EYEBROW


A cool country for boating G


iven the vast number of inlets, islands and lakes in Finland, it should come as no surprise that although


the country is the most sparsely pop- ulated in the European Union, there are over 260 facilities to moor boats. Large, full service marinas such as Itämeren Portti (see pages 24-25) are the exception, with the majority being small harbours owned by municipali- ties, yacht clubs and even hotels. Finland is cool country for boating, which remains a popular pastime that is remarkably free of bureaucratic interference. This is due in part to the Finnish Waters Act, which states that anyone can travel by boat in open areas of water and moor temporarily as long as they do not disturb anyone needlessly. Those in charge of a boat must also comply with the rules of good seamanship by showing respect for wildlife, nature and the environ- ment, paying attention to others on the water, taking responsibility for safety, providing help to those who need it and by following the rules of boating. Training courses and services are organised by local yacht clubs for those interested in taking part. The Finnish Marine Industries Fed-


eration (Finnboat), which represents the marine leisure industry, including suppliers of equipment and services to marinas, aims to bring boating enterprises together under the same roof, to promote business develop- ment and healthy competition, and to advance boating activities and the safety aspects of sailing in Finland.


Boat shows Finnboat commissions the Finnish Fair Corporation to organise the Helsinki International Boat Show in February each year and the Federation also organises the Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show, which takes place in August. The Managing Director of Finnboat is Jarkko Pajusalo assisted by Adminis- trative Manager, Lena Mickelsson-Ou- ru and a project assistant. Finnboat’s office is located in a central location of Helsinki. The Helsinki International Boat


Show is by far Finland’s most comprehensive and most important


The Winter in Finland makes for hardy mariners.


FINLAND19


One of the delights of sailing in the Finnish archipelago is being able to moor at facilities attached to small islands such as this example on the South-West coast.


preview of what’s on offer for the coming boating season. Vene Båt, as the event is known, fills all availa- ble halls in the Helsinki Fair Centre, which typically displays close to 600 boats in six halls. Each year, the boat show attracts about 80,000 visitors, making it the largest exhibition organised at the Helsinki Fair Centre. Marine engines and related equip- ment, accessories and components are also displayed. The show includes a number of peripheral events and seminars.


During its 39-year existence, the


Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show has attracted a faithful circle of advocates


and, since moving to the HSK Yacht Club marina 19 years ago, the number of visitors has increased almost every year. In 2016, a total of 259 boats and approximately 2,000 sq m of exhibition stands were seen by 10,591 enthusiasts. Finnboat members qualify for a 25% discount on rental space. This year, it will take place from 17-20 August.


Exports The development of export activ- ities is the most important task of Finnboat and the Finnish Boating Industry Association – around 75% of Finland’s boat production is exported.


It has become standard practice for manufacturers to jointly exhibit at international boat shows. In addition to participation at


exhibitions, common publications are produced, joint advertising takes place and enterprise-specific assistance is provided for the preparation of export-oriented internet websites. Companies also participate in


market research trips to various target countries.


Environmental protection Established in 1969, the Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association (Pidä Saaristo Siistinä) is a Finnish envi- ronmental organisation for boaters and all those travelling in and around Finnish waterways. The Association serves the archipelago and coastal re- gions, as well as the network of lakes in the Finnish Lakeland region. Its task is to keep Finland’s coast-


lines and archipelago clean, and to support opportunities for recreational boating and the enjoyment of all the waterways in and around Finland. The activities of the Association are diverse and concrete, from envi- ronmental maintenance tasks and educational work to national and international projects.


MARCH 2017 • MARINA EURO-REPORT


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