Garmin ORC Double-Handed Europeans Long Offshore Race winners declared in Helsinki
by Offshore Racing Congress 12 Jul 00:01 BST
8-12 July 2025
The Long Offshore Race of the 2025 Garmin ORC Double-Handed European Championship, concluded on Friday in Helsinki after a challenging 247 to 283-nautical-mile course across the Gulf of Finland and back. The race tested endurance, seamanship, and strategy as boats finished throughout the day and into the early hours of Saturday.
The first boat to cross the finish line was Sweden's Garmin Team Pro4u in Class C, arriving at 10:30 on Friday morning. The racecourse led the fleet back to Finnish waters just in time to avoid the strongest winds on the Estonian coast, which reached up to 18 m/s. Despite this, the sea state remained rough, and several boats withdrew due to sail damage, rigging issues, loss of power, or fatigue. All crews returned safely.
The long upwind leg proved to be a true test of endurance, followed by a fast and rewarding downwind section of approximately 20 nautical miles. With teams spread far along the course, finish times varied widely throughout Friday.
Class A: Jolene Secures Back-to-Back Victories and the European Title
In Class A, Sweden's team Jolene (J/121), sailed by Fredrik Rydin and Johan Tuvstedt, claimed a clear victory after completing the 283-mile course in 45 hours, 12 minutes, and 29 seconds. Their corrected time placed them over 1 hour and 20 minutes ahead of the next competitor, securing them the overall Class A title after also winning the Short Offshore Race.
"It was a tough but fantastic race. We had a fast downwind start for the first 12 to 18 hours, then a long and demanding upwind leg through beautiful scenery along the Finnish archipelago. We've done a lot of offshore races before, but this one was special — both for the challenge and the setting.
Winning both races and becoming ORC Double-Handed European Champions in Class A means a lot to us. Right now, we're just happy, tired... and ready for some rest." - Fredrik Rydin & Johan Tuvstedt, Jolene (SWE)
Second place went to team Kaminami (Rogers 10M) from Finland, sailed by Antti Niiniranta and Peter Flinkman, while third place was taken by team Nike (Shogun 43) from Sweden with Martin Angsell and Anna Drougge. Although Nike posted the fastest elapsed time in Class A, their higher rating under the ORC system placed them third overall.
By winning both offshore races, Fredrik Rydin and Johan Tuvstedt of Jolene were confirmed as the ORC Double-Handed European Champions in Class A.
Class B: Tactical Smarts Propel Goodio to Home Victory
In Class B, Finland's Team Goodio (Mat 1010), sailed by Kim Jääskeläinen and Turo Nummi, earned an impressive win despite racing in one of the smallest boats in the division. They finished the course in 49 hours, 18 minutes, and 14 seconds, making smart tactical decisions and taking advantage of a timely wind shift during the second night. Their corrected time gave them a narrow but decisive lead and, combined with a third-place finish in the Short Offshore Race, was enough to secure the overall Class B championship title.
"We knew we had one of the smallest and slowest boats in the fleet, so we had to sail smart. The wind built during the night, and after studying several weather models, we decided to take a middle route across the Gulf of Finland. We believed a shift was coming—and it did, a full 60 degrees. That decision made all the difference.
It's been a four-year journey building up this boat and learning how to sail her well. This time, everything came together. We're proud and incredibly happy to win the European title, especially here at home in Helsinki." - Kim Jääskeläinen and Turo Nummi, Team Goodio (FIN)
Second place went to Sweden's team Kharat (Arcona 410), sailed by Johnny Rickman and Torbjörn Blomberg, who finished more than two hours ahead of Goodio on the water but missed out on the win by just under five minutes on corrected time. Third place went to Anemon II (Arcona 380), also from Sweden, with August Pansell and Martin Persson.
Notably, several boats in Class B did not finish, including the Finnish team Stimmy, sailed by well-known offshore sailor Ari Huusela, due to technical issues.
Class C: Garmin Team Pro4u Dominates and Claims the Title
In Class C, Sweden's Garmin Team Pro4u (First 36.7 mod.), sailed by Patrik and Emil Forsgren, delivered a commanding performance, finishing the 247-nautical-mile course in 43 hours, 6 minutes, and 48 seconds. Their early finish and solid corrected time earned them both Line Honours and a clear win in the Long Offshore Race. With victories in both the Short and Long Offshore Races, Patrik and Emil Forsgren confirmed their status as the ORC Double-Handed European Champions 2025 in Class C.
"The first half of the race gave us light winds, sun, and classic champagne sailing. The second half got tougher - building breeze, waves, even some rain — but that's where we gained the most on our competitors. We try to keep things clean and simple: sail fast, avoid mistakes, and manage the boat well. In double-handed racing, it's all about smart compromises. For example, if conditions are changing, we'll start with a medium jib instead of switching sails mid-leg. Sleep and food are also key. I sleep, he eats - that's our system." - Patrik and Emil Forsgren, Garmin Team Pro4u (SWE)
Second place went to Team Lethe (First 34.7) from Norway, sailed by brothers Øyvind and Morten Knudsen. They finished more than three hours after Pro4u but were only 41 minutes behind on corrected time, reflecting a close competition. Third place was claimed by Finland's team LaChapelle (First 35), sailed by Joonas Päivärinta and Jaakko Perimaa, closely followed by Estonia's team Masu (X-34), sailed by a family team of father-son Andrus and Angus Aarna, in fourth.
Masu had been holding a secure podium position for much of the race but lost valuable time in the final 20 miles due to a spinnaker wrap around the forestay. With the sail unusable and the situation costing them speed, the crew adapted by hoisting the genoa directly to the mast without attaching it to the forestay. A fortunate 20-degree wind shift allowed them to continue toward the finish, albeit at roughly half their normal speed. Despite the setback, they managed to hold on to fourth place in a tightly contested top five.
Several boats in Class C were forced to retire due to gear failure or difficult conditions in the final stages, including Inferna (FIN), Meister Hora (GER), and Moana X (POL).
Closing Ceremony and Final Celebrations
The event concludes on Saturday, July 12, with the official prize-giving ceremony at 16:00 and a closing party at 17:00 at Restaurant Blue Peter in Helsinki. The new ORC Double-Handed European Champions will be formally recognized for their achievements in what has been a demanding and memorable championship.
ORC scoring page with full results.
Photos by © Pepe Korteniemi in ORC Flickr
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