Global Solo Challenge: Ari's qualifier from Cherbourg to Helsinki
by Dave Proctor 16 Jun 2023 18:25 BST
Heading towards Helsinki © Ari Känsäkoski
The decision concerning the route for the 2,000 nautical mile qualifying sail for the Global Solo Challenge (GSC) lies in the hands of each entrant. However, this choice requires the organiser's approval.
The primary requirements include the stipulation that the journey must take place on the boat they will use for the challenge, be non-stop, and, naturally, be completed solo.
Some entrants have opted to undertake this qualifying journey while delivering their yachts to Europe in preparation for the GSC. Others are contemplating participation in organised events.
A few have selected a there-and-back shake-down trip to destinations like the Azores in the relatively calm Atlantic waters or other seas. This strategy allows them to familiarise themselves with the boat and its performance while identifying potential improvements, both in sailing and accommodation. Moreover, it affords them an opportunity to adjust to irregular sleep and eating schedules.
However, some entrants must align their qualifying sail with other obligations, essentially having the route determined for them.
One such entrant is Finnish sailor Ari Känsäkoski. His boat, 'Fuji,' a Class 40 designed by Owen Clarke, spent the winter in the French port of Cherbourg. But as spring ended, it needed to be in Helsinki for a series of regattas. Ari, who will captain the boat during these races with a team of experienced and novice sailors, saw the delivery of Fuji from Cherbourg to Helsinki as the perfect chance to undertake the qualifying sail.
Although the anticipated wisdom was that the prevailing winds would be predominantly behind him, Ari found that three-quarters of the voyage was against winds of around 30 knots.
His journey took him up the English Channel past Dover, one of the busiest shipping areas globally, and into the North Sea. Here, he chose a route south of the third Easterly lane, supposedly the least busy in terms of shipping.
Navigating through the North Sea, Ari turned starboard into the Skagerrak Strait. Entering this area, he encountered a four-knot current against him, along with thirty knots of wind.
After traversing the Skagerak and Kattegat Straits, he veered port around Sweden's Southern tip into the Baltic Sea. This final leg of his journey was more peaceful, allowing Ari to enjoy his sail.
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