2024-1 | FALKEN | Lagos-Las Palmas
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:
January 6, 2024
Crew arrive to FALKEN at 1300 in Lagos, Portugal. 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.
January 8, 2024
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
January 13, 2024
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart FALKEN from Las Palmas, Canary Islands.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Lagos
Las Palmas
Weather conditions
Expect a brisk, lively passage with the cool Atlantic air keeping things crisp—likely some boisterous following seas and fresh breeze on the beam, so dress warm, settle into the motion, and enjoy a proper downwind romp south toward sunnier latitudes.
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 can’t say enough good things about the camp, August, and ISBJØRN. The format is perfect for someone like me—I’ve done some sailing, but not enough to feel comfortable on a passage. August is an amazing teacher and so patient! I learned an incredible amount and feel ready to take on a passage with 59º North."
"Mark and I signed up for a multi-night sailing adventure and ended up with a life-altering week of utter delight. Alex and Mia created an atmosphere of trusting, loving community the second we boarded FALKEN, and we still can’t believe how they trusted us with their beautiful boat and the crew’s lives. We learned about sailing, charting, trimming sails, and working in teams with strangers, and experienced everything from flat calm to huge swells, dolphins, and whales. We’ve been off the boat for four days and are already obsessed with going on another leg—what a week, 59º North!"
"59º North runs the most professional offshore training program you can find, and it shows in their professionalism, leadership, skill, and service. I felt honored to be part of the maiden voyage of FALKEN—she's a beauty, and the 59º North refit crew did an amazing job! Shout out to Nikki Henderson (Captain) and Alex Laline (Mate) for inspiring, knowledgeable, and caring leadership. I can't imagine having a better experience with any other."
"Cruelling and unforgettable! I knew I would be inspired by Nikki and Alex—true professionals—but it was the inspiration I took from my crewmates that will stay with me for a lifetime. As a blue water cruiser, this experience definitely made me a better ocean sailor!"
"This was my second trip with 59º North, and once again it was absolutely fantastic. The crew quickly became a friendly, supportive team, and living in close quarters felt natural and easy. Jon set the perfect tone as skipper, sharing his knowledge with clarity and patience, and Mia’s behind-the-scenes planning made everything seamless. Sailing with 59º North is about growing as a sailor, sharing adventure, and making lasting memories."
"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 experience was more than I hoped for in every way. I felt completely at home on the open water in our mighty vessel and with a wonderful crew that quickly became family. All of the staff at 59º North were kind, professional, fun, knowledgeable, and friendly. I will be back!"
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.
packing lists & notes
End of a passage
Just gotta say, these past 5 days with the FALKEN crew on the boat were like living in a dream. Chris, Libby, Mark, Kelley, Rich, and Tim, you guys made it epic.In our crazy world, it's so easy to be stuck thinking about the past or stressing about what's next. But man, being in the moment, staring at stars, catching sunrises and sunsets – that's what’s all about!
Day 4 at-sea
Day 4 and we are all now falling into the regular routine of life at sea - the times of our different watches, the writing up of the hourly log and the drinking of coffee. On this trip there has been a lot of coffee drinking. Everyone’s appetites have improved as we have found our sea legs and we all want it to carry on for longer.
Day 3 at sea
We were hoping for another swim in the ocean as the wind died, but the swell is a bit too big so we opted for the second best, a warm shower on the aft deck. I will start cooking dinner in about two hours, we have been eating at 1730 to have dinner before the sun sets. It is getting warmer as we are heading south and I am in shorts and t-shirt for the first time since leaving Portugal. Life is good onboard :)
Day 2
On a more personal note this trip has been brilliant, we left with plenty of time to get there and it has meant that we have been able to stop and enjoy the surroundings more often, trying to sail through the light winds instead of motoring through them and the chance to go for ocean swims which is always a highlight.
Day 1
Throughout the morning we had a perfect sail, 6 knots in light airs and a gorgeous flat ocean. As the wind eased we hove to and went for an ocean swim and a hot water shower. Feeling refreshed we got underway again with a strengthening ESE wind and the dolphins arrived speed us on our way.
pre-departure
After our last passage in November, FALKEN has been on the hard in Portimao getting a few upgrades and some well deserved love after a busy 2023 season. Adam and Alex arrived on Tuesday night, Adam finishing some project on FALKEN and Alex will be our skipper for this leg. We splashed on Wednesday and motored over to the marina, no sails since they have been at the sailmaker getting looked over and cleaned.