Passages
2026-2 | WOODWIND | Chesapeake Adventure Cruise
Join the WOODWIND for the passage back to Annapolis after the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race! This had been an annual event for many years (and Andy has done it twice while working as a deckhand in 2006 & 2007), but it's been on hiatus for a few years, and now that 59º North has taken ownership of WOODWIND, we're bringing it back! You'll join the boat in Norfolk the day after the race crew depart, and we'll plan an adventure cruise back up the Bay. As the route is only 130 miles, we'll have time to sail and explore, gunkholing up secluded creeks on the Eastern Shore and visiting some quaint Chesapeake towns in the less-crowded fall season. The weather this time of year usually allows for good sailing conditions and crisp mornings and evenings on anchor. This is a wonderfully unique passage on a fabulous, classic schooner, join us! Note that passages aboard Schooner WOODWIND are operated by Schooner Woodwind Sailing Cruises.
2026-13 | FALKEN | Monterey Bay-Ensenada
FALKEN heads further south down the west coast with a 500-mile hop to Ensenada, across the southern USA border and into Mexico's Baja Peninsula! As we head south the air temps will heat up while the water temps remain California-cool. This is a great passage for those needing a shorter time away from home and easy travel logistics, but want to get offshore.
2026-14 | FALKEN | Ensenada-San Diego | Sail Training
Our last passage of 2026 is one of our popular Sail Training passages on FALKEN. While all of our trips involve extensive seam'nship & sail training aspects, this one focuses primarily on just that. As it's a pretty short distance between the start port and end port, it gives us the flexibility to sail further offshore and set the boat up for all points of sailing, practicing upwind/downwind, spinnaker flying, some celestial sights and more.
2027-1 | FALKEN | San Diego-San Jose del Cabo
The first passage of 2027, and we can't wait to get back to sea! FALKEN starts her journey back to the home waters of the Atlantic as we head south from our off-season quarters in San Diego towards Mexico and the Baja Peninsula. Escape the northern winter with some warm Pacific breezes. This passage might have the highest chance of seeing wildlife as any of ours, so get your whalewatching binoculars out!
2027-2 | FALKEN | San Jose del Cabo-Costa Rica
It's a looooong way down the coast of Mexico and Central America, and we've got our sights set on a new landfall in Costa Rica after almost 2,000 miles at sea from San Jose del Cabo on the Baja Peninsula. The typical weather conditions this time of year will make for an easy downwind run in tropical temperatures and with ample opportunity for wildlife sightings.
2027-3 | FALKEN | Costa Rica-Panama (Canal Transit)
The return to the Atlantic! Join FALKEN after she's had a maintenance period in Costa Rica and get in 650-miles of ocean sailing followed by a bucket-list transit of the famed Panama Canal! Be the first crew to welcome FALKEN back into familiar waters in the Atlantic!
2027-4 | FALKEN | Panama-Providencia-Cayman Islands
FALKEN starts her Atlantic season in earnest and gets some new landfalls in on this first passage. If you zoom in on Google Earth, you'll find a small group of islands that sit more or less on the rhumb line between Panama and Grand Cayman. "What's that?!" we thought, when planning the passage. Providencia, a small Colombia outpost in the middle of the Caribbean Sea and an irresistible stopover en route to Grand Cayman!
2027-5 | FALKEN | Cayman Islands-Key West
Join FALKEN in Grand Cayman for the run around the west end of Cuba and on up to Jimmy Buffett's spiritual home in Key West, Florida. It's been almost ten years since we last sailed into Key West and it's one of the more memorable landfalls as you sail past Mallory Square and into Key West's historic seaport.
2027-6 | FALKEN | Key West-Bermuda
It's 1,200 miles from Key West to Bermuda, with a little hitch in the route to get around the Bahamas. This is a longer, more challenging passage out into the Atlantic proper, where we'll have to plan the weather just right while we're in the Gulf Stream for the first portion of the voyage until we can turn east past the Abacos. You'll get all kinds of weather on this trip as we transition through the Horse Latitudes — cold fronts coming off the continent, easterly Tradewinds at the start, and deep ocean swells once clear of the Bahamian islands.
