Highlights of Helsinki

Sunday 1 – Wednesday 4 July

We chose HMVK opposite Katajanokka Visitors Marina, on the South side of the causeway to Tervasaari Island, for our stay as it promised better rates. For us it was the right decision, as it lies further from the four-lane highway that runs between the sea and the city. We were allocated a box berth of sufficient dimensions. Showers, toilets and sauna facilities met the high standards of our demanding guest, and laundry fees are reasonable.

Inevitably, Sunday was a lazy day: a late breakfast, followed by a gentle stroll into the nearby city centre via coffee and cinnamon buns, a local delicacy, a short walk around the harbour. Unfortunately, the weather was damp and cool, so our explorations were cut short in the hope of improvement the following day.

In the event, only another brief wander around the island was accomplished on a damp and dreary Monday, mostly as a cure for cabin fever. This walk did, however, offer an opportunity to admire me as the largest, and obviously most beautiful, modern yacht in the marina, and to view the icebreaker ships lying in the outer reaches of the harbour, and for which this city is famous.

In spite of her physical discomforts, Second Mate did us proud by preparing all the main meals, undaunted by the limitations of my galley: apparently, it was “a pleasure to cook in a clean kitchen, and food prep using sharp knives”. It’s a good thing she’s moving soon to a new, civilised flat share with friends. In between these bouts of culinary activity, there was plenty of time to sit and chat, enjoying the rare treat of each other’s company. So passed Tuesday.

Wednesday was a day of increased activity, as it was time for Second Mate to pack ready for her homeward journey, and my permanent crew to gather their requirements for a trip without me. After a delicious lunch, they all left the marina to accompany our guest to the train that would take her to the airport. She just made the second train of her options; at least there was no opportunity for long, tearful farewells.

Back on board, my crew swiftly made everything shipshape, and set off again for South Harbour, the ‘next one round’ across this side of the city.