Passage Stats
2 Available (women spaces)
Price: $7,750
Note: 5% discount on all passages paid by wire transfer.
Distance: 1,200 Nautical Miles
Total Days: 16
Start Port: Les Sables-d’Olonne, France
End Port: Bergen, Norway
SYNOPSIS
Welcome to Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, and the spectacle of the Golden Globe Race! The race starts on September 6th, and the Race village will be bustling with sailing excitement in the weeks leading up to the start. No better way to get pumped for a sailing trip! Check out the boats, listen to seminars, and line the famous breakwater to give the fleet a proper send-off as they leave to circumnavigate the globe!
When the last competitor has left, most spectators will no doubt feel a bit empty and numb inside, as they return home to their everyday lives, wishing they could follow the adventurers over the horizon. But not you. You will be joining ISBJØRN, and sail out through that same harbor entrance just a few days later!
Our trip will take us north and east, en route for Bergen, ISBJØRN's homeport and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We may choose to run through the English Channel, or go north through the Irish Sea and around the north of Scotland before crossing the North Sea and making landfall in Bergen.
Typical Weather Pattern
In September, the typical weather pattern between Atlantic France and Bergen features the transition from summer to autumn conditions. The region experiences a mix of stable high-pressure systems and occasional low-pressure fronts, leading to variable winds predominantly from the southwest. Expect mild temperatures averaging between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, with a likelihood of rain as frontal systems approach. Early September may bring more settled weather, while the latter part of the month is characterized by increased maritime winds and shifting sea states, creating more dynamic sailing conditions as autumn progresses.
HOW TO JOIN
To register, click the 'Sign Up' button anywhere on the site. Complete and submit the form indicating ‘2026 ISBJØRN | GGR Start! | Les Sables-d’Olonne – Bergen’ as your preferred passage.
We’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours to confirm bunk availability, send you the long-form crew application & invoice you the 50% deposit to hold your spot. Balance will be due 60 days prior to the trip start date.
Payments are non-refundable. You'll be asked to agree to our terms & conditions on your application before submitting the deposit. Please read them carefully.
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Join the boat at 13:00 on the passage start date. Crew must depart the boat by 12:00 Noon on the passage end date.
Make sure you eat lunch before joining! We’ll get straight into bunk assignments & briefings once all crew have arrived.
Travel logistics & specific itinerary will be sent in the Passage Newsletter #2 emailed to all crew 2-4 months before passage departure.
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All 59º North passages are led by qualified RYA / MCA Yachtmaster Ocean-certified skippers & mates. All miles sailed onboard both boats will count towards your own license mileage requirements. We are happy to provide certificates to this effect for your RYA Day Skipper, Yachtmaster or other countries’ sea-time requirements.
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We now reserve two spots for women on all of our passages! You will not be ‘alone’ when you sail with 59º North. Learn more here.