Alluring Arctic Sailing

Arctic Voyages: Juho and Sohvi’s Journey on the Garcia Nouanni 43

In the world of adventure seekers, Juho Karhu and Sohvi, a Finnish couple, stand out for their remarkable journey. They embarked on an extraordinary Arctic adventure, fueled by their passion for sailing, kitesurfing, skiing, and a strong commitment to contributing to vital research in cold, remote regions.

Setting Sail on the Garcia Nouanni 43

Their story began with the purchase of a rare, solidly built aluminum boat, the Garcia Nouanni 43, acquired for $57,000. But this was just the beginning. Juho and Sohvi undertook a massive refit, transforming their vessel into a formidable explorer. Their mission? To sail through the Arctic regions, from Alaska and onwards via the Northwest Passage to the majestic Greenland.

Adventures in the Cold

Juho Karhu is no stranger to sharing his adventures. His YouTube channel features a plethora of videos showcasing sailing and skiing in the breathtaking landscapes of Norway. One notable video offers a comprehensive review of the best diesel heaters for boats, an essential during their wintering adventures in Norway’s frigid waters.

Previous Episodes: Trials and Triumphs

The journey of Juho and Sohvi is marked by tenacity. In their quest for an aluminum-hulled boat suitable for cold areas, they initially purchased SV Sylvia in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, it came with numerous technical issues, leading to its eventual sale. Undeterred, Juho took over as the skipper of SV Artika, a seemingly abandoned aluminum boat in Tromsø, Norway. The restoration was a labor of love, and with Sohvi by his side, they sailed to Iceland. Repair videos chronicle their challenges, including rebuilding the rudder and addressing water leakage along the rudder shaft. Despite engine troubles and calls for help, their determination remained unshaken.

This commitment to boats with high maintenance needs ultimately led them to the Garcia Nouanni 43 in California. With SV Lumi, whose refit was completed with unwavering dedication, they embarked on an awe-inspiring journey, sailing via the rugged British Columbia coastline to reach the pristine wilderness of Alaska.

The YouTube Chronicles

Juho and Sohvi’s YouTube channel has been a remarkable platform to document their extensive efforts. They’ve shared a series of videos spanning four months, offering a unique look into the restoration of the Garcia Nouanni 43. The boat had been dormant on land for 15 years, and their restoration journey is both fascinating and instructive.

A Timeline of Arctic Exploration

The couple’s journey is a testament to their passion and commitment:

• 2018: Sailing and skiing adventures in Finland and Norway.
• 2019: Venturing to Svalbard and back, where they skied new lines and participated in Gdansk Technical University’s Sval-POPs project.
• 2019 Summer: Collecting glacier imagery for Norway’s glacier atlas, a crucial data source for climate change research.
• 2020/2021 Winter: Another round of winter sailing and skiing in Norway.
• 2021 Summer: The sale of SV Sylvia marked a significant shift, as they moved to Arktika.
• 2021 Summer: Sailing SV Arktika from Norway to Iceland with Sohvi.
• 2022 Spring: A pivotal moment came when they bought the Garcia Nouanni 43 and began its refit in California, USA.
• 2023: Sailing SV Lumi from California to Alaska with Sohvi.

Juho and Sohvi’s adventures represent not only a personal journey but also a contribution to the world of cold-climate research and a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration. Follow their story on YouTube and be part of their extraordinary voyage through the Arctic’s icy waters.