Narva-Jõesuu and Toila Yacht Clubs Begin Cooperation with Finnish Sailing Clubs

On 26–27 November, representatives of the Narva-Jõesuu and Toila yacht clubs took part in a study visit to Kotka, Finland, where meetings were held with local sailing and yacht clubs as well as with representatives of the cities of Kotka and Hamina.

The primary aim of the visit was to strengthen ties between yacht clubs in Eastern Estonia and Eastern Finland and to establish a long-term partnership network supporting sailing sport, maritime tourism and broader regional development.

During the two days of meetings, opportunities for cooperation were discussed in the following areas:

• organising and participating in dinghy and keelboat regattas;
• developing youth sailing and sailing tourism;
• exchange of experience between coaches;
• organising joint training camps;
• arranging inter-club flotillas;
• preparing joint cross-border projects, including within European Union cooperation programmes;
• preserving yacht club traditions and strengthening connectivity between Estonian and Finnish ports.

Narva-Jõesuu Yacht Club Commodore Anatoli Ivanov invited sailors from Kotka and Hamina to participate in the 2026 Hungerburg Regatta, which will be held for the ninth time. As the regatta is being transformed into RS FEST, Finnish sailors will have the opportunity to compete using locally available rental boats — RS Tera, RS Aero and RS Feva — provided by partner RS Sailors Estonia.

During the study visit, the Estonian delegation was given a valuable opportunity to observe the day-to-day operational side of Finnish yacht clubs: how major maritime events are planned, how volunteer systems function, how clubs cooperate with municipalities, and which practical solutions are used to manage safety and logistics. Finnish partners highlighted the strengths of the Ida-Viru yacht clubs — active youth sailing programmes, competitive performance and strong enthusiasm. They also expressed appreciation for the determination with which sailing culture is being developed in the region.

Anatoli Ivanov emphasised: “Our yacht club has long been waiting for the opportunity to begin cooperation with yacht clubs in Eastern Finland, as this could further stimulate the development of maritime tourism in our region. Sailors from Eastern Finland are geographically closest to us. Considering that the breakwater construction and dredging of the shipping channel will be completed in 2026, the moment is approaching when yachts with a greater draft will be able to enter our city without restrictions. Therefore, now is the most appropriate time to invite sailors and other maritime tourists to our city — not only from Estonia but also from other countries, especially our closest neighbours, the Finns. We would like to thank Patricia Broås, Commodore of Kotka Yacht Club, and Arto Saarinen, Commodore of Hamina Yacht Club, for their hospitality, and we hope that this visit will mark the beginning of a long-term friendship between our clubs.”

At the end of the meeting, the commodores of the clubs ceremonially exchanged club pennants — a gesture symbolising the beginning of a new friendship and cooperation.

During the visit, the participants — representatives of yacht clubs, harbours, and the municipalities of Narva-Jõesuu, Alutaguse and Toila — met with representatives of the City of Kotka and familiarised themselves with the development of the Kotka–Hamina region’s waterway network, entrepreneurship, tourism and port infrastructure, as well as measures aimed at attracting visitors. The focus of the meeting was on opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of experience.

The delegation also visited one of Kotka’s best-known landmarks, the Maritime Centre Vellamo, which brings together several museums and cultural institutions under one roof. Vellamo offered a strong example of how physical exhibitions can be integrated with modern interactive solutions, creating a contemporary and engaging visitor experience. This approach serves as a valuable model for the development of both Narva-Jõesuu and the wider Ida-Viru region.

In addition, the delegation explored Katariina Seaside Park, transformed from a former industrial site into one of Kotka’s most popular leisure destinations. The yacht harbour area and a historic lighthouse were also visited.

The study visit generated numerous new contacts, valuable experience and practical ideas for advancing maritime tourism, sailing and international cooperation in Ida-Viru County.

The visit was organised within the framework of the project “Development of the Ida-Viru Region Waterways Network and Tourism Entrepreneurship.” The project is funded through the European Union Cohesion Policy Fund measure “Attractive Regional Business and Living Environment” under the County Development Strategy Implementation Support instrument.