Ari HUUSELA

"There are many variables to master – driving the boat; analyzing weather; withstanding extreme conditions; mental strength; and physical endurance. Huusela has been driven by a hunger to accomplish his goals and the unbelievable beauty of being alone at sea.

During all these years from his first trans Atlantic Classe Mini race in 1999 Huusela has kept his daytime job and still continues working. His professional background is a benefit in understanding a sailboat as he worked many years as an airplane mechanic. In his current day job with the A350 captain’s hat on, Huusela says he sort of sails in the air. Only the airplane wing is horizontal, while a sailboat’s wing is set up vertically.

As a pilot and a skipper Huusela typically approaches things with realistic expectations. He has earned every and each of his achievements by hard work. Everyone is allowed to dream big, though."

First Nordic 

It takes a lot of determination, discipline, entrepreneurship, commitment and forward-thinking partners to participate in this world-class sport. Coming from the remote northern seas that freeze over in winter and where few people know the enormous influence of these adventurous, high-performance ocean races, Ari Hussela and his team decided to build a human project within their reach. The first Nordic to take up the challenge, Ari Hussela will start the Route du Rhum in 2018, then the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2019, with the goal of the 2020 Vendée Globe. 

On March 5, 2021, Ari succeeded in his challenge and completed his solo round-the-world race in 116 days.