Spirit of Helsinki
Spirit of Helsinki, Swan 651 was built in 1984. It was designed by naval architect German Frers and built by Nautor, the legendary Finnish ship producer of luxury sailing yachts, based in Jakobstad. She competed in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1986 under the name “Fazer Finland” and finished third in the most demanding and longest sailing race in the world. The SWAN 651 is undoubtedly one of the best and most unique models ever made.It was built specifically for participation in the Whitbread Round the World Race.
Jussi Paavoseppä had been looking for a boat since 2019 to participate in the competition with a boat that has a special place in the history of Finnish sail racing, in addition to good seaworthiness. In 2022 this dream came true, and the boat, Spirit of Helsinki was returned to its homeland, Finland. It is a delight to bring one of the Finnish ocean sailing legends around the world again with a great Finnish crew.
