Nr 2 Entertainment for spa guests

Naantali’s spa culture blossomed in the 1910s and 1920s. The spa company took pride in entertaining wealthy guests. At the heart of this entertainment were Merisali and Kaivohuone, where dances and musical recitals were organised. Merisali also contained a library that guests could use freely.

Various forms of exercise and sports were an important part of spa activities. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, guests could enjoy badminton, tennis, bowling, dance and sailing, among other activities. In addition to sports, the spa’s head of recreation organised local incursions to destinations like Merimasku and Rymättylä.

Founding of the Naantali Sailing Club

Recreational and competitive sailing in Naantali dates back to the 1860s. Locals would rent out their sailing boats to summer residents and spa guests. Most voyages were short evening incursions to the firth of Naantalinaukko, but some summer visitors ventured further, sailing around Luonnonmaa or visiting familiar summer villas in the archipelago.

In the early 1900s, spa life became more lively and social. Sailing was an especially popular activity. Dressed in their sailing outfits, boaters competed with each other in friendly races. Spectators followed these races from the shore, sheltered from the wind and burning sun on Merisali’s veranda.

In the evening, the race would be toasted at Kaivohuone over a sailor’s dinner. The races, organised by locals and spa guests starting in 1909, eventually led to the founding of the Naantali Sailing Club in 1917.

Caption 1: Spa guests visiting Soininen Manor in rural Naantali in 1915.

Caption 2: Spectators watching the sailing competition from Merisali’s veranda in summer 1915. Races usually started and finished in front of Merisali.