Already have your small vessel operator’s license, but still don’t feel quite confident? That’s exactly why Merelaine.ee was created.
There’s a moment that many small vessel operator’s license holders know all too well. You’ve passed the exam, you have your license in hand, and officially, everything seems to be in order. On paper, you’re ready to start operating a vessel.
But what about the real feeling? That might not be there yet.
Because real life at sea doesn’t begin on exam day, but only when you have to decide for yourself where to go, how to dock at a port, what to do when the wind shifts, and how to keep your crew or family safe on board.
Merelaine was born out of a very simple and personal need—the need to gain real-world experience. Not just lessons in a classroom or isolated practical sessions, but the opportunity to go out to sea in a way that allows skills to grow alongside confidence.
I had the experience, but the responsibility always fell on someone else
Even before Merelaine, I’d been involved with the sea for years. I’ve taken sailing courses, gone on navigation trips in Finland, participated in Wednesday sailing sessions and regattas, and even sailed abroad. All of these experiences taught me a lot. I saw how a boat works, how a crew functions, and how the sea is different every day.
But there was one important difference: for the most part, you fill a specific role on board. You help out, learn, observe, and gain experience, but the ultimate responsibility doesn’t rest on your shoulders. This means that while you do gain knowledge and insight, it doesn’t always give you the confidence to set out to sea on your own.
Once I had obtained my small vessel operator’s license, this contrast seemed particularly stark. There was actually very little hands-on training. I only got to practice mooring a RIB once. I only got to steer a motor sailboat at sea for a few minutes. As for sailing, it largely depended on how much you sought out opportunities on your own—or rather, what you managed to learn and experience later on your own.
And then, after the exam, they basically say: Congratulations! Now you can operate a vessel up to 24 meters long!
It sounds good on paper. In real life, it seems like quite a big leap—to be honest, if driver’s licenses worked the same way, I wouldn’t dare drive.
The real problem wasn’t the permits, but what comes after them
The concern wasn’t that it would be impossible to study. The concern was that, after obtaining the necessary permits, it wouldn’t be easy to figure out what to do next.
Many people are in the same situation:
- The licenses are available
- There is interest
- The sea is receding
- but I still have little personal experience
At the same time, most people don’t want to buy their own boat right away. It’s a big decision and a major expense. Even for a smaller boat, this can mean tens of thousands of euros, plus future repairs and additional investments—and even more for larger boats. First, you’d want to know whether this lifestyle really suits you, what kind of boat you like, and how confident you actually feel at sea.
But there have been few options for renting a boat without a captain. That was exactly where I felt something was missing—and it was precisely from that gap that the idea for Merelaine began to take shape.
The first boat was built out of a need to learn; the next ones were built out of a desire to share and set sail together
The first classic sailboat on which I was really able to hone my skills was the Laine —a Birdie 24. It gave me the chance to practice, make mistakes, try again, and gain confidence step by step. That’s exactly the kind of foundation and opportunity I would have needed right after getting my license.
But it soon became clear that not all sailing trips are the same. When I wanted to go to the islands or to Finland, for example, with my family or friends, a traditional sailboat wasn’t the most convenient option for everyone. For some, it was too cramped; for others, too traditional; and for still others, simply old-fashioned and slow.
And so, the next boat to arrive at Merelaine was the Arabella —a MacGregor 26. It has more space, is more comfortable, and has a powerful engine. Even when the wind dies down, that doesn’t mean the day is over. You can keep moving quickly and comfortably.
Later, a speedboat was added to the fleet, which is ideal for a summer day on the bay, water sports, quick trips out on the water, and spending time with a larger group.
Today, these boats are available for rent at Tallinn’s Old Port, both with and without a captain. That’s precisely why the concern I once had shouldn’t stand in the way of others.
Who are Merelaine’s customers?
Merelaine’s customers aren’t just people who want to enjoy a pleasant boat ride. Many of them go out to sea to become more confident skippers.
