matkapurjehdus

Matkapurjehdus, a Finnish term, is a type of sailing where a small boat, typically a sailboat or a yacht, is propelled by an electric or gasoline-powered propulsion system, alongside sailing.

This method allows the boat to move even when the wind is unfavorable or the speed of the boat is insufficient to make progress under sail alone. Matkapurjehdus is common in coastal areas where wind patterns are unpredictable, and navigation often depends on using auxiliary propulsion.

The term is formally defined in the Finnish Navigation Rules (2004) and is equivalent to the international term "sail-assisted motoring". Matkapurjehdus has several variations, depending on the specific sailing conditions, the type of boat, and the choice of propulsion system.

The primary rule for matkapurjehdus is that a sailboat must not use its engine for steaming into a port, but the engine may be used for weak steaming before entering or after leaving a harbor, as well as while sailing in harbor areas. This rule aims to improve safety and minimize the effects of engine exhaust fumes in sensitive marine environments.

As for handling and usage, sail-assisted vessels can block other traffic, such as powerboats, and there must be a clear understanding of navigation and communication between vessels using this method of propulsion. With the increasing use of modern sail designs and more efficient propulsion systems, matkapurjehdus has become a means of responsible navigation for sailors, making routes safer and more accessible.