One of the teams who has signed up for 2024 is the winner of  one of the first editions of the original Archipelago Raid back in 2003. Back then Atlant Ocean Racing had just created the concept and ran the extreme raid to Åland and back for the third time. Anders Lewander, one of the most well known sailors in Sweden, participated 6 times before 2010 which probably makes him the person who participated more than anyone else in the original version. The last three times he sailed with Hanse Thorslund, another well known Swedish sailor.

It is with great pleasure we welcome this legendary team back to the raid. I asked them about their previous experience and why they are coming back, 15 years after the last time.

1) How many times did you participate in the old ”Archipelago Raid” and when was the last time?
Anders: I did the raid 6 times, in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2009
Hanse: I participated  3 times, in 2005, 2006 and 2009

2) what is the strongest memory you have from that?
Hanse: Shortcut sailing into Kökar in Finland on very shallow and rocky waters. 😅
Anders; The final leg 2003 from Ornö to Gustavsberg with a hard hard workout before winning the 2003 edition with Calle Hennix. And YES Hanse, all the crazy Åland experiences!

3) What do look forward to in your participation this year?
Hanse; The raid atmosphere, hanging on the wire and fun racing in our beutiful Stockholm archipelago.
Anders; Living the dream – a deep bowing to the unique Archipelago experience- the enormous friendship and the “offroad” play tool, the F18 going wild!

Well, what can we say more than a huge welcome back. May the force be with you!

/Lars Linder

Photo cred from the 2006 edition to Thierry Martinez