Rauma Sea Race Brought Tapio Lehtinen and Galiana WithSecure to Rauma
News
Participation in the offshore race Logent Rauma Sea Race, taking place on the weekend of September 6–8, brought Tapio Lehtinen and his crew aboard Galiana WithSecure to Rauma. Lehtinen had completed his Ocean Globe Race mission in April. Among the crew members are Mauri De Meulder, a native of Rauma, and team manager Pia Grönblom, both of whom also sailed in the OGR.
Tapio and the boat arrived at the Kuuskari dock last Sunday, and the week has been spent preparing for the race, sailing with partners, and visiting his childhood surroundings.
– I have many memories connected to Rauma from my childhood. My great-uncle had a villa at the tip of Petäjäs, near the spot where a breakwater has since been built. The villa is still standing, though empty, but the only remnants of the beach sauna are its foundations. I spent part of my childhood summers there until I started competing in junior sailing, Tapio recalls.
Lehtinen last visited Rauma in the late 1990s for sailing events, participating in optimist dinghy races with his own children.
– The last time I actually competed in Rauma was likely in 1966, also in an optimist dinghy. At that time, Rauma Sailing Club organized a summer celebration for junior sailors and a playful ‘Garvat Round’ race. First, the juniors sailed around Karvatti Island in their dinghies, and afterward, the fathers took their turn in the same boats. My father finished last in the race and was awarded a red plastic bailer as a consolation prize, which he proudly displayed at the cottage. I was terribly embarrassed by it, Tapio laughs.
Rauma Sea Race Clearly in Demand
Tapio is pleased with the revival of Rauma Sea Race, seeing it as an important event. The competition is a vital part of the 145-year-old sailing club’s activities, and the large number of participants—nearly 30 boats—is particularly encouraging.
Races are crucial for inspiring new sailors and getting young people involved in the sport.
“Rauma is, above all, a maritime city with a long tradition of raising sailors. It’s also worth noting that sailing has been one of Finland’s best-performing sports in recent Summer Olympics. That’s why it’s so important to organize great competitions now and, hopefully, in the future as well,” Tapio says.
He encourages families to take up sailing together.
“Rauma has excellent and traditional sea scout groups like Myrskypojat, which raise new sailors and water enthusiasts. However, competitive sailing is needed to create top sailors,” Tapio explains.
“I’d love to see schools in Rauma become pioneers in incorporating water activities into physical education in cooperation with clubs. Compared to the rest of the country, Rauma has exceptionally great conditions for this.”
Logent Rauma Sea Race
Takes place September 6–8
Nearly 30 boats registered
The route runs from Rauma lighthouse to the Swedish coast at Finngrundet and Dittmansgrund, and back to the east beacon near Isokari and Rauma
First held in 1975
Open Day at Kuuskari on September 7 with opportunities to explore Rauma Sailing Club’s island, enjoy race excitement, and learn about the club’s junior activities
More information www.raumasearace.fi/info (in Finnish).
