Ristiinan Pursiseura ry
Ristiinan Pursiseura ry is a Finnish sailing and boating club at the westernmost point of Lake Saimaa in Ristiina, now part of the city of Mikkeli. Founded in 1975, the club brings together over 300 members from southern Finland, the capital region and the Kouvola area and is a member of Suomen purjehdus ja veneily r.y. Home harbours are at Kirkkoranta, Uimala, Pökkäänlaho, Kissalaho and Linnaniemi, with the island base Korkia about 14 nautical miles away offering a cottage, sauna, grill shelter and moorings. The programme includes Tuesday races, youth and training activities, Saimaa squadron cruises, SPV safety inspections and regattas such as Astuvan ukon regatta and Korkia Runt.
History
Ristiinan pursiseura was founded in 1975 and became the traditional sailing club of the Mikkeli region. Ristiina lies at the westernmost point of Lake Saimaa with good access to southern Saimaa without height-restricting bridges or overhead lines. In its early years the annual Ristiina Boat Race at Pökkäänlaho, run by volunteers, formed an important financial base; motorboat speed racers gained international experience. The club maintained close ties with Mikkelin pursiseura and other Saimaa clubs. Over time RiPS took over management of Ristiina harbours under agreement with the city of Mikkeli and built the Korkia island base on Yövesi with cottage, sauna, grill shelter and pontoons. Membership grew to well over 300; the club joined Suomen purjehdus ja veneily r.y. and the Saimaa area clubs cooperation network with 19 partner clubs and 20 shared bases. Club racers achieved success at Saimaa, national championship and international level. In 2025 RiPS celebrated its 50th anniversary with a history book, gala at Sokos Hotelli Vaakuna in Mikkeli and SPV honour medals plus club awards. Mika Muikku became honorary member after ten years as commodore; Panu Kokko took over as commodore. The club holds a state-approved flag and club badge; the flag has travelled with members to Baltic, North Sea, Mediterranean and Canary ports and even around South America.
Information
Facilities
Home harbours Kirkkoranta, Uimala, Pökkäänlaho, Kissalaho, Linnaniemi; island base Korkia with cottage, sauna, grill shelter, moorings; mast crane, septic facility, winter storage
Activities
Tuesday races, Saimaa squadron, SPV safety inspection, regattas, Rosvopaisti events, youth camps, photo competition
Youth section
Education and junior section: sailing and boating courses, camps and children's sailing school
Guest berths
Yes, 10 euros/night Kirkkoranta