Introduction to the Baltic Section

The Baltic Section was established in March 2000 with sixty members. most of whom had been concerned in some way with the Baltic Millennium Rally.  Now there are over 300 and the Section continues to grow. 

It is commonly thought that the Baltic Sea is a cold cruising ground and, as a result, many yachtsmen are discouraged from sailing north.  YES - it is cold (in winter) but come summer - from June to August - it can be a paradise, the weather being more stable and often much warmer than around our own UK shores particularly in eastern regions where temperatures can reach over 30 deg C.  In summer the days are long, the air and the water crystal clear and swimming from the boat is very popular even as far north as the Gulf of Bothnia.

The aim of the Section is to promote and encourage a greater interest in sailing in the Baltic.  This is widely regarded as one of the finest sailing areas covering ten countries with all their diversity of language and customs as well as geographical differences.   Of these ten countries (Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland) only Russia and Norway are outside the EU and, as the old borders disappear, travel between most countries of the Baltic becomes easier. 

In most years a rally is organised somewhere within Baltic waters to promote a sense of goodwill and friendship amongst our own members and guest boats of affiliated clubs and organisations of different nationalities.

During the winter, when our boats are safely laid up beneath a blanket of snow, we provide a series of lectures, a social evening, a forum and an annual party to maintain the enthusiasm of our members.

The Section is much concerned with the gathering and dissemination of cruising information (new legislation, changes to harbours, new publications, discounts available etc).  Our wide network of Honorary Local Representatives is of great assistance in providing us with up-to-date information which is made available to members through the Section's newsletters and the website.  A members' forum has been established with BalticNet on the website.