we’re shaping a spectator event for everyone. We’re sharing our love and passion for the sport as well as its rich heritage and culture by creating a spectator area, event centre and keynote hall in the heart of the city on the shore of the river Aura. Here you’ll be able to learn more about the 8mR as well as the Baltic Sea region and Turku's rich heritage of sailing - grab a spectator boat out to the track or a water bus taking you to the race harbour.

Race Schedule

24-27.7 - Airisto Classic Regatta - Official warm up race
2.8 Tune up / Free Sail, Registration + Measurement
3.8 Briefing and Practice races
4.8 Racing (2 starts)
5.8 Racing (2 starts)
6.8 Racing (2 starts)
7.8 Lay day
8.8 Racing (2 starts)
9.8 Racing (1 start)

Do you need additional crew? 

We have approx. 10 experienced sailors wanting to take part in the World Cup. If you have lack o crew members, ask us!

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Contact Details

Johan Öller, Event coordinator & Partnerships, 8vm@airistosegelsallskap.fi
Oliwer Bäcklund, Head of Communications, oliwer@obacklund.com