SKIPPER, RYA OCEAN YACHTMASTER

Tapio Lehtinen is one of the world's most accomplished ocean-racing skippers, with a sailing career spanning over five decades. He has circumnavigated the globe multiple times, including as watch captain in the legendary Whitbread Round the World Race and as the fifth finisher in the 2018 Golden Globe Race, where he circumnavigated non-stop in 322 days.

In 2023 he skippered the classic S&S Swan 55 yawl Galiana in the Ocean Globe Race with a young team. Tapio is known for his passion for classic yachts, commitment to youth sailing, and deep respect for maritime and yachting heritage.

As skipper of Galiana, Tapio offers guests the chance to experience true offshore sailing alongside a seasoned professional. Whether exploring the Helsinki archipelago or embarking on longer ocean adventures, sailing with Tapio means joining a living legend who combines adventure, safety, and a love for the sea.

TEAM MANAGER, RYA OFFSHORE YACHTMASTER

Born in 1973, spent the childhood summers sailing on a Folkboat in the Finnish archipelago with her family, in early adulthood years sailed with friends in the same waters. Got involved in youth sailing with her three kids, organizing the club youth program together with Tapio and ended up becoming the Chairman of the Finnish Sailing Federation Youth Sailing Committee. Her daughter sailed in the 2024 Olympics.

Pia acted as Tapio's team manager in the 2022 Golden Globe Race and got her baptism of fire being the first one to hear the news of Tapio's boat having stopped sending tracker information, meaning it had sank and taking then care of communications with family, team, media, sponsors as the situation finally unfolded luckily into his rescue from the life raft 25 hrs later by Kirsten Neuschafer. She continued as the team manager in the OGR project and sailed around the world onboard Galiana in the race also responsible for the first aid and medication. As the OGR youth project was financed through corporate partnerships, Pia as the team manager has been responsible for organizing the numerous outings we have organized with our corporate guests during the years.

Ashore Pia works as the Health and Safety manager at IBM Finland, having a versatile schooling as a certified nurse with additional studies of vocational health care and work safety.

FIRST MATE

Born in 1992 in Kuivalahti on Finland’s west coast, comes from an entrepreneurial family with roots on boating and can do attitude. He knows Galiana and its systems inside out.

He began boating at the age of eight when he was too young to ride a moped to friends cottages, the sea became his route. Since then, sailing, fly fishing, and spending time in nature have been central to his life.

Santeri trained as a chef and has worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants. These days, he works primarily as a professional photographer, but cooking remains a passion. On sailing trips, he’s responsible for meals and also captures the journey with his camera so you'll eat well and take home great memories.

CO-SKIPPER

Jukka Lahti is an accomplished sailor and the co-skipper of Galiana. With a background as a Fire Fighting Officer, Fire Inspector, certified nurse, and paramedic, Jukka brings exceptional safety expertise to every voyage. He holds a Skipper's Certificate for professional domestic service and served as a Navy navigation lieutenant.
Jukka's career spans 44 years with the Tampere Fire & Rescue services, where he specialized in firefighting, rescue operations, and high-risk ambulance work. He has also skippered fast rescue boats, received advanced training in international rescue cooperation, and, after retirement, captained lake passenger ships carrying up to 200 people.
On the water, Jukka has over 25 years of experience racing internationally in the Snipe Class, winning both National and Nordic championships. As Tapio's second cousin, he has shared many sailing adventures with him on various boats.
At 67, Jukka is in excellent health and maintains regular physical training. He is known for his strong leadership, ability to work under pressure, and professionalism in first aid. Outside of sailing, Jukka is fun, relaxed, and musically talented, making him a valued and well-rounded member of any crew.

CO-SKIPPER

Sami Uolamo is the co-skipper of Galiana. He is a 52-year-old Master Mariner and Chief Engineer with a long professional career in the Merchant Navy since 2000, working in various roles as both engineer and officer. Most recently, he works as the second officer on a 63,000-ton crude oil tanker. Sami holds professional qualifications in First Aid, Medical Care, Fire Fighting, and Survival, and is also a certified electrician.
In addition to his merchant navy experience, Sami has extensive sailing credentials. He has worked as Chief Officer and Master on the Sail Training Association Finland's schooner Helena (110 tons), and as Master on the STAF Nautor's S&S Swan 65 Vahine. He has cruised the Baltic Sea with his own boat and contributed to Galiana's refit by working on the electrical system as well as sailing with the vessel. Sami is also an active volunteer with the Finnish Lifeboat Association.
Sami is known for his versatile professional background, his experience as a trainer and mentor for junior cadets, and his strong teamwork skills. As an extra bonus, he is also a professional chef.