Hjallis Harkimo was horrified by his son’s dangerous idea: “I was terrified”

Hjallis Harkimo was horrified when his son Joel Harkimo, 33, announced that he was going to sail alone around the world.

– I was absolutely terrified. I thought it couldn’t be true. In this race, however, we go to extremes. Let’s go as a non-stop alone, and the boat is smaller than the one I had, Hjallis Harkimo says.

The sailing adventure called “The Voyage” begins in 2026. Joel Harkimo participates in the Golden Globe Race, which lasts nine months.

Father knows the dangers of the trip, as he is an experienced sailor himself. Crossing the noisy Cape Horn by boat is particularly risky.

– Out of 43 competitors, only 9 have reached the finish line. This is a dangerous project. Of course it’s hard for me to go and say you can’t leave when I’ve been there myself, he laughs.

Despite everything, the response to the boy’s big plans was accepting.

– I couldn’t say like my mother that you’re not leaving. I remembered that my parents never told me that.

Budget “under a million”

Harkimo’s everyday life now completely revolves around sailing. He was able to put his life in such order that it is possible to realize a long-term dream.

– Now I can fully focus on this for four years. I’ll put everything in the box. This kind of project cannot be done in the evenings or on weekends, he says.

A nine-month competition is not a cheap thing. The budget is hundreds of thousands of euros.

– It’s less than a milli. We are talking about hundreds of thousands, and closer to zero than a million.

The boat itself is of course a big expense. That too costs more than a hundred tons.

– You can sink as much money into it as you want. There is no upper limit. I invest in the boat as much as I can.

Harkimo went to see a potential racing boat in France and already paid a down payment for it. The boat in question was also involved in the 2018 Golden Globe Race.

– Buying old boats is always a bit of a lottery. Even though we have researched it thoroughly, you never know how much money it really requires to be ready to go.

Lost 10 kilos

Physical fitness is important in sailing. Harkimo says that he lost ten kilos during the fall and winter, although he didn’t even try to lose weight.

– This is not exactly a weight loss project. I need to get myself in top shape. When you eat healthy and exercise, the pounds will come off. There is no diet here, he emphasizes.

In addition, Harkimo has invested in developing the psychological side. That’s what a long racing head calls for. The winner of the previous GGR spent 230 days alone at sea.

– It’s been such a long time that I don’t really know what to think about it. Will you get used to loneliness, or will it get harder all the time? Harkimo thinks.

– Of course, loneliness is exciting. Although I like to spend time alone, I have never spent 200 days alone at sea. Then when it comes the real dealyou can’t practice it properly, no matter what you do.

The Finnish skipper will be clearly the youngest guard in the race.

– When you look at previous winners, they are really experienced sea bears. Even if I’m in the boat from now until the start of the race, I’m not as experienced as them.

The new challenge also excites Harkimo’s wife Janni Hussia. He reacted to the news somewhat ambivalently.

– He didn’t jump with enthusiasm, but he immediately said that he would definitely give his support. Our relationship is based on the fact that both are allowed to realize themselves and do things, says Harkimo.