Ambassador News - Viivi Moisio on Building a Globe 5.80 Race Boat

Winter is finally starting to ease, and the launch of my Class Globe 5.80 boat Flow is getting closer. The winter was intense, but at the same time incredibly rewarding - with the boat taking a huge step toward becoming a fully ocean-ready package. 

The Finishing Touches

Last summer, we had made great progress inside the boat: the bunks were installed, and the interior was carefully sanded and painted. Over the winter, that work was brought to a more finished level. All interior surfaces were revisited to ensure durability and practicality for long solo passages. On the outside, one of the biggest visual and technical upgrades was painting the hull, which is not only about appearance but also an essential protective layer against harsh offshore conditions. 

One of the most demanding and time-consuming parts of the winter was the deck hardware layout. Every fitting had to be carefully planned in terms of position, load, and usability for solo sailing. This is an area that will truly be tested on the water, and the summer will show how well the planning translates into real-life performance. 

Raymarine Installations

When it came to the electrical system my objective was very clear: I wanted everything to be as simple and logical as possible. During a long solo passage, there is no option to call for help, so every system needs to be something I fully understand and can repair myself at sea, if needed. 

The boat is equipped with a full suite of Raymarine electronics, including Axiom Chartplotters, i70s instrumentation, ST2000+ Tiller Pilot and VHF radio; but the overall electrical setup around them has been intentionally kept straightforward: wiring is easy to trace, components are accessible, and backup solutions for critical systems have been considered. 

Over the winter, everything was installed and brought online, giving me time to properly familiarise myself with the systems before launch. I’ve especially appreciated how clear and user-friendly the Raymarine systems are. When the interface works logically, it allows you to focus on what really matters: sailing. At the same time, their reliability brings valuable peace of mind when facing long solo offshore legs. 

Safety First

Safety has been a key focus throughout the entire project. During the winter, a lot of effort also went into planning the placement and usability of safety equipment: where everything is located and how it can be accessed quickly and efficiently, even in demanding conditions. 

Helsinki Boat Show

Taking part in the Helsinki Boat Show in February was an important milestone. Flow was on display looking almost complete, and it was incredibly rewarding to see the project finally resemble a real, finished boat rather than just a build.  

Ready to Race

Summer 2026 will be a crucial phase. The goal is to train as much as possible in Finland and complete the required 500-nautical-mile solo qualification. It’s a key step toward the bigger objective and an excellent test for both the boat and myself. As summer turns into autumn, I will head to Lagos, Portugal, to continue training in Atlantic conditions. 

In October, the pre-race starts from Portugal to Lanzarote. This will serve as the final test refining the last details of both the boat and my own performance. The aim is to be fully prepared for the November start, ready to take on the Atlantic. This project has been a long journey, and now it truly feels like we are transitioning from building to sailing.