About Sailing & Saunas: A Journey Through the Finnish Archipelago
Join Sauna Channel as we navigate a unique sailing expedition along the southwest coast of Finland through the Finnish Archipelago. The journey captured has been curated into seven episodes exploring different locales among six unique destinations that can only be accessed by boat.
From serene havens to rugged outposts, through the lens of local personalities and traditions, we'll take you on a special travelogue series with Finnish sauna culture. We hope you enjoy the sailing expedition, and live vicariously with the crew, delighting in experiences with the local hosts and guests.
Our rich tapestry of stories, reveal a special glimpses into the heart and soul of the Finnish Archipelago.
Seven Episodes
Sailing & Saunas - Episode 1, Elisaari Part 1
Our voyage begins sailing to Elisaari, a unique location with a large oak forest. The small crew meets with Samuel Aarnio, co-host and guide of the Perfect Sweat episode, Finland, and producer of Sauna Channel episodes, Arctic Snow Hotel, Baby's Sauna Ritual, Forest Spa, Kiilopää Smoke Sauna, Mooska, Storfinnhova Gård and Uusi Sauna, to learn more about birch whisks and his family history and cultural perspectives.
Sailing & Saunas
A Journey Through the Finnish Archipelago
Gallery
Crew
Director/DP: Sasha Kulak
Producers: Vladimir Stanoi & Emilia Tapprest
Editor, Sound Mix, Color Grading: Ben Kaplan
Costume Designer: Darya Golova
Sound: Emilia Tapprest
Drone: Aleksi Hautamäki, Robin Cairo
Motion Graphics: Norma Smirnova
Composer: Igor Dyachenko
Cast
Main Cast: Vladimir, Emilia T., Darya Golova, Anna Artemieva, Robin Cairo
Hosts/Guests by Location:
Elisaari: Samuel Aarnio, Olli Mantila,
Laura Foon (Sauna Akka)
Project Ö: Aleksi Hautamäki
Jurmo: Robin Cairo, Ralf Nikander
Björkö: Santeri Knaapinen, Tiia Kaartovuori-Knaapinen, Valtteri Itäranta, Janne Norokytä, Eveliina Salminen, Emma Häranta, Arto Pöykkö
Aspö: Marika Johansson, Tore Johansson,
Robin Cairo
Brännskär: Robin Cairo, Simon Stromsund
Sailing & Saunas - Episode 7, Brännskär
Our journey concludes on Brännskär. Architect Simon Stromsund shares insights into the design of his striking sauna cabin, notable for its expansive window offering panoramic views. A bittersweet feeling accompanies us as we realize this is the final leg of our expedition. We reflect on the revelations of our archipelago journey and cherish the friendships forged along the way and the transformative power of löyly—the soul of the Finnish sauna experience.
Sailing & Saunas - Episode 6, Aspö
Aspö, with its idyllic landscapes, is an island of unspoiled beauty and a remarkable history. The sea's unpredictable nature brings its challenges, with seasickness affecting some of our travelers. This leads to a special women's-only healing retreat, where a unique Finnish tradition of song, birch use, and ritual unfolds. Reflecting on our journey, we contemplate what we carry with us, what we share with others, and the profound level of relaxation attainable in this remote and peaceful location.
Sailing & Saunas - Episode 4, Jurmo
Robin Cairo from the Netherlands joins the crew and we sail to Jurmo, a sanctuary of tranquility, providing a backdrop for reflection. We speak with and Ralf Nikander, who shares his insights into Finnish sauna culture, and we discuss the island's unique character and its appeal for those seeking peace and solitude, slowing down, and communing with nature.
Sailing & Saunas - Episode 5, Björkö
Björkö welcomes us with its charming simplicity and offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the island's inhabitants. The sauna is located in a remote location where we meet the husband and wife, Santeri and Tiia, who purchased this magical destination, with a working farm and a lake. The property is old fashioned, with hand pumped water, and no electricity. and our group enjoys camraderie, a sweat, and cold plunge in the lake.
Sailing & Saunas - Episode 3, Project Ö
With the third episode, we sail to an island project to explore innovative sustainable living at Project Ö where you can enjoy high ceilings, large windows for incredible views, and a natural salt water hot tub at sunset. We also meet Aleksi Hautamäki, the driving force behind this eco-conscious initiative, and learn how human ingenuity can harmonize with the bedrock of the archipelago with a beautiful view in a delicate island ecosystem.
Sailing & Saunas - Episode 2, Elisaari Part 2
In the second part of our journey at Elisaari, we experience the traditional warmth of Sauna Akka with sauna healing practitioner, Laura Foon, exploring the cultural significance of her Finnish löyly ritual alternating between heat and cold baths, including special herbs, scents, sking treatments, and songs. We also learn more about the benefits of these special healing practices and the meaning behind the Finnish culture.