Ari HUUSELA STARK

1^st participation

60 years old

Helsinki

View prize list

Achievements

2019

Bermudes 1000 Race, 16th

2018

Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe, 11^th

2014

Class40: Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe, 9^th

2007

Classe Mini: Mini-Transat, 7^th

1999

Classe Mini: Mini-Transat, 13^th

Portrait

Many people say that there is a lot in common between sailing and aeronautics. In either case, you must be attentive to the evolution of weather systems, keep a dose of humility, and be sensitive to the balance of the machine. Pilot on passengers aircrafts, Ari Huusela has experienced these similarities since 1999 when participating in the Mini-Transat. During this particularly trying edition, he realized how much he enjoyed what solo off-shore racing was all about : pushing oneself and developing mental and physical resistance. After a second experience on the Mini-Transat, he tried the Class40 before switching to the IMOCA circuit and setting himself a new target with the Vendée Globe. The sailor must have good assets to highlight as Alex Thomson never misses a chance to support him and express how highly he thinks of the Finnish sailor.

IMOCA monohull

STARK

Built for navigator Dee Caffari, Ariel 2 is a boat that has proved itself after three round-the-world races (one Vendée Globe and two Barcelona World Race). This powerful boat was slimmed down in 2018 in order to give it more reactivity and vivacity. Ari Huusela has already tested the behavior of his new monohull in the Baltic’s cold and tumultuous waters, making Helsinki the homeport of the boat.

STARK