Top Double-Handed teams shine in Helsinki at 2025 Garmin ORC DH Europeans
by Offshore Racing Congress 12 Jul 16:26 PDT
8-12 July 2025
After a thrilling week of competition on the Baltic Sea, the 2025 Garmin ORC Double-Handed European Championship concluded on a high note at Helsingfors Segelklubb. The final day brought welcome sunshine, smiling sailors, and a celebratory spirit as the fleet gathered to reflect on an event marked by intense offshore racing, exceptional seamanship, and the strong camaraderie of the double-handed community.
Over two challenging offshore races—one short, one long—sailors navigated heavy weather, shifting strategy, and the demands of a two-person crew. In the end, three teams stood at the top of their classes, earning European titles for their outstanding performances.
Class A: Jolene Claims European Title with Offshore Double Victory
In Class A, Sweden's Jolene (J/121), co-skippered by Fredrik Rydin and Johan Tuvstedt, delivered a flawless campaign by winning both the Short Offshore and Long Offshore races. Their total of 2.5 points secured the overall victory and the title of 2025 ORC Double-Handed European Champions in Class A.
The win marks a significant step forward for the Swedish pair, who previously earned bronze at the inaugural ORC Double-Handed World Championship in 2022. Their growing consistency on the international stage is now backed by a European title.
"Winning both races and becoming ORC Double-Handed European Champions in Class A means a lot to us. Thank you so much for a fantastic regatta - ORC and Helsingfors Segelklubb. We're very happy to be there." - Fredrik Rydin and Johan Tuvstedt, Jolene (SWE)
During the prize-giving, the sailors were already en route to Sweden and sent a video message expressing their gratitude to the organizers and fellow sailors, with hopes of meeting again in Tallinn Worlds.
Second place went to Finland's Kaminami (Rogers 10M), sailed by Antti Niiniranta and Peter Flinkman, with consistent third-place finishes in both races. Sweden's Nike (Shogun 43), with Martin Angsell and Anna Drougge, took third overall and was recognized as the only mixed team in Class A.
Class B: Home Victory for Team Goodio in Competitive Fleet
In Class B, Finland's Team Goodio (Mat 1010), sailed by Kim Jääskeläinen and Turo Nummi, claimed the championship title after placing third in the Short Offshore and winning the Long Offshore. Their total of 4.5 points earned them the European title on home waters.
"It's been a four-year journey building up this boat and learning how to sail her well. This time, everything came together. We're proud and incredibly happy to win the European title, especially here at home in Helsinki." - Kim Jääskeläinen and Turo Nummi, Team Goodio (FIN)
Sweden's Anemon II (Arcona 380), sailed by August Pansell and Martin Persson, opened the regatta with a win but finished fourth in the Long Offshore, placing second overall. Another Swedish team, Tiki Minos (Arcona 340), with Johan Karlsson and Michael Skarped, completed the podium.
Kharat (Arcona 410), co-skippered by Johnny Rickman and Torbjörn Blomberg, placed fourth on equal points with Tiki Minos, but lost out on countback. In the case of a tie, the series standings are determined by individual race results: the third-placed team had finishes of 2 and 4, while the fourth-placed team had finishes of 2 and 5. That decided the ranking.
Several boats across the class dealt with equipment failures or challenging conditions in the long race, including Finland's Stimmy (Sun Fast 3300), with Annika Paasikivi and Ari Huusela, the only Mixed crew in this class, who were forced to retire.
Class C: Garmin Team Pro4u Delivers a Flawless Championship
In Class C, Sweden's Garmin Team Pro4u (First 36.7 mod.), sailed by the father-son team of Patrik Forsgren and Emil Forsgren, completed a perfect series with victories in both offshore races to secure the 2025 European Championship title. Their 2.5-point scoreline confirmed their dominance in a highly competitive fleet.
Patrik Forsgren, the 2022 ORC Double-Handed World Champion, adds a European title to his collection—this time with his son Emil.
