Ari Känsäkoski returns to the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028

by Marco Nannini 2 Apr 06:20 BST

Ari Känsäkoski receives the Global Solo Challenge Seamanship Award - Vigo, February 28th, 2026 © Marta Domínguez

Finnish skipper Ari Känsäkoski took the start of the Global Solo Challenge 2023-2024 on his Owen Clarke design Class40 ZEROchallenge. After rounding Cape of Good Hope he dismasted in the Roaring Forties north of the Kerguelen islands, more than a thousand two hundred miles from land, putting him in a very delicate situation.

He remained cool headed and began making plans to reach the African continent. Following the dismasting he spent 25 days nursing the boat under jury rig and engine, including a mid-ocean refuelling from the Japanese fishing vessel Tomi Maru and one from the Finnlines ferry Finncanopus. Ari eventually reached Durban where he was forced to retire from the event. His incredible journey back to land is a lesson to all who sail and was celebrated with the Global Solo Challenge "Seamanship" award.

Ari has now committed to completing his journey and has now committed to returning for the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. His remarkable strength of character and determination will again be his strongest asset and we look forward to following his journey.

About the skipper:

Name: Ari Känsäkoski
Nationality: Finland
Resides in: Pernaja, Finland
Born in: 1970
Miles sailed: Forty years of active racing.
Boat: ZEROchallenge — Owen Clarke Design 2007 Class40

Ari Känsäkoski - ZEROchallenge - OCD Class40 - photo © Ari Känsäkoski

Where does your passion for sailing come from?

Since I was 12 years old, I have been passionate about the elements of the sea and nature. As well as sailing, I used to be a mountain climber, and these two elements are the only ones that can deliver the vastness, calmness, and thrill at the same level. Stormy or peaceful mountains and roaring or calm ocean. The feeling is truest when you are in the middle of it alone.

What lessons have you learnt from sailing?

Major values and skills in life:

love of nature
the importance of fighting climate change
team player skills
fairness to others
leadership skills
helpfulness
competitiveness
first comes first thinking
precise sailing skills
and so so much more

Sailing is the backbone of my life and I see everything through sailing.

What brought you to like single-handed sailing?

I was working at our hometown yacht club and marina Gamlagarleby Segelförening on a summer job when I was 17. One day, Harry Harkimos was there on his Swan 50, Belmont. He was there for a promotion tour after his single-handed BOC Challenge race. The marina was quiet during working hours, and he showed me his boat and told amazing stories for half a day. That left me with an inner drive. Years of racing took me on a different path but now it is time to realise my dream.

What prompted you to sign up for this event?

I purchased my boat Fuji for Global Ocean Race 2015. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled. Since then, there had not been a nonstop version of a single-handed race suitable for Fuji until the Global Solo Challenge in 2023. After my dismasting in the first edition of the race I am more determined than ever to come back and complete what I started.

How do you plan to prepare for this event?

After retiring in Durban during the Global Solo Challenge 2023-2024, I brought back the boat to Finland, which needs a new mast and a full refit. Work is under way.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?

My rest and eating routines. I am so focused on sailing that it will be a challenge to ensure I get into a solid routine to optimise my performance and results throughout the race. I will make the most of what I learnt in 2023.

Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.

Fuji is a Class 40 and was originally commissioned for Alex Bennet. Fuji is designed and built as a robust platform for single-handed CAT 0 racing.

Do you intend to link this personal challenge with a social message?

Absolutely, for me, contributing to social value has been a feature of my lifestyle for a long time. ZEROchallenge was initiated by me in 2015 and brought together many elements of my lifestyle into a project that showcases carbon-free life in all areas and activities. In this race, the Global Solo Challenge will be completed using renewable energy and the carbon footprint will be kept ZERO or even positive.

Sailing experience

Forty years of active racing as a skipper and coach in several countries including France and the U.K. Top experiences are hard to list but some highlights include: