2023-12 | FALKEN | Kinsale-Portugal
The Passage
Rough itinerary
All 59º North passages are very much subject to weather. We pick our routes based on the "correct" time of year to be sailing in the different regions we visit, and we always build-in enough time to give us some margin for weather windows. The skipper has final say on departure dates and weather windows, but generally speaking, the intinerary for this passage will look like this:
September 15, 2023
Crew arrive to FALKEN at in Kinsale, Ireland. FALKEN orientation followed by crew dinner. All crew stay onboard FALKEN.
Prep Days
Between the joining and departure dates, all pre-passage preparation, provisioning, and safety briefings will be completed. The specific pre-departure schedule will be outlined and posted onboard FALKEN by the skipper.
September 17, 2023
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
September 25, 2023
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart FALKEN from Lagos, Portugal.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Kinsale
Lagos
Weather conditions
Expect a brisk, lively passage south—cool and damp along the Irish coast giving way to milder, sunnier days as you near Portugal, with the usual mix of settled spells and the odd blow keeping you on your toes.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
ambitious sailing schedule
The best boats
WOMEN BUNKS GUARANTEED
Professional, well-paid staff
knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"I really didn’t know what to expect on my trip. I knew it was going to be about 800 miles, the Bay of Biscay is notoriously challenging, and there was a remote possibility of orca attacks. Thankfully, we were safe, but the Bay of Biscay did not disappoint, and we logged more than 1,000 miles. Our skipper and mate, Nikki Henderson and Emma Garschagen, far exceeded any expectation I had, and at no time did I ever feel unsafe, which allowed me to fully take in every experience. I learned a ton, had a great time, and left with a new sense of confidence that I never expected."
"Having sailed on ISBJØRN in 2019 from Puerto Rico to Key West, I was excited to join another 59º North passage. Meeting the crew in Las Palmas for the trans-Atlantic passage on FALKEN was a fantastic experience, sharing cultural perspectives and sailing knowledge with people from six different countries. I learned so much, from safety procedures to specialized sail trimming, and made great friends on that journey."
"I highly recommend the experience of doing a passage on ISBJØRN. I gained valuable offshore experience on a fine boat, learned how Andy and Mia competently manage their boat, learned about celestial navigation, and had a great time doing it. Completing ISBJØRN's first back-to-back 200 mile day passage was a smokin' fast bonus!"
"Some of us seek out more meaning through travel rather than escaping from life. We want to be stronger tomorrow than we are today."
"Sailing from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas with 59º North Sailing was an outstanding experience that I would recommend to anyone seeking offshore sailing combined with exceptional instruction and seamanship. The lead crew, Andy, Mary, and Ryan, created a professional and welcoming environment focused on safety, preparation, and teamwork. I came away with much more confidence in offshore sailing and a deeper understanding of ocean passagemaking. 59º North delivers an authentic offshore experience, expert leadership, and an adventure that builds both skills and confidence."
"Having sailed on ISBJØRN in 2019, I was excited to join another 59º North passage and finally sailed on FALKEN for the trans-Atlantic in January 2025. The 17-day passage was an incredible experience, sharing sailing knowledge and cultural perspectives with a diverse crew. FALKEN felt extremely safe and comfortable, and the care 59º North puts into both the voyage and post-trip details is outstanding. I came away with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a whole new level of sailing experience."
"The trip delivered on all my expectations and more. I wanted to experience sailing beyond my current boundaries, apply my skills, and learn from those around me. I felt able to embrace the whole experience because we had an excellent 59º North team that shaped us into a great crew on a well-prepared boat. If you are seeking ocean wisdom, you could not be in better hands."
THE BOAT
Farr 65
'
FALKEN
'
🇬🇧
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.