"There's no big secret - you just have to sail a lot. We focus on the small details, keep the boat clean and fast, and avoid mistakes. That's what makes the difference." - Patrik and Emil Forsgren
Norway's Lethe (First 34.7), sailed by brothers Øyvind and Morten Knudsen, took second overall with a fourth and a third-place finish. The team previously won the 2023 European title and earned bronze at the 2024 ORC Worlds.
Finland's LaChapelle (First 35), with Joonas Päivärinta and Jaakko Perimaa, finished just behind in third place, while Estonia's Masu (X-34), sailed by Andrus and Angus Aarna, was in podium position before a late-race spinnaker issue dropped them to sixth in the Long Offshore, ending fourth overall, only 0.5 points separating from the podium.
The best mixed team in Class C was Victoria (Ridas 35) from Finland, sailed by Reko Suojanen and Kristiina Suojanen, representing BSS.
The 19-boat Class C fleet featured several close battles and a tight mid-fleet. Teams such as Bianco (FIN) showed notable recovery, climbing the standings with a strong long-race finish. A number of retirements due to gear failure or fatigue, including Inferna, Gransegel, Moana X, Atao!, and Meister Hora, reflected the tough nature of the racecourse.
Celebration and Farewell
At the closing ceremony, Event Chair Noora Westerlund expressed heartfelt thanks to the sailors, officials, volunteers, and partners:
"This place - this harbour, this coastline, this community - means the world to me. Thank you to each and every one of you for making the journey and for making this event so special."
Winners in each class received the new Garmin Quatix 8 marine smartwatches and official ORC European Championship medals. In line with sustainability goals, additional prizes from Iittala and Marimekko celebrated Finnish design and the Clean Regattas ethos. Special thanks go to WB-Sails for providing their loft for measurements, Oy Strömsholm Ab for supporting the race committee with boats, and DynamicNord for launching their sailing collection at this event.
The event concluded with a festive dinner at the Blue Peter Restaurant, rounding off a memorable week of racing and fellowship.
"This has been a fantastic championship, and it wouldn't have been possible without all of you working together and thinking about how we can create an event truly for sailors. For me personally, this was the first ORC championship I've attended without actually sailing... and I must admit, watching the tracking from a hotel room was tough! Next time, I hope to be out there on the water with you.
I hope to see many of you again in Tallinn next month for the ORC World Championship, and at other great offshore events in the years to come." - Thomas Nilsson, ORC Management Committee Member
Looking Ahead
The next ORC title event is the ORC European Championship at the 43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE in Palma de Mallorca, followed by the season highlight: the Garmin ORC World Championship in Tallinn, Estonia, this August.
Top 3 Overall - 2025 Garmin ORC Double-Handed European Championship
Class A
1. Jolene SWE 101 - Fredrik Rydin / Johan Tuvstedt - 1-1 = 2.5 pts
2. Kaminami FIN 10804 - Antti Niiniranta / Peter Flinkman - 3-3 = 6.0 pts
3. Nike SWE 3 - Martin Angsell / Anna Drougge - 2-4.5 = 6.5 pts
Class B
1. Goodio FIN 11071 - Kim Jääskeläinen / Turo Nummi - 3-1 = 4.5 pts
2. Anemon II SWE 11348 - August Pansell / Martin Persson - 1-4 = 5.5 pts
3. Tiki Minos SWE 408 - Johan Karlsson / Michael Skarped - 2-6 = 8.0 pts
Class C
1. Garmin Team Pro4u SWE 88 - Patrik Forsgren / Emil Forsgren - 1-1 = 2.5 pts
2. Lethe NOR 12488 - Øyvind Knudsen / Morten Knudsen - 4-3 = 7.0 pts
3. LaChapelle FIN 12036 - Joonas Päivärinta / Jaakko Perimaa - 3-4.5 = 7.5 pts
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