While we wait for the start of this summer’s major sailing events, we are introducing some Finnish sailors that you will encounter on the racecourse this summer. Who are they? Why did they choose Europe Class? And how is it to sail in a country up north like Finland?
Take a look – maybe you can form an impression of who they are!
Emma Aho
I am a last-year high school student in Otaniemi Upper Secondary School’s science program. Apart from sailing, I enjoy working out and have been playing the violin and piano since a young age. My sailing journey began at the age of 11 at HSS, where I joined a group dedicated to new sailors who had outgrown the Optimist class. Subsequently, I sailed Zoom8 for three years, initially at HSS and later at EMK. After clinching the Zoom8 Finnish Championships in 2019, I moved to the Europe Class for the 2020 season. Unfortunately, I suffered an ACL injury at the beginning of 2020, and post-surgery, I could only slowly resume sailing in the autumn of 2020. Over the next three seasons in the Europe Class, I experienced varying degrees of success. The highlight was in 2022 when I won a ranking competition and secured a third-place in the Finnish Championships. In 2023, I Interrailed in Europe for a month, disrupting the season, and my performance wasn’t as strong as the previous year.
Why have you chosen to sail single-handed boats, and why the Europe Class?
When deciding to transition from Zoom8, I test-sailed the 29er, which was enjoyable but not the right fit for me. The Laser was also considered, but being shorter and having knee issues, it wasn’t the ideal choice. I settled on the Europe Class for various reasons, primarily because there was a practice group for it at EMK, and I appreciated the customisation options for sails and mast.
Are you a competitive person?
I am extremely competitive and dislike engaging in competitive activities where success is uncertain. Sailing has been instrumental in helping me overcome this, as changing weather conditions sometimes necessitate competing outside of my comfort zone.
How do you maintain your sailing fitness during the winter months? In Finland, it’s cold, and sailing is usually not possible from November to April, May.
I focus on weight training 3-4 times a week, a preference developed over the years. Although, not a fan of cardio, I’ve incorporated running and indoor biking 3 times a week this winter, recognising the need for improvement in this area for sailing.
What are you looking forward to the most during the two competition weeks this summer in Hanko?
I aim to achieve good results and enjoy the experience during the two competition weeks in Hanko. As it’s likely my last major competition with the Europe Class for a while, given my plans to attend university in September, I hope it becomes a memorable and prideful farewell to this chapter in my sailing journey.
Hugo Heikkala
My name is Hugo,
I’m 17-years old and I’m from Oulu, Finland. I believe my sailing career has been a bit different from others. I began sailing when I was seven years old with an Optimist dinghy. I did that for a couple of years, then I quit sailing, and I decided to focus only on football. I played football for some time, then I started to sail again, first with Zoom8, and after Zoom8, I moved to the Europe Class.
Why have you chosen to sail single-handed boats, and why the Europe Class?
I chose to sail-single handed boats because in Oulu, we only had single- handed boats, so it was an easy decision. I chose the Europe Class, it was highly recommended to me. In Finland, we have a high-quality fleet with a lot of sailors. Additionally, this is a really fun and demanding boat, so I like it a lot.
Are you a competitive person?
Yes, I’m a very competitive person. I don’t like to lose.
How do you maintain your sailing fitness during the winter months? In Finland, it’s cold, and sailing is usually not possible from November to April, May.
I do cross-country skiing, go to the gym and I enjoy my hiking bench.
What are you looking forward to the most during the two competition weeks this summer in Hanko?
I’m looking forward to competitive sail racing and pushing myself to the limits.
