Aktia supports next generation circumnavigators
Ocean race and investment are both teamwork. In a team, the strengths of individuals are complementary and good navigation skills lead towards the common goal, even in challenging circumstances.
Aktia’s cooperation with Tapio Lehtinen and his Next Generation Team of 12 people culminates in a voyage around the world in September. The 50th anniversary of the Whitbread Round the World Race is sailed with classical boats and methods in the spirit of the circular economy. Modern technology and mobile phones are not allowed. The Finnish team departs with the 52-year-old two masted s/y Galiana.
Good preparation allows safe sailing
One of the young yachtsmen of the team is Elia Koski. He says that more than three years of preparations are in the final stages.
"The boat has been restored and launched. The crew has trained physics, become familiar with star navigation, and practised first aid and rescue training. It is better to fear at land than at sea", says Koski according to Lehtinen´s doctrine.
Navigating successfully requires not only a boat but also a team that is welded together and where each member has their own clear responsibilities.
“Paramedic and public health nurse, coastguard, a person in charge of things like supply and water, electricity and mechanics, rigging and masts, fittings and two sailmakers...”, says Koski. “We know the boat and each other well, and nothing is left to chance.”
Challenges are meant to be solved
Aktia wants to create sustainable wealth and wellbeing from one generation to the next. By sponsoring the Next Generation Team, we flag for the Baltic Sea and the world’s seas and support young talents.
“Ocean sailing and investing has a lot in common. We need to understand the forces that influence our environment and, if necessary, change the course so that we can benefit from the best winds. When it cmes to sailing, one person cannot control all areas, the best result is achieved by combining the team's strengths. The same applies to wealth management,” says Aktia’s Acting Director of Finance Uki Lammi.
In addition to Lehtinen, the crew includes a couple of other adult yachtsmen, with the rest having an average age of 25 years. Under the doctrine of an experienced captain, young people learn a long line of seamanship and transfer Finnish sailing tradition to the next generations. At the same time, the work for a carbon-neutral society and a cleaner future will continue.
And what does Koski expect from the sailing trip?
“I expect the journey to become more challenging than I imagine beforehand. I also look forward to how difficult days will turn into nice moments. There will be unique stories and impressive natural experiences, but also times that must be filled with creativity instead of hanging on the phone. All in all, this will certainly be one of the neatest experiences in my life.”
Photos: Tapio Lehtinen Sailing