B&G Ambassador Ari Huusela prepares for Vendée Globe - Guided by B&G
by Dulcie Allen, B&G 21 Sep 2020 11:20 BST
Ari Huusela © B&G
Reliable, uncomplaining and high-performing, B&G electronics have been steering solo skippers to the finish line in the Vendée Globe since 1989.
B&G®, the world's leading sailing navigation and instrument specialist, is proud to be supporting Ari Huusela, a well-accomplished Ocean Race sailor from Finland in his preparation for the Vendée Globe. Four years ago, he accomplished his biggest dream so far by sailing the legendary solo 5,500-kilometer Route du Rhum from France to the Caribbean and being the first Nordic sailor to cross the finish line, he is now undergoing full preparation for the Vendee Globe. Ari's overall mission is to complete the 44,000 kilometers around the world in a sailboat, alone, without stopping, without assistance, and as fast as possible, guided by B&G.
Onboard his Imoca 60 "Stark", Ari has the latest state-of-the-art electronics to compete at the highest level. Boasting a full B&G system including the Zeus™3 9", Triton" Digital Display and Halo radar, along with a full H5000 Hercules system, which has specific functions for competition, including polar tables for performance objectives and 3D Motion correction for maximum precision in the wind data. The H5000 autopilot system is highly effective in the toughest conditions and most testing environments and is ideal for short-handed racers.
"Safety is always the first priority in my job as pilot. This is reflected in the way I sail, when alone at sea, the nearest help may be over a thousand kilometres away, reliability is such an important part of single-handed sailing safety and performance, therefore having the most comprehensive systems on board is crucial. The B&G system is reliable, sophisticated and capable of driving the boat at maximum power in all conditions," said Huusela.
The Vendée Globe is the flagship race of the IMOCA Globe Series programme. Two thirds of the fleet will put their trust in B&G autopilots, radars, instruments and chartplotters to enable them to sail faster and more safely, as they circumnavigate the globe in their magnificent IMOCA 60s. " In shorthanded sailing the electronics and autopilot solution are a vital piece of equipment, and effectively the solo sailors crew, helping them to sail the boats, so trust in their equipment is paramount." said Simon Conder, Head of B&G Brand. "We are delighted to be working with and supporting Ari, and that he like many others, has trust in and has chosen B&G, as his on board solution for his Vendée Globe campaign."