We recently visited the Helsinki Boat Show (Vene Båt) — Finland’s long-standing meeting place for the boating community.
Each year, the show brings together boat owners, sailors, fishermen, designers and builders — people connected by life on the water. It is not only about new models or equipment, but about shared experience, conversations and the evolving culture of Nordic boating.
For us, it was an opportunity to step into that world again — to listen, observe and better understand how people truly live on board today.
We met new interesting people at:
Quarken
A brand built around functionality, clarity, and life in the Nordic archipelago.
Minimal, purposeful design — boats made to be lived with, not just admired. There is something distinctly Finnish in that approach: no excess, no spectacle — just smart solutions for real conditions. Always inspiring to see craftsmanship so grounded in everyday use.
Saxdor
Modern Finnish boating at its sharpest.
Performance-driven design combined with a strong focus on owner experience and usability. Saxdor represents a fresh interpretation of how contemporary boats are meant to move, live, and rest — dynamic, but considered.
Schooner Supply
A trusted name in marine outfitting and rigging, known for quality, reliability, and a deep understanding of life at sea.
With decades of experience serving sailors and cruisers, they provide equipment and expertise that keep boats safe, functional and prepared for long journeys. It’s a reminder that behind every well-designed vessel stands careful attention to detail and proper outfitting.
Pellinge Marina
Located in the eastern Helsinki archipelago, Pellinge Marina reflects the quieter side of Finnish boating culture. A marina shaped by its surroundings — practical, calm, and connected to nature.
It represents the kind of environment where boats are not only stored, but truly used — weekends at sea, slow evenings at anchor, family time on the water.
Reflections
It was genuinely good to be back at the Helsinki Boat Show — reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new ones, and continuing conversations about how people live on the water today.
The Helsinki show has a distinct atmosphere. It’s not about extravagance — it’s about practicality, durability and design that respects Nordic conditions. Boats built for archipelagos, changing weather and long summer evenings.
For Makuu, it reinforces something simple:
Comfort does not belong only in houses on land.
It belongs equally on board — where space is limited, conditions shift, and materials matter even more.
We are grateful to be part of this ecosystem — learning, connecting and continuing to develop textiles designed for life in motion.