RIDE

06/19/2026

06/17/2026

Could a solar-powered yacht really travel over 3,100 miles without using any fuel? ⛽️

That's exactly what Lukas Sjoman achieved aboard his hand-built Helios 11, completing a 3,106 mile journey from Finland to Spain powered entirely by sunlight.

Sjoman spent 200 days building the yacht, designing it to operate without fuel stops or constant marina visits. Through his YouTube channel TRUE NORTH, he has documented everything from the build process to long distance voyages and upgrades.

The trip wasn't without challenges. While anchored in La Rápita, the crew's electric utility dinghy was stolen. Since Helios 11 is too large to access shallow beaches and small docks, the dinghy was essential for getting ashore and transporting supplies.

Rather than giving up, the team built an emergency catamaran style dinghy from foam and wood, which proved surprisingly stable and effective.

The problems didn't stop there. While seeking shelter from the heat, the crew encountered vandals throwing rocks from a nearby bridge, with one rock striking the yacht's solar array. Thankfully, the damage had no noticeable impact on power generation.

Despite the setbacks, Helios 11 successfully reached Ibiza, proving that long distance, fuel free travel is possible with the right design and a lot of determination.

06/17/2026