Mälarhöjdens Kanotsällskap
Mälarhöjdens Kanotsällskap (MKS) is a non-profit sailing club in Hägersten/Stockholm with clubhouse and harbour at Pettersbergsvägen 54 in Mälarhöjden. Founded in 1946, the club today mainly sails Optimist, ILCA/Laser and 2-krona and runs a sailing school approved by the Swedish Sailing Federation. Facilities include club dinghies, berths, junior and adult training, and regular club races such as Kvällsköret and Måndagsköret. MKS focuses on participation sailing with a strong youth section and nationally and internationally successful racers; many members also keep boats in Ålsten and at neighbouring club MBK.
History
Mälarhöjdens Kanotsällskap (MKS) was founded on 13 March 1946 at Hans Lindvall's home. Founders included Ragnhild Palmqvist, Hans Lindvall, Nils Hansson, Börje Lindberg, Olle Palmqvist and Åke Hedenskog; Åke became the first chair. On 27 March 1946 the club leased Pettersbergsvägen 54 for SEK 200 per year and first built a slipway and a four-man tent as clubhouse. Originally the club sailed B, C and E sailing canoes – hence Kanotsällskap. In 1952 MKS bought the plot for SEK 5,000. The 1950s added Finn dinghies and events such as Snusdosan and Anunkannan; in 1956 MKS hosted the canoe SM at Rastaholm. The 1960s brought OK, Finn and Kvastköret; in 1966 Kvällsköret began (Wednesdays 18:00, May–September), later sailed in Laser. In autumn 1968 the club hut burned down; in 1971 the present upper floor was built. The 1970s saw 505, OK, Mirror and Tornado; club championships (KM) started in 1979. In the 1980s Optimist and Laser dominated; Luciaköret (1980) and Jungfrumönstringen (1987) were established and the youth section expanded. The 1990s brought RS600, Sillburken (1990), MKS-köret for the 50th anniversary (1996) and the first website (1998). Around 2000 the clubhouse was raised with a lower floor and large veranda; inauguration on 12 October 2002. Bastuköret started in 2001. Kvällsköret grew strongly: 54 Lasers in 2004, over 60 boats by 2007. In 2006 the club celebrated 60 years. By late 2009 MKS had about 20 club boats. In the 2010s came mast racks, a new stairway with Opti storage (2012), upstairs renovation (2015–2017) and strong sailing-school growth; membership doubled in 2012. The canoe-sailing section closed in 2013/2014. Today MKS is a dinghy and racing club focused on Optimist, ILCA/Laser and 2-krona plus youth development.
Information
Facilities
Clubhouse and harbour in Mälarhöjden, club dinghies, berths, slipway, near Mälarhöjden metro
Activities
Sailing school, junior and adult training, club races (Kvällsköret, Måndagsköret, MKS Cup), boat maintenance
Youth section
Active youth section with SSF sailing school, Optimist and ILCA training groups, summer camps and regatta participation