In Finland’s picturesque west coast, launching a new yacht isn’t just a routine event; it’s a festive occasion. Brass bands fill the air with lively tunes, local business leaders come together, and the Mayor may even make an appearance. Yet, on this momentous day, the true focus is on the boatbuilders—the backbone of this vibrant maritime culture—numbering in the hundreds.
Our journey takes us to Pietarsaari, or Jakobstad as it’s known in Swedish, which is one of Finland’s official languages and predominant in this region. Here, the community takes immense pride in the exquisite sailing yachts crafted by Baltic Yachts, vessels tailored to the highly specific desires of a niche market comprising only a few thousand potential buyers worldwide. It’s no surprise that such expertise has taken root in the Ostrobothnia region, a boatbuilding haven.
If Silicon Valley symbolizes technology, then Finland’s western coast stands as a beacon for boatbuilding. Spanning less than 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Vaasa to Kalajoki, this area boasts a dynamic industrial cluster of boatyards and subcontractors, all dedicated to the art and science of yacht production.
The meticulous craftsmanship of boatbuilding is evident in every aspect. Resin serves as a vital bonding agent, securing fiberglass or carbon fiber panels together.
The tradition of boatbuilding runs deep here. As far back as the 16th century, this region relied on shipbuilding and tar trade for survival, with communities sprouting along rivers and the rugged coastline. The demands of the sea called for exceptional seafarers and durable vessels, and local craftsmen eventually earned such acclaim that the Swedish crown sought their expertise for naval projects.
This rich heritage has been carefully preserved and passed down through generations. The founding of Nautor Shipyard in Pietarsaari during the 1960s marked the beginning of a new era. Known for its iconic Swan Yachts, it garnered international acclaim while workers circulated within local companies, enriching the entire industry ecosystem.
In 1973, five ambitious professionals who departed from Nautor started their own venture in the nearby village of Bosund. Despite their modest beginnings—complete with just a single telephone line—their aspirations were sky-high. With groundbreaking early models that swiftly won accolades, Baltic Yachts emerged, adopting the motto: “Lighter, stiffer, faster.”
Precision in Yacht Construction
Baltic Yachts’ vessels can cost tens of millions of euros. Currently, only a couple thousand customers worldwide suit this luxury.
Constructing a yacht that costs tens of millions demands a commitment to absolute precision. Inside the bustling shipyard, humidity fills the air while tools hum softly in the background. Here, skilled teams are carefully maneuvering a hefty 600-kilogram (1,300-pound) windscreen into place.
“Each yacht is entirely bespoke,” shares CEO Tom von Bonsdorff. “We start from scratch. If a client has a vision and the means, we make it happen.”
Baltic Yachts utilizes carbon fiber for both the hull and much of the interior—an exceptionally lightweight and durable material. The largest yacht they’ve constructed measures an astonishing 197 feet, according to CEO Tom von Bonsdorff.
Baltic Yachts transitioned its production facility from Bosund to Pietarsaari in 2009.
Requests from clients have been nothing short of imaginative: a pink sailing yacht, a grand piano in the saloon, bamboo-themed bathrooms, and vessels designed to exude a century-old charm while seamlessly incorporating cutting-edge technology. Each yacht demands between 100,000 and 300,000 hours of painstaking craftsmanship, with the current project two years in the making.
Beyond their luxurious aesthetics, Baltic Yachts are built for performance. Their creations frequently clinch victories in prestigious regattas across the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
The Perfect Blend of Craftsmanship and Comfort
Eka Composite, a family-owned Finnish company, has innovated a specialized infusion technique in boatbuilding, resulting in significantly lighter vessels.
Fifty kilometers (30 miles) south in Oravainen, the familiar bell tolls for a coffee break at Eka Composite’s production facility, where the air is thick with the scent of resin as workers diligently laminate fiberglass hulls.
In another space, systems and electronics are meticulously integrated before the decks are lifted into place. Here, Quarken Motorboats are crafted one by one. Currently on the production floor is Hull number 87, a 35-foot cabin cruiser designed for both comfort and performance, featuring a covered helm with ventilation, a sound system, a sink, and a fridge. Below deck, sleeping accommodations and a bathroom with a shower await.
Quarken showcases its vessels at international boat shows worldwide. “The boat has to create that moment when the customer opens the door and just goes, ‘Wow,'” says Roukala. Photo: Quarken
“These boats are crafted for leisurely days at sea and the occasional overnight trip,” explains CEO Mikael Strand. This particular model is destined for Florida.
Behind Quarken stands entrepreneur Osmo Roukala, whose childhood fascination with boats in Kalajoki blossomed into a fulfilling career. He has since founded several companies, including Finnmaster Boats, well-known throughout the Nordic region.
For Quarken, maintaining a strong Finnish identity is crucial. “Everything that can be sourced in Finland is sourced in Finland,” asserts cofounder Osmo Roukala.
His design process often starts with sketches on graph paper, advancing through digital modeling and virtual reality simulations, ultimately culminating in sea-ready vessels. The focus at Quarken is usability—easy access, practical layouts, and the highest quality materials.
“Ninety percent of our boats are exported,” Roukala notes. “Many customers are experienced sailors looking for something more compact and user-friendly without sacrificing quality.”
A Global Industry from a Small Region
Quarken boats feature interiors designed with modular elements, allowing easy customization to suit individual preferences.
Finland stands as a formidable player in the global boatbuilding market. According to the Finnish Marine Industries Federation, Finnboat, roughly 60 percent of the country’s boat manufacturers are based in Ostrobothnia, collectively accounting for more than 80 percent of the sector’s turnover.
A remarkable 80 percent of Finnish-built boats are exported, with clientele spanning over 50 countries, including the UK, the US, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Turkey, and Greece.
The concentration of companies within this region has sparked a culture of innovation. Finnish boatbuilders are recognized for their technical experimentation and commitment to sustainable practices, positioning the country as a leader in recycling initiatives.
Crafted for Challenging Conditions
According to production manager Jouko Pesola, Kewatec builds between ten and thirty boats each year. Boatbuilding here requires extensive engineering skills and specialized manual labor.
When the seas turn treacherous, the vessels engineered by Kewatec come to the forefront. Based in Kokkola, Kewatec specializes in constructing Aluminum Workboats designed for civil security, defense, and infrastructure. Their impressive portfolio includes floating hospitals and fully electric vessels, each custom-designed, necessitating rigorous engineering and precision.
Notably lightweight, durable, and recyclable, many Kewatec models are also self-righting.
Kewatec’s Finnish heritage is its strength; customers can trust they are receiving a reliable vessel crafted from top-quality materials, states CEO Kent Björklund.
“Finnish boats have always emphasized functionality, but aesthetics are equally important,” emphasizes CEO Kent Björklund.
In the Kewatec yard, a bright orange search-and-rescue vessel waits for delivery to Iceland, while alongside it, a blue environmental craft is poised to clean up coastal waters. The company serves an array of clients, including navies from countries like Greece, Tunisia, and Norway, as well as universities, research organizations, and police departments throughout Europe.
Kewatec was founded by entrepreneur Kalle Wargh in 1998, although its predecessor company can trace its roots back to the 1970s.
“Our reputation means everything,” concludes Björklund. “Being from Ostrobothnia—and from Finland—embodies reliability. We deliver what we promise.”
Text and photos by Emilia Kangasluoma, June 2026