2027-7 | FALKEN | Bermuda-Annapolis
One of our all-time favorite routes, sailing from beautiful Bermuda back to 59º North's spiritual Home Port in Annapolis. April is a little early in the season to be making this passage — meaning it'll be a particularly challenging one. We've got to find the right weather window to get across the Gulf Stream, with cold fronts moving offshore on average of every 3-5 days. It'll be warm in Bermuda and offshore, but will get noticeably colder once we cross the Stream and head up the Bay. A great passage for weather nerds who really want to learn about offshore weather forecasting & routing.
2027-1 | ISBJORN | Sail Training Camp
Join ISBJØRN in Bergen, Norway for an intensive week of sail training! We will sail the fjords, archipelagos and the open ocean around Bergen, practicing sail trim, helmsmanship, heavy-weather sailing, piloting & navigation, instruments, downwind sailing, and more, depending on what opportunities the weather prepares for us. We'll end most days at a new and gorgeous harbour or anchorage, of which we will have an inexhaustible supply. The difference between a dedicated "Sail Training Camp”, and any of our more standard 'Point A to Point B' passages is the breadth of teaching we can accomplish. When sailing from A to B, we have to work within the bounds of the weather - if it's an upwind passage, you won't get to learn any spinnaker sailing, for example. On a dedicated sail training trip, we can guarantee you'll get education on all points of sail. Plus more docking, more sail changes, etc. In short, these trips are more specifically about learning than our more adventure-focused passages. But fear not, you will have plenty of adventure as well!
2027-2 | ISBJORN | Bergen - Faroe
This voyage begins in Bergen, Norway - the gateway to the fjords - and sets a course west across the North Sea towards the Faroe Islands. The Faroes are one of the North Atlantic’s last truly wild archipelagos, a place where sea cliffs tower over 800 meters, seabirds darken the sky, and remote villages cling to green valleys carved by glaciers. A proper offshore challenge with a most rewarding landfall.
2027-8 | FALKEN | ARC Europe: Annapolis-Bermuda
We first sailed with ARC Europe back in 2017 on ISBJØRN, so it's high time we re-join the cruising rally on FALKEN! Andy & Mia used to be the event managers on the rally back in the day and we know the route well. You can signup for the full rally, or each individual leg. We'll start on the Chesapeake Bay and meet the northbound rally fleet in St. George's, Bermuda. This is one of 59º North's "classic" offshore routes from hometown Annapolis, across the Gulf Stream to the 'Onion Patch!'
2027-3 | ISBJORN | Faroe - Lofoten
From the remote and windswept Faroes, we head northeast into the Norwegian Sea, bound for one of the most stunning archipelagos in the world: the Lofoten Islands. This passage is a serious offshore undertaking, and a journey that takes us into the cold waters above the Arctic Circle. The passage can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. You will learn a lot about weather forecasting and -routing as you time your departure and set your course through the weather systems of the Norwegian Sea. Landfall in Lofoten is unforgettable. Jagged granite peaks rise straight from the sea, snow still lingering on their summits even in late May. High-latitude sailing at its very best. This voyage combines the raw thrill of offshore passage-making with the reward of arriving in one of the most spectacular sailing destinations on Earth. If you are looking to challenge yourself and earn serious sea miles while also experiencing the beauty of Arctic Norway, this is it.
2027-9 | FALKEN | ARC Europe: Bermuda-Horta
Our only Trans-Atlantic voyage of 2027, we'll sail with the ARC Europe fleet out of Bermuda, making landfall in legendary Horta, where the first stop ashore is always Peter Cafe Sport for the best-tasting beer in the Atlantic! We have a good chance of being the fastest boat in the rally fleet (in 2017 ISBJØRN won Class B!), but in any case, sailing in company in the rally is awesome fun and a great way to meet other cruisers.
2027-4 | ISBJORN | Lofoten - Seydisfjordur
Join ISBJØRN in one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, north of the Arctic Circle. This is a proper expedition. 700 miles of ocean separate Norway’s dramatic fjords from Seyðisfjörður, a hidden gem on Iceland’s remote east coast. This is not a milk run - it is a hardcore crossing into one of the most storied and elemental parts of the North Atlantic. The arrival into Seyðisfjörður will be very exciting. Tucked into a narrow fjord, the town is surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls. Few sailors ever make landfall here, and you’ll count yourself among an adventurous handful who have. This voyage is ideal for those seeking both challenge and discovery. It demands endurance, teamwork, and a spirit of adventure, and it delivers the unmatched thrill of exploring places rarely seen by sea. It is high-latitude sailing in its purest form.
