RCI, the global leader in holiday exchange, welcomes a new affiliate with a splash of something different to offer its members. ST Yachting Oy recently affiliated its newly launched Seatime boatshare with the RCI exchange holiday network, bringing a unique seaborne holiday experience to Finland.
Seatime’s Finnish sailing holidays will provide seafaring RCI members with the opportunity to swap their land-based weeks for the chance to become the captains of their very own adventures. Two luxury three-bedroom yachts, which were built within the last year and are equipped with the latest technology, have been added to the RCI exchange network and will be available between mid-May to mid-September.
“My business partner, Jan-Erik Rae, and I grew up enjoying life on the waves,” said Mikko Kauppinen, co-founder of ST Yachting Oy. “As boat owners ourselves, we were frustrated by keeping a boat but not having enough time to enjoy it. It was really sad to see our boats and other beautiful vessels sitting in the marina when they could have been being enjoyed by other people. And there are qualified sailors who dream of owning a boat but for whom this dream is unattainable due to cost. Seatime is designed to ensure people get the best out of their boats using an easy, flexible and affordable system through our affiliation with RCI. Giving our purchasers the chance to become RCI members offers them a world of choice they can enjoy every bit as much as some time on our own superb yachts.”
The vessels are moored at Kultaranta Resort marina in Naantali, just 18 kilometres from Turku international airport and six kilometres from Naantali’s Old Town. The nearby Turku and Aland archipelagos are composed of many rocky islands that provide an abundance of destinations and routes to choose from within a short distance of one another.
The yachts include the SEA I, a 34-foot vessel, and the SEA II, a 38-foot boat offering an extra double sofa bed. Onboard each, three cabins, a living area with partial kitchens and a bathroom provide comfortable accommodation. Guests may choose to spend several days at sea, easily and quickly exploring one of the most beautiful sailing destinations in the world.
After a few days on the water, guests can moor up and enjoy all the Kultaranta resort has to offer by hitting a few balls on the golf course, dining out or relaxing in the spa. Alternatively, visitors can spend an afternoon touring the picturesque Naantali Old Town, which is home to a stone church built in 1462, as well as many restaurants and bars. Only a short sail away, the city of Turku offers tours in a wide range of languages of a wonderful 13th century castle, an awe-inspiring cathedral dating from 1300, and the Luostarinmäki Handicraft Museum that brings history to life with demonstrations of metalwork, woodwork and jewelry making.
“I am always pleased to be able to welcome new exchange holiday experiences from Finland into our exchange portfolio and Seatime’s boatshare product is extraordinary,” said Sean Lowe, managing director for RCI Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. “The concept was created by two Finns who are passionate about both sailing and their country, so we know the quality of the vessel and the preparation they have put into their water-borne holiday experience will further distinguish RCI’s member offering as being among the most diverse quality holiday options on the market today. As my wife is from Finland and we holiday there regularly, I know what a stunningly picturesque country it is, and that it has so much to offer in the way of nature, culture, as well as vibrant town and city experiences. I’m sure our members will enjoy it as well.”
To holiday on these boats, sailing experience is essential and the crew must include a minimum of two knowledgeable sailors who can provide documented evidence of their sailing qualifications and who must undertake tuition on the vessel prior to setting sail.
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