Turku to Host Prestigious 8mR Sailing World Cup in August 2025

Turku, Finland – The historic city of Turku is set to welcome the 8 Metre Class World Cup from August 2nd to 9th, 2025. This esteemed event, coinciding with the 160th anniversary of hosting Yacht Club Airisto Segelsällskap i Åbo (ASS), marks the first time Turku will host the World Cup for keelboats.

“The World Championship regatta reinforces Turku’s status as Finland’s maritime hub and a premier host city for international sailing events. It also offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase Turku and the world’s most beautiful archipelago to a global audience”, says the Mayor of Turku, Minna Arve

The 8mR yachts, renowned for their Olympic heritage and timeless design, have been a significant part of Finland's sailing culture since the early 20th century. These classic wooden vessels, often over 15 meters in length and with a sail area well over 100 sqm, are celebrated for their beauty and the competitive spirit they inspire. Despite their vintage allure, they are raced to the limits, showcasing both the sailors' prowess and the boats' enduring performance.

Currently, 24 boats from 8 nations have registered for the Cup, with expectations of more entries as the event approaches. The regatta will be centred at the historic Ruissalo Shipyard, a venue that seamlessly blends maritime heritage with modern amenities. The shipyard, operational from 1899 to 1954, has a storied history of building over 5,000 boats, including 8mR yachts. Today, it functions as a marina and event centre, boasting multiple restaurants, cafés, and even a theatre, making it an ideal location for participants and spectators alike.

The City of Turku, co-hosting the event, aims to make sailing more accessible, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to follow the races both at sea and on land. Initiatives include transportation services like the Föli water bus, which will ferry spectators from the Aura River to the event site, allowing them to witness the majestic yachts returning to the harbour after each race day. For avid sailing enthusiasts, efforts are underway to arrange spectator boats on Airisto waters, ensuring an immersive experience.

The Cup is proudly supported by main sponsors Saxdor Yachts and Nordea Private Banking. Saxdor Yachts, a Finnish brand known for its innovative and high-performance motor yachts, is deeply invested in the classic sailing community. In addition to supporting the World Cup, Saxdor is also the title sponsor of the Finnish 8mR ranking series, which includes key regattas leading up to and following the event in Turku. This commitment underscores Saxdor’s dedication to both modern powerboats and classic yachting, bridging the gap between innovation and tradition.

“The 8mR World Cup is a showcase of classic yachting, and as a Finnish brand shaping the future of modern motor yachts, we’re proud to support and be part of an event that brings together a global community of boaters,” says Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor. “Sailing and motorboating may be different, but they are both driven by the same passion for the water, and this event honours the tradition and innovation that have moved boating forward. It will be a fantastic competition for everyone involved.”

Teamwork, expertise, risk management, and a competitive spirit are all attributes ever-present in both the world of elite sailing and top-tier wealth management.The 8mR World Cup perfectly reflects the values of Nordea Private Banking: precision, performance, and long-term dedication.

“In both the investment world and competitive sailing, you need to understand the surrounding conditions and respond quickly to changes. Success in both arenas also requires seamless cooperation within your team. At Nordea Private Banking, like the 8mR yachts, we share a history and tradition of over a hundred years at the top of our field. Every Eight Metre yacht is unique, and likewise, our services are tailored to each individual,” says Rizvan Samaletdin, Head of Nordea Private Banking.

Škoda, one of Europe’s leading car brands, is supporting the 8mR World Cup by contributing to the efficiency and sustainability of the logistics during the sailing week. Škoda’s reliability, innovative technology, and electric mobility services make it a natural partner for the classic sailing value system. During the event, Škoda will provide low-emission electric models for transportation for both competitors and organisers, and visitors will have the chance to explore the brand’s latest vehicles at the event site.

“Last summer, we made our debut in the sailing world as the main partner of the Europe Class World Championships in Hanko, so the 8mR World Cup is a great continuation of that. Celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, Škoda is committed to sustainability throughout its value chain. Values associated with sailing—such as emission-free and silent travel and respect for the environment—are also our own goals. We are delighted to bring our new all-electric SUVs, including the Enyaq and Elroq, to Turku, and we warmly welcome everyone to this unique event,” says Maija Koskela, CEO of Helkama-Auto Oy, the importer of Škoda in Finland.

As Turku prepares to host this landmark event, the collaboration between ASS, the City of Turku, and esteemed sponsors ensures a celebration of sailing heritage, community engagement, and the timeless allure of the 8mR class.

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Media Contact:

Oliwer Bäcklund
Head of Communications
+358 (0)40 053 2469
oliwer@obacklund.com

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