Common sails are usually organized weekly during the sailing season. All common sailings are free for members and are very similar to introductory sails, but for TRIP members only. Common sails are usually a few hours long evening trips, and occasionally there will be some longer excursions. The easiest way to get sailing is by participating in talkoot/bees, collecting your own bee-hours and teaming up with a skipper, i.e. with your own boat reservations.
You can join the upcoming common sails by replying to the invitation sent on the members mailing list as quickly as possible. Participants are always selected in order of registration. If the common sail is headed to a competition or hosting another type of training, preliminary knowledge requirements can be set for common sails, but usually no preliminary sailing skills are required. In competition settings, these are usually being able to jibe and tack, i.e. skills equivalent to a sailing course. Educational sailings include, for example, preparation for the club’s skipper exam.
The boats’ home harbour is in Ruoholahti, which has good public transport connections. The skipper will notify you of different departure or return locations. Evening sails take you around the archipelago off Helsinki. Suomenlinna and Pihlajasaari are good nearby destinations. On overnight trips, you can go to different islands for a sauna and go to work the next afternoon. With a weekend sailing, you can go all the way to Tallinn and back, depending on the wind. You can ask the skipper about the route and suggest places of interest.
I’m a first timer, what do I need to know?
All of TRIP’s sails are accompanied by a skilled skipper and a first mate of their choice. Possible preliminary skill requirements are mentioned in the common sail invitation email. You are mainly expected to have a positive attitude towards learning new things. You can also check out the videos at the end of the page. You can try new things on the trip and the skipper will give advice if necessary.
What do I bring with me on a sail?
For sailing, it’s a good idea to bring light-soled shoes that hold up on the wet deck and don’t get the deck dirty. Indoor sports shoes work well. Slippery rubber boots should be left at home. You also need gloves for handling the rope and lots of warm clothes. Long underwear, sweater, beanie and warm gloves are necessary equipment even in the summer. Layering works best with a waterproof and windproof shell on top, a warm fleece or sweater in the middle and a thin moisture-wicking layer underneath. As gloves, you should choose warm winter gloves that can fit over the rope pulling gloves and possibly keep out water and wind. The temperature at sea is immediately a lot colder than on land just because of the wind. A raincoat and rain pants may also be necessary, an umbrella is useless at sea. The weather changes quickly at sea, and with strong winds, even on a day without rain, the boat can be wet. It’s easier to wear too much than too little. Most of the time, everything you have brought with you will be worn at some point during the sail. Missing equipment can always be borrowed from the skipper. However, if the cold surprises you during the trip, mention it to the skipper. You can usually find a warm layer to borrow from someone.
Equipment on board includes life vests and safety harnesses for the entire crew. Vests are kept on at all times while sailing and are also necessary when mooring. Most commonly someone slipping into the water happens right in the marina. If you wish, you can use your own life vest, in which case you are responsible for its functionality. The boats also have an indoor toilet, first aid supplies, a stove, a refrigerator and hot drinks. There is also a heater for drying equipment and for colder weather.
In addition, according to the skipper’s instructions, you should prepare with some snacks and, if necessary, a sleeping bag for the night. You can find mattresses on the boats. Cooling off from the back of the boat with a dip is also possible on the water if wind conditions are right. Those who enjoy swimming and saunas should bring a towel and a swimsuit.
- Indoor sports shoes/sneakers, sailing shoes or -boots (with light coloured sole)
- Cycling- or sailing gloves or mittens
- Warm globes and a beanie
- Sunglasses, SPF lotion and a sun protection hat
- Weather (rain and wind) proof outer layer
- Warm mid-layer and moisture resistant underlayer (for example merino wool)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle and snacks
In addition for longer sails
- Sleeping bag
- Towel and swimsuit
- Mosquito spray
- Toothbrush, -paste, deodorant, etc.
- Agree on the organization of food and drinks
- Inform the skipper of serious allergies or health concerns (diabetes, epilepsy, asthma)
- Medicine for heartburn, diarrhea and headache
- Passport in case you are heading to Tallinn or Turku
Some sailing tips on a video
Weather
The best weather forecast is available for free from the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Weather observations as Harmaja light house best describe the situation at sea in the Helsinki area. Also check the sea weather and water level. You can view forecasts for up to 10 and 15 days from Foreca. The validity of the five-day forecast is moderate. Sometimes the weather is unstable and the forecast for the same day is also bad and can change quickly.