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
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Tuomo Meretniemi
Captain, Circumnavigator
Taalintehdas
“Cross that goddamn ocean.”
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![A smiling woman wearing outdoor gear, including a hat with a decoration and a jacket, with another person blurred in the background.]()
Hilla Paananen
First Mate, Cape Horner
Helsinki
“The second OGR for me!”
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![Black and white photo of a smiling man wearing a beanie hat and casual clothing, standing outdoors near water with a blurred background.]()
Niko Tamminen
Team Manager,
Communications and FundraisingTampere
“Smiling even if it’s raining.”
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![A woman smiling with water and land in the background]()
Amanda Mankinen
Team Manager,
Project ManagementTurku
“At the sea, at the destination!”
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![A man wearing a beanie.]()
Matias Sandelin
Maintenance and Safety
Turku
“Depends on the wind!”
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![Woman in sailing clothing.]()
Assi Kairama
Finance
Turku
“This is like building a house.”
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![A woman smiling widely, wearing a beanie.]()
Maija Järnfors
Fundraising and
Medical supportTurku
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![A man with glasses and a beard.]()
Jussi Laaksonen
Shore Team
Turku
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![Black and white photo of a smiling woman with long hair, wearing a sweater and outdoors.]()
Elina Miilunpalo
Medic and Food Supply
Tampere
“Dance it off!”
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![A person wearing a black cap with the words 'Bläkä Dalsbruk' and a sailboat logo, smiling at the camera.]()
Aarre Meretniemi
Youth Sailor
Turku
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![A young woman with windblown hair smiling on a boat, holding a winch handle, with water and a distant shoreline in the background.]()
Stella Laaksonen
2 000 children to sea 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