Nothing planned for Saturday? Then watch out: Fans of classic yachting should not miss the Classic Yacht Forum in Helsinki. Every year, the international scene meets there to discuss current, historical and boatbuilding news from the world of classic yachts.
High-calibre guests in the livestream
Although the event has been sold out for weeks, the good news is that the organiser is now offering a free livestream. It will feature prominent speakers from the world of classic yachting. It starts on Saturday at 12 noon - either on the Classic Yacht Symposium website or via YouTube.
The mix of topics is both exciting and multifaceted. Last year, high seas icon Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Marie Tabarly (daughter of Eric Tabarly) and Leo Goolden - British boat builder, YouTube star and owner of the "Tally Ho". YACHT was on site.
Paul Cayard as keynote speaker
This year's edition also features a similarly high-calibre line-up. The keynote speaker is Paul Cayard, who was named Rolex Yachtsman of the Year 2025 on 12 February. He will talk about "The Timeless Appeal of the International Star Class" and highlight the enduring relevance of the keelboat class, which was designed in 1911. He became world champion in this class in 2025 together with German star sailor Frithjof Kleen.
The American has had an impressive career: seven America's Cup campaigns, victory in the 1997/98 Whitbread Round the World Race, two Olympic Games, eight world championship titles. As President of the International Star Class Association, he actively promotes classic boat classes.
Varied programme at the Classic Yacht Symposium
Cayard will be joined by other experts: Peter Shipway from Australia - 31 Sydney-Hobart participants - will report on decades of ocean racing. Dr William Collier from Scotland, yacht historian and owner of the legendary design office G.L. Watson Ltd, will shed light on the history of classic yacht designs. Bobby Cyrus from Sweden is regarded as an authority on Nordic yacht building and traditional wooden boat construction.
Special highlight: The Sailing L8dies from Finland will present their experiences as the first all-female team in the International Eight Metre Class. There will also be short presentations by speakers from Spain, Germany, Finland and Australia.
More on the topic:
Since 2011, the Classic Yacht Symposium has developed into one of the leading international forums for classic yachts. Supported by the City of Helsinki and the Finnish Sailing Association, it attracts participants from all over Europe, Australia and North America.
All further information about the HSS Classic Yacht Symposiumyou will find here.
Fabian Boerger
Editor News & Panorama