2027-10 | FALKEN | ARC Europe: Azores Cruise
The Azores are one of our all-time favorite destinations in the Atlantic, and the islands offer unparalleled scenery and culture. Here's a chance to do something different with 59º North, island-hopping our way from Horta to Sao Miguel and exploring these wonderful islands. Climb to the summit of the 7,700' high Pico, watch the running of the bulls in Terceira and explore the big city in Sao Miguel. Special pricing for crews who want to add-on this passage either after arrival in Horta, or before joining the next leg to Scotland.
2027-11 | FALKEN | ARC Europe: Sao Miguel-Oban
Our last leg with ARC Europe, as we split with the main fleet and head north, while the majority sail east for Portugal. With a rhumb-line distance of 1,800 miles, nearly as long as the Trans-At itself, this is an awesome and challenging passage towards Northern Europe and the British Isles. We'll stay west to skirt the Azores high, and should have favorable winds for the majority of the sail north, but will have to contend with passing depressions as we sail up the west coast of Ireland, aiming for landfall in Oban, Scotland, single-malt heaven for you Scotch lovers!
2027-5 | ISBJORN | Seydisfjordur - Oban
From a brand new 59 North port to one of our go-to favorites! East Iceland looks absolutely stunning, and having sailed past many times, we're very excited to start a trip from here. Our course for Oban takes us very close to the Faroe Islands, where we might stop by en route. In Oban, we'll be docking next to FALKEN, as both boats will be staying here for some mid-season TLC!
2027-12 | FALKEN | Oban-Marstrand
FALKEN gets a break in Oban for some needed maintenance after a long trans-Atlantic, then we're bound towards 59º North headquarters in Sweden! We've done this passage many times before, and it offers a wonderful mix of inshore cruising up Scotland's magnificent Outer Hebrides, then a sprint across the North Sea and into Scandinavia. There will be stops on this route in Scotland and potentially Norway, entirely dependent on timing and weather.
2027-6 | ISBJORN | Oban - Bergen
FALKEN and ISBJØRN is departing Oban together! A great opportunity to see both boats and meet many 59 North faces. Both boats will be sailing North through the Hebrides and then due East. After crossing the North Sea, FALKEN sails towards Marstrand, ISBJØRN towards Bergen. You'll get to see the beautiful North of Scotland and the Islands of the Norwegian Sea before crossing the infamous North Sea and make landfall in ISBJØRN's home port of Bergen.
2027-13 | FALKEN | Marstrand-Visby-Åland
Our first foray into the Baltic in many years, FALKEN will head south around the tip of Sweden and past Copenhagen before running north up the Baltic and making a pit-stop at medieval Visby on the historic island of Gotland. Visby is a walled city, right out of a movie set, and a fantastic place to explore on foot. Then it's one final overnight to historic Mariehamn, where one of the last Cape Horn clipper ships greets us in the harbor on arrival!
2027-7 | ISBJORN | Bergen - Stornoway
Bergen is probably the coolest harbour in the world. Stornoway is probably the one with the coolest name. Join this trip to experience them both, and have the adventure of a lifetime in between! A classic Viking passage across the badass North Sea, followed by the gorgeous Islands north of Scotland, and then through the Hebrides. If time and weather allows, we might stop over on some of these.
2027-14 | FALKEN | WOMEN'S PASSAGE: Stockholm-Marstrand
After a short delivery sail over to Stockholm, Andy & Mia's home city, we'll sail FALKEN back around to Sweden's west coast and to one of our favorite harbors in the world, Marstrand! This is our first all-women's passage of 2027 on FALKEN!
2027-8 | ISBJORN | Stornoway - Kinsale
Stornoway is just as epic as it sounds, and the perfect place to start any sailing adventure. And, it is right in the middle of the gorgeous Scottish Hebrides! A cockpit game of I-Spy might feature words like “castle”, “whale”, “distillery” and “puffin”, as we make our way south through the islands. Then, we’ll have a tough weather decision on our hands - either to tackle the Irish Sea or make a starboard turn around the west coast of Ireland.
