Österstjernan ry
Österstjernan ry is the association behind the traditional sailing vessel Österstjernan, based at Laivasilta harbour in Loviisa on Finland’s Baltic coast. The replica of a 19th-century packet yacht offers member and youth sails as well as experience trips on the Gulf of Finland. Maintenance and sailing operations are run voluntarily by association members; active crews receive ongoing training for deck work, catering and ship handling. The programme ranges from youth sails and lady sails to sail training and group trips for clubs and companies – always in the spirit of a historic traditional sailing ship.
History
The historic packet yacht Österstjernan sailed from 1815 to 1848 on the Loviisa–Stockholm route, carrying passengers and cargo. Small sumppu and packet yachts then dominated Baltic freight and passenger traffic; from live-fish transports evolved larger dry-hold vessels known as packet yachts. The original was built in Pietarsaari in 1813–1814; Captain Gustaf Lundström sailed it to Turku for registration in July 1814. The following summer merchant Magnus Johan Kyander of Loviisa bought the ship. Reconstruction began after Loviisa’s city council on 5 February 2002 released logs from city forests for building timber. Boat designer Eivind Still of Pietarsaari provided lines and frame tables; shipwright Lasse Kiiski started preparatory work in March 2002 and frame building in early April 2002. Keel laying at Laivasilta took place on 25 August 2002, with a boarded hall built as shelter. The deck was finished in March 2004 and the last hull plank on 7 June 2004; caulking of hull and deck followed March–June 2004. Interior fitting and railings were completed from autumn 2004 to spring 2005. In summer 2005 the engine, systems and surface finishes were fitted; launch was in August 2005, then rigging, sails and equipment. The vessel was ready to sail in summer 2006. Today the home port is Loviisan Laivasilta; Österstjernan ry organises member and youth sailing there, with operations and upkeep done as volunteer work by members. Replica particulars: length 21.6 m, beam 6.2 m, draft 1.9 m, displacement 50 tonnes, sail area 277 m² (jib, foresail and gaff mainsail), up to 25 passengers plus crew, 16+2 berths, 160 hp Volvo Penta engine, registered as a pleasure craft.
Information
Facilities
Traditional sailing vessel Österstjernan (replica of a historic packet yacht) at home port Loviisan Laivasilta; length 21.6 m, beam 6.2 m, draft 1.9 m, 50 tonnes, 277 m² sail area; up to 25 passengers plus crew, 16+2 berths; berth at Laivasilta.
Activities
Member and youth sailing from Laivasilta; experience and group sails for associations and companies; themed trips (e.g. local history, seals); destinations including Pyhtään Kaunissaari, eastern Gulf of Finland, Rankki, Orrengrund; ongoing training of active crew for deck, catering, maintenance and ship handling.
Youth section
Regular youth sails (Nuorisopurjehdus) on the Gulf of Finland as well as member and youth trips from the home port in Loviisa.