About us

We are going race around the world in 2027–2028!

A team of 12 members consists of four circumnavigators, a Cape Horner, two doctors, a paramedic, a sea captain, an economist, engineers, a journalist, a sailmaker and a high school student.

Most of us have strong experience in sea scouting.

Our combined sailing experience exceeds 400,000 nautical miles which is 18 times around the globe.

The bigger mission is to provide transformative sailing experiences for underprivileged and at-risk youth.

THE TEAM

  • Tuomo Meretniemi

    Captain, Circumnavigator

    Taalintehdas

    “Cross that goddamn ocean.”

  • Hilla Paananen

    First Mate, Cape Horner

    Helsinki

    “The second OGR for me!”

  • Niko Tamminen

    Team Manager,
    Communications and Fundraising

    Tampere

    “Smiling even if it’s raining.”

  • Amanda Mankinen

    Team Manager,
    Project Management

    Turku

    “At the sea, at the destination!”

  • Matias Sandelin

    Maintenance and Safety

    Turku

    “Depends on the wind!”

  • Assi Kairama

    Finance

    Turku

    “This is like building a house.”

  • Jussi Aropaltio

    Maintenance and Sails

    Hanko

  • Maija Järnfors

    Fundraising and
    medical support

    Turku

  • Jussi Laaksonen

    Shore Team

    Turku

  • Elina Miilunpalo

    Medic and Food Supply

    Tampere

    “Dance it off!”

  • Aarre Meretniemi

    Youth Sailor

    Turku

  • Stella Laaksonen

    Social Media and Medic

    Turku

    “One step at a time”

1. A safe adventure and a fair race

2. A shared project of the team and our partners

3. Promote and advance Finnish ocean sailing tradition

4. Build skill, confidence and lifelong learning

OUR GOALS

S/Y PANACEA

S/Y PANACEA

  • Nautor Swan 57 (#39/45)

  • Built in Pietarsaari Finland 1981, launched 1982

  • 12 crew berths

  • Sails under the Sea Scout flag

  • 100 % renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro)

  • Circumnavigated the globe 2016–2024

  • Returned to Finland in 2025 for the first time since its maiden voyage

  • Named after the Greek goddess of universal healing