2027-15 | FALKEN | SHAKEDOWN: Marstrand-Hallberg-Rassy
FALKEN will do a short shakedown down the Swedish west coast ahead of the Hallberg Rassy Öppet Varv Boat Show, and you can join the crew! This is one of the shorter and less expensive trips we offer, and we'll be prioritizing local Swedish crew for this leg. The Swedish west coast is fantastic cruising, and we'll take it easy down the coast, anchoring as we go and working our way through all the systems. Expect lots of sail-handling, anchoring, dinghy-rides, drone flying and a much more laid-back atmosphere than our more serious ocean crossings. But as this is in our backyard in Sweden, we're super excited for it!
2027-16 | FALKEN | Marstrand-Plymouth
After FALKEN's refit at Vindö we'll sail back across the North Sea for Plymouth, England, where we'll stage for the jump south and across the Bay of Biscay. This passage is especially variable and is entirely dependent on challenging fall weather in the North Sea. There are many routing options, including going north around Scotland, south through the Kiel Canal, or direct through the English Channel, all with their own challenges. In 2024 FALKEN even made a short call into central London to wait out some bad weather, sailing up the Thames River! A great passage for those really interested in weather routing and forecasting.
2027-9 | ISBJORN | Kinsale - Amsterdam
This leg carries us East from Ireland across the Celtic Sea, English Channel, and North Sea. It is a varied and challenging stretch. Busy shipping lanes, shifting weather, and strong tides make this an ideal voyage for sailors eager to hone their skills. Amsterdam is one of Europe's classic historic ports, and will make for a great landfall.
2027-10 | ISBJORN | Amsterdam - Bergen
Do like the Hanseatic League, and set sail from Holland towards the great riches of the North - Cod! And adventure! This is a classic North Sea crossing in the most favorable direction, but late in the season. Big systems coming from the south west can give you some absolutely thrilling downwind rides, but will also put your weather routing skills to the test. You will also get to practice your COLREGs, with plenty of enormous oil installations to dodge underway. Luckily, they are some of the largest structures ever made by humans, and also on fire. Some additional days are built in, giving you the flexibility to find a favorable weather window, or to cruise the epic Norwegian coast after making landfall.
2027-11 | ISBJORN | WOMEN'S PASSAGE: Heavy-Weather Sail Training
Join ISBJØRN in Bergen, Norway for a week of sail training! This is right at the shoulder of the season, and it is very likely that the weather will be wet, stormy and dark. Perfect for those wanting to extend their comfort zone. We will sail the fjords, archipelagos and the open ocean around Bergen, practicing sail trim, helmsmanship, heavy-weather sailing, piloting & navigation, instruments, downwind sailing, and more, depending on what opportunities the weather prepares for us. We'll end most days at a new and gorgeous harbour or anchorage, of which we will have an inexhaustible supply.
2027-12 | ISBJORN | Heavy Weather Sail Training
If your idea of a perfect day on the water involves shirtsleeves, sunglasses, warm weather and your hair flowing in a gentle breeze, this is not your kind of trip. It will in all likelihood be cold, wet, dark, and a warm hat pulled down over your ears. Perfect for those wanting to extend their weather comfort zone! We will sail the fjords, archipelagos and the open ocean around Bergen, practicing sail trim, helmsmanship, heavy-weather sailing, piloting & navigation, instruments, downwind sailing, and more, depending on what opportunities the weather prepares for us. We'll end most days at a new and gorgeous harbour or anchorage, of which we will have an inexhaustible supply.
2027-17 | FALKEN | Plymouth-Madeira
Where North Americans pay utmost respect to the Gulf Stream when heading south to the Caribbean, Europeans are equally cautious about the legendary Bay of Biscay and its notorious weather. This is the big one—perhaps the highest chance of heavy weather on our entire sailing season and a great chance to learn more about weather-routing and forecasting. Thanks to our orca friends near mainland Portugal, we're going to stay offshore and go direct for Madeira instead of risk a run-in with the whales. But, what that gives us is an awesome open-ocean passage, some 1,200 miles to one of the Atlantic's least-visited and most incredible islands at Madeira! We stopped in Madeira only once in 59º North's history, aboard ISBJØRN in 2018, and we're stoked to go back! FALKEN will deliberately leave from Plymouth, which is about as far west in England as we can get to position ourselves for the prevailing SW'ly winds as we head south. Once across Biscay, the weather warms and the sailing gets easier as we sail down the coast. You can expect a wide variety of conditions on the trip south. This will be FALKEN's 4th Biscay crossing, and the 7th time we've sailed the route with 59º North, and I think each time has been different. The weather changes quickly this time of year, with low-pressure systems and their associated fronts marching across every few days. So pack the layers and be prepared for a variety of points of sail on the way south.
