KORHONEN ALF

 

Korhonen Alf Börje, Aulis, Mollyhawk, born in Kuopio on 25.1.1911.

Now lives in Corseaux, Switzerland.

Went to sea in the autumn of 1929 as deck hand in the full-rigged ship GRACE HARWAR, signing on in Mariehamn and joining her in Glasgow.

GRACE HARWAR was trading to South America and was commanded first by Captain K. G. Svenson and then by Captain Gunnar Boman.

Alf Korhonen sailed in the GRACE HARWAR until 1931, when she was laid up in Mariehamn.

He also sailed in the 3-masted barquentine RUNEBORG of Vardö.

In the summer of 1931 he made a voyage in the 4- masted barque PENANG from London to Mariehamn under the command of Captain Mauritz Mattsson.

He was then sent to Cork to join the 4- masted barque POMMERN under the command of Captain Karl Granith. He sailed in the POMMERN from 1931 to 1932, rounding Cape Horn in 1932 as an Able Seaman.

In 1934, Alf Korhonen sailed in the 4-masted barque PAMIR from Mariehamn to Copenhagen, where he fell ill and left the ship. That was the end of his time in sail.

Alf Korhonen obtained his Master Mariner's certificate in Raumo/ Rauma in 1941.

He was called up and served in the Finnish Navy during World War II.

In 1947 he obtained his diploma of Economics at Commercial College.

Alf Korhonen was Owner of the Vasa Ships Company from 1952 until 1976 and was awarded the title of Sjöfartsräd (Maritime Connsellor) in 1971.

He was awarded the Cape Horners' medal in 1988.