Mikkelin Pursiseura ry
Mikkelin Pursiseura ry is an active boating and sailing club with around 400 members on Lake Saimaa in Mikkeli, Finland. It is one of the most traditional inland waterway clubs in Finland and the city’s second-oldest sports club. Facilities include island bases such as Ristisaari, Pönnö and Lamposaari, the dinghy base Pursituuli in Kenkäveronniemi, and an office at the harbour (Tullikatu 2). The programme covers junior dinghy sailing with Optimist and ILCA, keelboat regattas, cruising and club events. Community and water sports have shaped club life since its founding in 1905.
History
Mikkelin Pursiseura ry was founded on 17 August 1905 and is Finland’s second-oldest inland boating club and the oldest on the Vuoksi/Saimaa water system. Competitive rowing drove the start: four-person boats were owned jointly through the club; programme evenings and summer events funded operations. Canoes were also acquired; in July 1908 the region’s first known sailing race took place. An early pavilion at Tanelinniemi was run with guest transport by motorboat and later steamship. In the 1930s depression the club struggled; in 1936 operations ceased and assets were sold to what became Mikkelin Melojat ry. In 1958 activity resumed with three former members and 49 new joiners. MPS then organised motorboat races and boat shows. In the early 1960s Ristisaari (about 26 hectares on Yövesi) was acquired as a base and remains the main gathering place. Later came Pönnö in Puumala, berths in Ristiina/Säynätlahti, the Mikkeli harbour office and the light-boat base at Kenkäveronniemi. Ristisaari is also open to members of other Vuoksi-region clubs. Today the club has around 400 members and about 150 registered boats, offering water sports, training and events year-round.
Information
Facilities
Island bases Ristisaari, Pönnö and Lamposaari; dinghy base Pursituuli (Pursialankatu 10, Kenkäveronniemi); office/meeting room at Tullikatu 2, Mikkeli; member berths in Ristiina/Säynätlahti; sauna and overnight stays on the islands.
Activities
Junior dinghy sailing and sailing school, weekly Wednesday training, keelboat regattas (incl. Ristisaaren Malja), cruising and club regattas (Voinappi, Eloregatta, Yövesi), boat inspection, club events and island work parties.
Youth section
Active junior section with children's sailing school (starter course), weekly dinghy training (green/blue level) from June to end of September at Pursituuli, plus racing options.
Parking
Limited; Mikkelipuisto parking
Guest berths
Yes, island bases with fees