2027-18 | FALKEN | SAIL TRAINING: Madeira-Las Palmas
Join FALKEN in magical Madeira for an intense week of proper sail training as we make our way over to the Canaries. These passages are a bit different than our normal A-to-B passages in that we have ample opportunity for more formal teaching than normal. We'll spend more time going over boat systems & watch systems, for example, and have a chance to hit every point of sail from upwind to spinnaker sailing downwind. As it's only 250-miles over to Las Palmas, we'll also have the chance to anchor in one or two of the other islands in the Canaries for a break from the sea and a chance to see some more places en route! Due to the orca situation in and around Portugal we've opted to skip the mainland altogether and stop off in Madeira instead, a rugged, magical island that we've only ever actually been to once in the history of 59º North. You'll meet the boat in Madeira, and if you have time, we highly recommend coming a few days early to explore. Once across Biscay it's much smoother sailing in cool fall conditions en route to the Canary Islands. Las Palmas will be our port of call in 2027, a place we've gotten to know quite well over the years, and a beautiful coastal city with easy access to Gran Canaria's rugged & mountainous interior. The marina in Las Palmas is one of the biggest in Europe, with thousands of boats from across the globe preparing for parts unknown.
2027-19 | FALKEN | Trans-At: Las Palmas-St. Lucia
FALKEN is headed back across the Pond for a second time in 2027! 59º North will return a bit to our "roots" with this trip, where we'll be joining the iconic 'Atlantic Rally for Cruisers', aka ARC rally. Andy & Mia worked for the ARC going back to 2008 and have long been involved in running the shoreside operations on rallies including the Caribbean 1500, ARC Europe and ARC itself. It's definitely with a bit of nostalgia that we're joining the rally fleet! The sail itself will be a classic east-to-west Tradewind trans-Atlantic, 3,000 miles from Gran Canaria to St. Lucia, an island we haven't visited since 2013 when Andy's dad's boat SOJOURNER was stationed on the finish line in Rodney Bay. Being part of the ARC rally means we'll be sailing in company with over 250 boats, from 30-footers up to boats much bigger than FALKEN. Crew will be welcome to be part of all rally events in Las Palmas and St. Lucia - they've got seminars, parties, island tours and a lot more going on which you can be a part of. Andy will be involved in delivering some of the pre-departure seminars. Weather-wise, expect it to be chillier than you think on leaving Las Palmas, but quickly warm up as we 'sail south 'til the butter melts, then turn right!' FALKEN should complete the crossing in 16-20 days, depending on how well-established the Trades are at the time.
2028-1 | ISBJORN | Sail Training Camp
Join ISBJØRN in Bergen, Norway for an intensive week of sail training! We will sail the fjords, archipelagos and the open ocean around Bergen, practicing sail trim, helmsmanship, heavy-weather sailing, piloting & navigation, instruments, downwind sailing, and more, depending on what opportunities the weather prepares for us. We'll end most days at a new and gorgeous harbour or anchorage, of which we will have an inexhaustible supply. The difference between a dedicated "Sail Training Camp”, and any of our more standard 'Point A to Point B' passages is the breadth of teaching we can accomplish. When sailing from A to B, we have to work within the bounds of the weather - if it's an upwind passage, you won't get to learn any spinnaker sailing, for example. On a dedicated sail training trip, we can guarantee you'll get education on all points of sail. Plus more docking, more sail changes, etc. In short, these trips are more specifically about learning than our more adventure-focused passages. But fear not, you will have plenty of adventure as well!
2028-2 | ISBJORN | Bergen-Faroe
Meet ISBJØRN in the fjords of Norway, and set sail westward for the gorgeous islands of the Norwegian Sea, just like the Vikings did a thousand years ago. We’ll have some great options for stopovers on our passage depending on our weather strategy - The Shetland Islands, Fair Isle, or the Orkneys! From there, we’ll continue on north and westwards until we make one of the most dramatic landfalls in existence - The enormous cliffs of the Faroes rising out of the ocean, swaddled by waterfalls and puffins.
