Six French Naval School Ships Arrive in Helsinki

Helsinki welcomed a significant delegation from the French Naval Academy, with six training ships and approximately 1,200 sailors docking at Katajanokka for a four-day goodwill visit. The fleet, part of a Baltic Sea training cruise, is led by Rear Admiral Marie Henry Robert Chaperon, with Commodore Erik Helenius serving as the host for the Finnish side.

The visiting vessels include the 1950s-built destroyers Vauquelin and Kersaint, each measuring 130 meters and carrying a crew of 300 sailors. The French contingent also comprises the frigates Bourquignon and Savoyard, along with the coastal patrol boats Etourdi and Adroit, showcasing a range of naval capabilities.

The program balances official duties with cultural immersion. The French sailors will engage in tours and introductory visits, with a particular anticipation for experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna. Officers humorously noted that a report could be compiled after the experience. A football match is also scheduled, offering a chance for friendly competition between the French cadets and their Finnish counterparts.

Rear Admiral Chaperon will host a reception aboard the destroyer Vauquelin. The city of Helsinki has arranged evening entertainment for the sailors at local dance venues and the Peacock theater in Linnanmäki, fostering a connection between the visiting naval personnel and the local community.

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Once it has been experienced, a report on the matter can be prepared.