Every sailor admires the Vindö cruising boats from the Swedish west coast. Vindös are seventies compromises worth looking at, made of a rock solid and easy-care fibreglass hull with a teak deck and a handsome mahogany superstructure. A tempting mix of practicality with the traditional look and feel aboard.
The dream of Lasse Ristikankare
In the 1980s, Finnish wooden boat builder Lasse Ristikankare transformed a Swede 55 hull and deck shell near Turku into such a gem. The varnished mahogany foot rail, the traditional laid teak deck with king plank, the mahogany superstructure, and the teak-covered cabin roof are a feast for the eyes. Even the transom came in glossy varnished mahogany. And the window frames in shiny stainless-steel suit Susaija well. A boat as a piece of furniture.
The cockpit was altered as well – Photo Lasse Ristikankare
Modifications on and below deck
And Ristikankare did not leave it at that. He rethought and rebuilt his 55 in other ways as well. The cockpit came with a different helmsman station with an old-fashioned wheel made of turned spokes and a 55 intarsia on the table.
Keelstepped mast aboard Quintus ex Susaija – Photo private/Swedesail archive
Below deck, too, Ristikankare modified Swede 55 towards his dreamboat. With a cabin layout according to his ideas and in a traditional finish. It sailed as Susaija for a long time in Finland. For a while now, the gem has been sailing as Quintus in the Stockholm archipelago.
In the archipelago of Finland – Photo private/Swedesail archive
This is possible if the wood is exposed during the few months of the Nordic summer and otherwise kept indoors, cherished, and cared for. Varnished mahogany requires attention with regular sanding, patience, and skills with the brush. So a 55 can be built and adored like a Vindö. It just sails differently.
Veneered counter with raised capital brass letters – Photo private/Swedesail archive
Photo on top by Ristikankare: Quintus ex. Susaija from 1985 in the Finnish archipelago. Published December 17, 2022; updated March 5, 2026.→ Subscribe to the newsletter, and you won’t miss future articles.
