Passage Stats
1 Available (women space)
Price: $5,600
Note: 5% discount on all passages paid by wire transfer.
Distance: 800 Nautical Miles
Total Days: 9
Start Port: Stornoway, UK
End Port: Les Sables-d’Olonne, France
SYNOPSIS
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—either to tackle the Irish Sea or make a right turn around the west coast of Ireland.
The end port is Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, where the start of the Golden Globe Race is just a few days away! Sail in through the famous harbor entrance, and enjoy the spectacle of the GGR race village before giving the fleet a proper send off as they leave to circumnavigate the globe.
Typical Weather Pattern
During August and September, the typical weather pattern between Scotland and Atlantic France features a transition from the warm, stable conditions of summer to the cooler, more unsettled weather of autumn. Expect prevailing westerly winds that bring moisture-laden air, leading to variable conditions with frequent showers, particularly in the latter part of September. While a high-pressure system can bring periods of calm and sunshine, the region is also prone to Atlantic fronts that can introduce gusty winds and rough seas, so sailors should be prepared for changing weather and be vigilant for squalls.
HOW TO JOIN
To register, click the 'Sign Up' button anywhere on the site. Complete and submit the form indicating ‘2026 ISBJØRN | Stornoway, UK – Les Sables-d’Olonne GGR Start’ 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.