Meet Juho and Sohvi, the dynamic couple behind the YouTube channel Alluring Arctic Sailing. Their journey, aboard the refurbished s/v Lumi, is a captivating blend of high – seas adventure, scientific research, and environmental advocacy. From the moment they set their sights on the Arctic, they’ve been on a mission to explore the remote corners of the region, contribute to vital research, and share their experiences with the world.
The Dream Takes Shape: From Ordinary Lives to Arctic Explorers
Juho, an avid skier and kitesurfer with a passion for videography, and Sohvi, a postdoctoral researcher at the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland, had their lives changed by a shared love for the outdoors.
In 2022, after an extensive search in California, they found s/v Lumi, a neglected Nouanni 44 built by Garcia Yachts in France. The boat, which had been abandoned in a boatyard for 15 years, was in a sorry state. But Juho and Sohvi saw potential. Over the course of five grueling months, they painstakingly refitted Lumi, transforming it into a seaworthy vessel ready for the challenges of Arctic sailing.
Sailing into the Unknown: The Northwest Passage Adventure
In 2024, Juho and Sohvi embarked on an epic journey – sailing the Northwest Passage from Alaska to Greenland. This approximately 4,000 – nautical – mile (≈4,600 – mile) expedition through the Arctic Ocean, navigating a route that took them across the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, and Baffin Bay, was no small feat. They had to contend with pack ice, icebergs, and unpredictable weather conditions. But their determination and love for the Arctic kept them going.
A Floating Research Station: Contributing to Arctic Science
One of the most remarkable aspects of their journey is their contribution to Arctic research. They actively participate in various scientific projects, leveraging s/v Lumi as a mobile research platform.
- Weather Data Collection: The sensors on s/v Lumi are connected to an on – board computer, collecting data on temperature, water temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and pressure every minute. This data is invaluable for researchers working to improve weather models and forecasts in the Arctic, where accurate predictions are crucial for the safety of local communities and marine traffic.
- Snowpack and Ice Crusts Research: They are involved in the CHARTER Arctic “Secrets of Snow” project, gathering snow pit data. Their focus on ice crusts formed by rain – on – snow events is particularly important, as these layers can have a significant impact on plant overwintering and animal movement. With climate change, these icy layers are becoming more common, and their research helps to shed light on this phenomenon.
- Persistent Organic Pollutants Sampling: In Svalbard, they collected snow samples for the SVAL – POPs project by Gdansk Technical University. These samples are used to develop better methods for evaluating the amount of persistent organic pollutants in snow, which are harmful to both wildlife and humans.
The Power of Storytelling: Spreading Awareness Through YouTube
Juho’s YouTube videos are a key part of their mission. With over 1 million monthly views, these videos offer a unique perspective on the Arctic. They blend personal stories of their adventures with important information about disappearing glaciers, oil spills, wildlife, warming temperatures, and changes in the snowpack. For example, in one video, Juho shows the dramatic retreat of a glacier he had visited a few years ago, highlighting the impact of climate change. These videos not only entertain but also educate viewers around the world about the fragile Arctic environment.
Sohvi’s Research: Unveiling the Arctic’s Future
Sohvi, with her academic background, conducts in – depth research during their voyages. Currently, she is working on a project focused on the Arctic Ocean’s future. During the Northwest Passage journey, she interviews local people in the settlements they visit, exploring the role and significance of ice in the lives of northern shipping lanes, local communities, and their own experiences. Her research aims to create sustainable pathways and governance models for the northern waters, ensuring the co – existence of humans and the environment.
Facing Challenges: Overwintering in Greenland
After completing the Northwest Passage, Juho and Sohvi prepared to overwinter in Greenland’s ice – a challenging but necessary part of their research and adventure. This is their attempt at overwintering, and they’ve learned from previous experiences in cold – weather sailing. They face the risk of their boat being crushed by ice, extreme cold, and isolation. But they also see it as an opportunity to conduct more research and experience the Arctic in a unique way.
Community and Support: Building a Global Network
Alluring Arctic Sailing has built a strong community of supporters. Through their Patreon page, fans can contribute to the creation of their videos. In return, patrons get access to ad – free videos, early releases, a WhatsApp chat group, and occasional live streams. They also sell organic t – shirts, hoodies, and stickers through their online store, with the proceeds going towards their ongoing adventures and research.
Join the Arctic Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, an armchair adventurer, or someone passionate about the environment, Alluring Arctic Sailing offers a front – row seat to the wonders of the Arctic.
- YouTube: Alluring Arctic Sailing (Subscribe for breathtaking videos of Arctic landscapes, scientific insights, and thrilling sailing adventures.)
- Website: alluringarctic.com (Explore their journey, research projects, and support their work. Sign up for the newsletter to get live boat tracking, special updates, and live streams.)
- Instagram: @alluringarctic (Get daily updates, stunning photos, and behind – the – scenes looks at life on s/v Lumi.)
As Juho and Sohvi continue their journey, they remind us that the Arctic is not just a distant, icy wilderness but a vital part of our planet that needs our protection. Their story is an inspiration, showing that with passion, determination, and a love for adventure, we can all play a role in understanding and safeguarding our world.
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