2028-3 | ISBJORN | Faroe-Tromsø
A proper offshore passage between two of the prettiest areas in the world! You will be crossing the North Sea and the Arctic Circle en route to Tromsø, with the option of making landfall in the Lofoten Archipelago and go inshore for the last 150 nm, or continue further north before ducking into the fjords. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about weather routing and passage strategy, as finding the perfect window for the crossing will require some skill. For this reason, the trip is set for 14 days, giving us some weather flexibility. The crossing itself will most likely take around a week, with the additional days being used for cruising, on one side of the ocean or the other! It would be difficult to choose, and luckily, you won't have to - the weather will do it for you.
2028-4 | ISBJORN | Tromsø-Longyearbyen
Leaving the deep fjords of Northern Norway behind, we'll sail north into the unforgiving Barents Sea! Nicknamed "The Devil's Dancefloor" due to it's challenging conditions and brutal currents. It will be cold, and likely windy, but the Midnight Sun will help us find our way, even during the Middle Watch. If weather pattern permits, we will sail for the solitary, sheer seabird cliffs of Bear Island at 74°N. And If conditions are absolutely perfect, we will try to make a stop and go ashore, though this is notoriously tricky as weather and ocean swell must align completely. After a 400-nautical-mile crossing, we will see the jagged peaks of Spitsbergen. But there is still 150 miles to go! We will make our way along the coast, toward 78°N and Longyearbyen, exploring as we go.
2028-5 | ISBJORN | Spitsbergen Adventure Cruise 1
There are lifetime memories - And then there are generational memories. Long after we've crossed our last bar, our descendants will still talk about the things we did on this expedition. Svalbard is the perfect wilderness, full of icebergs, glaciers, whales, walrus and polar bears. And it won’t last forever. The Arctic is changing fast, and will soon be gone forever. Svalbard is also a goldmine for history buffs. The cold and dry climate have preserved the past incredibly well, and we might find relics and remains from its rich whaling and exploration history. hundreds of years of The archipelago is immense, and we have a thousand great options for where to go and what to see. The route shown on the chart is but one of those options, going for the mythical 80 degrees North! The weather and ice will have the final say, but there are no wrong answers. The isolation and constant midnight sunlight might make us forget time completely and truly live in the moment. It might be two o’clock in the morning, and we might be oblivious to that fact - hiking to the top of a hill in our shirtsleeves wearing sunscreen and sunglasses. The weather can be all over the place. We might indeed get warm days, but we can also get freezing temperatures and snow. So pack warm clothes! ISBJØRN sailed an Adventure trip on Svalbard with DELOS in 2018! Check out their youtube series about it here! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lasyFyLD7e0]
2028-6 | ISBJORN | Spitsbergen Adventure Cruise 2
There are lifetime memories - And then there are generational memories. Long after we've crossed our last bar, our descendants will still talk about the things we did on this expedition. Svalbard is the perfect wilderness, full of icebergs, glaciers, whales, walrus and polar bears. And it won’t last forever. The Arctic is changing fast, and will soon be gone forever. Svalbard is also a goldmine for history buffs. The cold and dry climate have preserved the past incredibly well, and we might find relics and remains from its rich whaling and exploration history. hundreds of years of The archipelago is immense, and we have a thousand great options for where to go and what to see. The route shown on the chart is but one of those options, going for the mythical 80 degrees North! The weather and ice will have the final say, but there are no wrong answers. The isolation and constant midnight sunlight might make us forget time completely and truly live in the moment. It might be two o’clock in the morning, and we might be oblivious to that fact - hiking to the top of a hill in our shirtsleeves wearing sunscreen and sunglasses. The weather can be all over the place. We might indeed get warm days, but we can also get freezing temperatures and snow. So pack warm clothes! ISBJØRN sailed an Adventure trip on Svalbard with DELOS in 2018! Check out their youtube series about it here! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lasyFyLD7e0]
2028-7 | ISBJORN | Longyearbyen-Kirkenes
Depart from Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost permanent settlement, and set sail into the High Arctic! We’ll spend the first few days exploring Spitsbergen’s stunning glaciated fjords, keeping a sharp watch for polar bears and walruses, before turning our bow south for a hardcore offshore crossing of the Barents Sea under the Midnight Sun. Our destination is Kirkenes, a remote and fascinating outpost in Finnmark, Norway, situated just miles from the Russian border. This passage is a true expedition that bridges the icy wilderness of Svalbard with the stark, tundra-draped frontier of mainland Europe.
