Åländska Segelsällskapet has secured its place in the Finnish J/70 Sailing League final after topping a fiercely contested semi-final qualifier in Helsinki.
Skipper Markus Rönnberg, with crew Staffan Lindberg, Emil Nordlund and Jasper Karlsson, finished on 17 points from fourteen races, edging out fourteen other club teams chasing the six spots on offer.
The fleet was tightly bunched from top to bottom.
Esbo Segelförening, skippered by Simon Karlemo with Victor Mesterton, Thomas Lindström and Sebastian Feodoroff aboard, took second on 22 points. Saaremaa Merispordi Selts, representing Estonia and skippered by Keith Luur with crew Joosep Laus, Henri Paomees and Karl Lember, rounded out the podium on 33 points.
Nyländska Jaktklubben and Airisto Segelsällskap tied on 38 points apiece, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Tusse Tallberg skippered Nyländska's boat with Hema Virkkunen, Helmi Pettay and Jon Winquist, while Kaj Lindfors led Airisto's crew of Filip Blomqvist, Oskar Lindberg and Elias Hutala.
Helsingfors Segelklubb claimed the final qualifying position in sixth on 39 points. Skipper Ilari Seeslinna sailed with Kristian Nordenswan, Emmaltta Kittilä and Suvi-Tuuli Wikström.
All six teams now progress to the league final in Lahti, Finland, from 18 to 20 September, where the qualifiers will be put to the test once more.
