Expedition Leeway - With a self-made raft to Finland

Five young adventurers from Switzerland set out to cross the Gulf of Bothnia on a small wooden raft based on a pre-Columbian model. Read more about this extraordinary project here!

Inspired by the ancient peoples of the Pacific, the adventurers built a unique raft. Few modern expeditions have ventured onto the waters in these primitive rafts, with Thor Heyerdahl's famous "Kon-Tiki" probably being the best known. Thanks to so-called guaras (pegboards), it is possible to sail a raft - and even over long distances.

During the summer we set sail along the Swedish coast. Our route took us through the Gulf of Bothnia for 5-7 days as we put our raft's sailing skills to the test. Finally, we reached our destination on the Finnish coast. An unforgettable adventure awaited us!

Such an undertaking requires both physical and mental strength. Therefore, we prepared intensively: We completed water sports training sessions, did land-based strength training and prepared ourselves mentally for the challenges. In various training blocks we learned how to handle the equipment and the extraordinary sailing techniques. Our training program also included first aid courses, knowledge of maritime law and planning nautical routes. It was an incredibly exciting time!

Before our journey could begin, we had to construct the raft together. When we arrived, all the building materials and tools were already on the beach. In a powerful act of cooperation, we connected the logs, erected the mast, planked the deck, and built a small superstructure with enough space for one to two people. Within just seven days, our trusty companion for the sailing adventure was born.

The Gulf of Bothnia is a calm inland sea. In June and July, weather conditions are usually moderate with average wind speeds of 3-4 Beaufort. Nevertheless, the water temperatures presented us with a non-negligible challenge even in summer. The tides, on the other hand, had a negligible impact on our trip.

• Noe rounded up the team and is leading the project. He is studying history in Basel and is passionate about the extraordinary sailing technique, which has been the subject of research for some time.
• Nicolas studies architecture and becomes the main person in charge of the raft construction. He is the most skilled craftsman and certainly the most creative in the team.
• Michi is an avid paraglider and runs up every hill he comes across. This, combined with his geography studies qualifies him as our outdoor expert. Weather, equipment and provisions are his areas of expertise on the expedition.
• David is the technician on our team. Whether it's operating satellite phones and other technical aids, or static calculations of our raft model; it doesn't matter - he can do it.
• Florian focuses on film and photography. He documents the expedition and is responsible for marketing and fundraising.