2028-8 | ISBJORN | Kirkenes-Tromsø
Depart from Kirkenes, a fascinating and remote Arctic outpost just miles from the Russian border, and set a course west along the raw, untamed coast of Finnmark - the very top of mainland Europe! This is about as far as you can get in Norway from August's home island, but he knows this place like no other. He used to be a border ranger with the Norwegian Army, operating in this area! This 400-nautical-mile expedition takes us past dramatic sea cliffs, deep fjords, and isolated fishing villages before we round the legendary North Cape (Nordkapp), where the Barents Sea officially meets the Norwegian Sea. We’ll keep a sharp watch for reefs, sea eagles, whales and glaciers as we navigate the high-latitude waters toward our final destination in Tromsø, Norway’s bustling "Gateway to the Arctic." This is a brilliant mix of challenging coastal sailing and rewarding exploration. With shifting weather, the potential for exciting downwind runs, and complex coastal navigation, this is an ideal voyage for sailors eager to hone their skills while experiencing the rugged beauty of Arctic Norway.
2028-9 | ISBJORN | Tromsø-Svolvær (Arctic Cruise)
This trip will be an exploration adventure through some of the most dramatic geography along Norway's coastline. This will not be an offshore passage, but rather a coastal cruise where we're likely to stop every night, either at a dock or in an anchorage. This is one of the richest cruising grounds in the world, and we could sail around the area for months without running out of cool things to do and see.
2028-10 | ISBJORN | Svolvær-Shetland
Join ISBJØRN in Bergen, Norway for an intensive week of sail training! We will sail the fjords, archipelagos and the open ocean around Bergen, with a different theme and focus for each day including sail trim, helmsmanship, heavy-weather sailing, piloting & navigation, instruments, downwind sailing, and more, depending on what opportunities the weather prepares for us. We'll end most days at a new and gorgeous port or anchorage, but also come prepared for some overnight sailing!
2028-11 | ISBJORN | Shetland-Bergen
Depart from the rugged, wind-swept Shetland Islands and point the bow east for a classic autumn crossing of the infamous North Sea! This is a proper offshore passage in the most favorable direction, but late in the season - meaning you can expect dynamic weather and the potential for absolutely thrilling downwind rides as big low-pressure systems roll in from the southwest. Along the route, you’ll put your weather routing and navigation skills to the ultimate test, practicing your COLREGs as we dodge towering, brightly lit offshore oil installations. Soon, the majestic Norwegian coastline will rise over the horizon, guiding us into ISBJØRN’s home port of Bergen, widely considered one of the most beautiful and historic harbors in the world. This voyage is ideal for sailors looking to extend their weather comfort zone and gain serious offshore experience in a compact timeframe. It demands vigilance, teamwork, and a spirit of adventure, delivering a highly rewarding sense of accomplishment when we finally tie up in the heart of the fjords. With generous time allowance, we have time for proper preparations, finding a great departure window, and to see the sights on either side of the North Sea. We might sail south to Fair Isle or the Orkneys and star our crossing from there if weather allows.
"Andy & Paul were amazing from the practice sails to the race itself; I never thought I'd be able to participate in such an exciting event. I'd also like to thank Liz & Lee, your first mates, who were always on hand to encourage us, teach us, and swap stories. I came away with tremendous respect for ISBJØRN, her captain, and the excellent crew she attracts. I'm definitely coming back."
"My time on FALKEN crossing the Atlantic was highly rewarding and incredibly enjoyable. The trip was routinely challenging and always a lot of fun, allowing me to stretch myself and enjoy being absent from the rest of the world for a time. Unforgettable."
"Wow! Andy, Mia, and the team run an extraordinary offshore program for new and experienced sailors alike. Their deep and wide-ranging knowledge of sailing provides anyone an opportunity to learn. The memory of sailing with 20+ knots of wind under a full moon across 8-10' seas is one I will carry with me forever."
