The Finn Ari Huusela (Stark) arrived in Les Sables to complete the Vendée Globe in 25th and last position, on March 5, 2021. -
Loic VENANCE / AFP
The Finn Ari Huusela (Stark), who was taking part in his first solo round-the-world tour at 58, arrived at Les Sables d'Olonne on Friday morning after 116 days at sea to finish 25th and close the ninth edition of the Vendée Globe.
The sailor, an airline pilot by profession, cut the line 36 days after the winner of the edition, Yannick Bestaven, to become the first Nordic skipper to complete the Vendée Globe.
Alex Thomson as an advisor
As he approached Les Sables d'Olonne, he was escorted by a few boats on relatively calm seas and bright sunshine.
Huusela, passionate about sailing since the 1980s, learned about the Mini-Transat before embarking on an Imoca project and was greatly advised by the Welshman Alex Thomson, with whom he has sailed several times.
The Finn is the last of 33 competitors in this ninth edition, which has eight withdrawals.
The race was won by Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq IV) in 80 days 3 hours and 44 minutes.
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