There have been people among us:
- who initially came for an internship to get a real feel for the sea after obtaining their licenses
- who practiced before their first independent long-distance ride
- who honed their skills before leaving Finland or Sweden to get a foothold for themselves
- who wanted to really understand which base was right for them before making a purchase
- and also those who started out by renting or doing an internship and are now small boat owners themselves
That’s one of the best things about Merelaine—seeing how initial uncertainty gives way to experience, confidence, and joy. Some start out cautiously with the captain at the helm, some come first to practice maneuvers, and some just want a safe spot to watch from the sidelines. And before you know it, they’re heading out to sea on their own.
In addition to these, we also have many customers who are simply looking for a great experience at sea:
- families who want to go to the beach together
- groups of friends celebrating a birthday or anniversary
- companies looking for a different kind of team-building or motivational event
- visitors who want to experience Tallinn Bay from a completely different perspective
- people for whom the sea is a place of tranquility, meaning, and remembrance
Why is it important that a boat can be rented with or without a captain?
Not everyone is in the same place at sea—and they don’t have to be.
Some people just want to come on board, relax, and enjoy the day. Some want to take the helm themselves and gain experience. Some want to start out with the captain and move step by step toward independence.
That is why it is important to have more than one option.
A cruise with a captain is a great choice for those who:
- just want to enjoy the sea
- are celebrating the event
- are coming with their family or a group of friends
- are looking for a safe and worry-free experience
A captainless rental is ideal for those who:
- want to put their skills to use
- need more practical experience
- want to build their self-confidence
- want to get some real practice in before buying their own boat or going on a longer voyage
And that flexibility is precisely what Merelaine is all about—the sea isn’t just for experienced captains or reserved for special occasions. The sea is also a place for learning, growing, and finding your own pace.
The sea teaches you best when you take responsibility yourself
Lectures, exams, and field trips are necessary. But they alone don’t give you a true feel for the sea. That feeling comes when you have to observe the weather yourself, plan your route, decide whether to go or not, and perform those maneuvers in the harbor that seemed much easier on paper.
Meri teaches calmly but honestly. She’s quick to point out when something needs more practice. And she’s just as quick to boost your confidence when the opportunity arises.
That’s exactly why we at Merelaines believe that boat rentals aren’t just a service. They can be the next step after getting your license. A chance to practice. A chance to learn. A chance to finally truly understand what kind of life at sea suits you best.
The sea isn’t just for learning
Although Merelaine was born largely out of practical necessity, the sea is also a place of joy, celebration, and gathering.
The following events have been held at Merel:
- birthdays
- anniversaries
- the company’s smaller summer and team-building events
- enjoyable evening drives with friends
- family days
- and also quiet, meaningful moments of remembrance
The sea makes every event unique. It takes people away from their everyday lives, creates space for a genuine sense of presence, and often leaves a much stronger impression than a typical hall, restaurant, or office.
Why does Merelaine exist?
The answer is actually simple: because real-world experience at sea is more important than just a piece of paper.
Merelaine was created to help people get to the sea:
- safely
- more boldly
- more wisely
- and more like yourself
Some come here to look for their first boat. Some come here to spend a beautiful summer day with their family. Some come here to really figure out what they need before buying a boat. Some start out as interns and eventually end up owning their own boat.
All of these paths are valid. And there is room at sea for all of them.
In conclusion
Once I had my license in hand, I quickly realized that the license alone doesn’t give you a feel for the sea. That comes from experience—the opportunity to try, learn, practice, and grow.
“Merelaine” was born out of this realization.
The desire to be able to get out on the water even if you don’t have your own boat yet. The desire to ensure that new license holders aren’t left stranded on shore. The desire to ensure that families, friends, and groups can experience the sea easily, enjoyably, and safely. The desire to bring the sea closer.
If you have a license but would like to gain more experience, if you want to rent a sailboat, motorboat, or yacht—with or without a captain—or if you simply want to spend a wonderful day at sea, that’s exactly what Merelaine is here for.
Contact Us
If you feel like you’d like to:
- to participate in a maritime internship
- hone your skills
- rent a boat with or without a captain
- go to the beach with family, friends, or coworkers
- or simply explore which solution works best for you
Then get in touch with Merelaine.
Sometimes it all starts with a single voyage. And sometimes that voyage is the beginning of a much greater maritime tale.
