TRAWLER MERIKARHU

-SAUNA BOAT

The deck offers spacious areas for dozens of guests and is equipped
with a smoker and a grill, making it ideal for outdoor dining and social
gatherings.
Below deck, there is a cozy and atmospheric salon that comfortably
accommodates around 20 people. The hold also features a wood-heated
sauna for up to 8 guests, providing a unique and authentic Nordic
experience at sea.


The “Shetland Bus” was the nickname given to the small fishing vessels that traveled between Norway and the Shetland Islands during the Second World War.

These boats transported weapons, supplies, and agents to Norway, and carried refugees back to safety, playing a crucial role in supporting the Norwegian resistance movement.

On this vessel, guests can experience the spirit of that remarkable era - the stories, storms, and adventures of the North Sea- while enjoying the comforts of modern-day amenities.


Technical information

  • Number of people: max 12 passengers on the cruise and max 40 passengers by the pier
  • Length: 16 m
  • Width: 6 m
  • Weight: 60 tons

Equipment

  • Life jackets and life raft
  • Toilet
  • Sauna (8 people)
  • Stereos
  • Kitchen and fridge
  • Client Wolmer Jörgenson, Turku Dental entrepreneur and one of the owners of Pargas lime
  • Completed in 1939 at the Turku Boatyard
  • The boat was named Gita after the daughter of a boy who died as a child.
  • The Coast Guard requisitioned the ship for use immediately upon completion and installed a Chrysler V8 engine for fast missions.
  • Served in the war with mission number T2112
  • After the war, it ended up with Wolmer Jörgenson as its client.
  • In 1955 the ship was sold to Turku's commercial councilor August Aaltonen, who was a major influence in racing boats and rally cars. His son is the legendary rally car driver "The Flying Finn" Rauno Aaltonen. August Aaltonen owned the ship until his death.
  • 1980 The boat is sold to Stockholm. The buyer was Gita's brother Christer Holmström.
  • 1983 - 1984 Unknown owner in Stockholm
  • 1984- 1987 Peter von Backhoff, Stockholm
  • -1987 - 2020 Britt & Manfred von Backhoff, Stockholm
  • - 2020 The boat was purchased and brought to Helsinki by Mikko Kempas, Nordic Swan Cruises

The best boats were made at Turku Veneveistämö between 1889 and 1954, and they supplied boats to five different continents. Turku Veneveistämö / Åbo Båtwarf was once Finland's most internationally known brand.