"I'm still processing everything I saw, felt, learned, and experienced over those 17 days, but there are a few things I wanted to express before the land sickness wears off and I return to my landlubber life. Your Skippers and Mates created an environment of calm, comfort, and confidence that washed away any apprehension I had about joining seven strangers on a 1600-mile round trip. I am blown away by their depth of knowledge, not only of sailing but also in teaching a crew of widely different experience levels without a hint of condescension. I would not hesitate to sail with them again, and we're already scoping out future dates on the cal."
"As this was my first major passage, I wasn't sure what to expect. You have to have a lot of respect for people who choose offshore sailing for their profession. Erik and Ben were top-notch professionals, and my experience with 59º North was great!"
"If you are thinking about reefing—reef! The same logic applies to sailing with Andy and Mia: if you are thinking about sailing with them, stop thinking and GO! Andy and Mia are great sailors, leaders, teachers, cooks, and warm, intelligent, accepting people. No matter how many blue water miles you have under your keel, you will be a better sailor after your trip on ISBJØRN."
"This trip across the North Sea from Bergen (Norway) to Oban (Scotland) was awesome! It offered hands-on learning about navigation, lots of sail handling, and a wide range of weather, wind (up to 35 knots!), and sailing conditions. Jon Amtrup is a highly experienced skipper—and he helped me fill in the gaps!"
FAQS
What’s included in the crew fee?
What happens after I signup to sail with 59º North?
How do you plan passage routes to ensure safe weather patterns?
What amenities are there aboard the boat?
How long are the watches?
How much experience is required to sign on for a passage?
Do you have Starlink?
What can I expect to learn on a 59º North trip? Do I get a certificate?
The boats we sail
Farr 65
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FALKEN
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FALKEN is ideally set up for long-distance offshore sailing. We fully rebuilt the boat in 2022 to our exacting specifications and with the help of legendary yacht designer Bob Perry. She's comfortable belowdecks and each crew has their own dedicated sea berth & gear locker. On deck she has a huge cockpit which easily seats 10 people for our daily meals offshore, and allows for plenty of room to move about when handling lines and trimming sails. She's also easy to maintain, fast and fun to sail! FALKEN sails with 8 crew plus a Skipper & Mate and the occasional apprentice.
S&S Swan 48
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ISBJØRN
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ISBJØRN is the "OG" 59º North boat, the classic S&S Swan 48 that we started the business with back in 2015. She's considered an all-time great ocean cruising boat - built like a tank in Finland to the highest standards and with a modern but conservative hull shape making for fast & comfortable passages offshore in any weather. ISBJØRN sails with 5 crew plus a Skipper, and each person has their own dedicated sea berth & storage locker.
Schooner
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WOODWIND
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WOODWIND & WOODWIND II are wood/epoxy staysail schooners built in the 1990s for Annapolis daysail charters. In October 2025, 59º North Sailing acquired them, and now offers select passages and races, continuing their rich family and sailing legacy on the Bay.
OE 36
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SPICA
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SPICA is my (Andy, writing this!) and Mia's family boat here in Sweden. Well, actually it's Axel's boat, our six-year-old! It's a classic Olle Enderlein 36, built in Sweden in 1971, and very much a "mini" ISBJØRN, both in underwater hull shape, deck layout and interior style and arrangement. When you sail on SPICA you will be joining our family's summer home here in Sweden. When we have crew onboard, we sail with 3 plus me (Andy!) as skipper.
Swan 70
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ADRIENNE II
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ADRIENNE II is a modified Swan 651, lengthened to 70 feet with an extended transom, upgraded fin keel, carbon-fiber rig, and a Hallberg-Rassy-style glass windshield. Chartered by 59º North from owner Gurra Krantz (noted for the TV show Över Atlanten), she will be used for trans-Atlantic voyages in 2025. Only 19 Swan 651s were built (1982–1991) as successors to the S&S Swan 65, offering more interior space and family cruising features. More info and photos: 59-north.com/swan-70.
Swan 59
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ICEBEAR
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After nearly four years and 42,000+ miles, ICEBEAR, a 1986 Swan 59 offshore sailing yacht, has left the 59º North fleet. Originally purchased in 2019, ICEBEAR underwent extensive upgrades and is now one of the best-equipped Swan 59s. The boat has a unique history, including a modified builder’s plaque and previous Swedish ownership.