2024-1 | ISBJORN | Vindön-Bergen Delivery/Shakedown
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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:
February 24, 2024
Crew arrive to ISBJØRN at in Vindön, Sweden. ISBJØRN orientation followed by crew dinner. All crew stay onboard ISBJØRN.
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 ISBJØRN by the skipper.
February 26, 2024
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
March 3, 2024
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart ISBJØRN from Bergen, Norway.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Vindön
Bergen
Weather conditions
Expect a properly cold, blustery winter passage up the Norwegian coast—gloves-on weather with brisk winds and a lively, rolling sea, so settle in for some bracing, character-building sailing rather than anything mellow or settled.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
The best boats
Professional, well-paid staff
knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"Our voyage was interesting because both ISBJØRN (which I was on) and ICEBEAR traveled the same route at roughly the same time. We had Matt Rutherford as our captain and Ben Doerr as first mate, and they were both chill, fun, and always happy to answer questions and provide advice. I feel I got the experience I need with the ocean and Gulf Stream to pilot my own boat from Florida to Bermuda in the future, which was exactly my goal. If you are looking for blue water sailing experience and a fun adventure, I highly recommend that you sign up with 59º North."
"This passage was literally my first time sailing. My goal was to get as far as possible from my daily life and desk-bound comfort zone, and Andy assured me I would be looked after. I could not have asked for a better skipper (thank you, Jon), better crew mates, or a more enjoyable passage. I'll be forever grateful to 59º North for this opportunity, and I hope to sail with them again soon."
"At 65, I was anxious about my first ocean passage from Antigua to Bermuda, but 59º North provided a unique opportunity to experience the magic of passage making while learning new skills. Mia Karlsson was inspiring and supportive while sailing FALKEN and cooking amazing meals, and Captain Chris Kobusch brought a wealth of knowledge and experience. This was truly the experience of a lifetime."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
THE BOAT
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.
packing lists & notes
Day 6
Inshore sailing is all about enjoying the moment. The plans you laid out in the morning, will almost always be changed when the sails are up. We left Tananger after a slow morning talking to the locals, fixing things, and exploring. The downwind sail North took us through beautiful Kvitsøy. We were supposed to sails in the outskirts, but we ended up sailing through the very narrow channels in downtown Kvitsøy.
Day 5
We left idyllic Korshamn in the morning and headed out to sea. The stretch between Lindesnes and Tananger is exposed, feared and most often bumpy. We got it all. From a light breeze to gusting 32 knots, confused seas, and rain. But the crew were all smiles and laughter all the way through the hardship. When we finaly pulled in to Tananger in the pitch dark they were wet, hungry, tired, but still smiling. JoJo's delicious curry warmed us all up. All well on board, Jon, JoJo and crew.
Day 3
What a night. ISBJØRN ghosted into the night. Happy to be in her element again. We did 2 hours on and 4 hours off. Sleep never gets good the first night on a passage. But everyone got at least a few hours dreaming about the moonlight and stars the on watch enjoyed. What a day. When the sun climbed over the horizon the wind slowly evaporated. But the silence was to precious to be broken, so we enjoyed slow living on a mirror sea until noon. We had just sailed past Lindesnes, the most southerly point on mainland Norway.
Day 2
Sails came up just outside the Hallberg-Rassy yard, and out West we went. Everybody smiling as Sweden sunk in the ocean, mobile phones went dead, and it was just us sailing along to a destination two days away. Now the night has surrounded us. Ken is alone behind the wheel looking at stars, I'm by the nav station getting warm while writing this, and the rest of the crew is sleeping. It is blowing 10 knots and we are doing 6.5 knots on a beam reach. ISBJØRN is just as happy as her crew. All well.
Day 1
Yesterday was stormy. We pulled one pullert out of the dock om Vindö Marina. Today we woke up to sun and calm waters. It was time to leave the magical good boatbuilders on Vindön. ISBJØRN has received a make over worthy of a queen. We motored to downtown Henån to get groceries and a restaurant meal. Tomorrow we head out to sea. Where Isbjørn, and maybe we, belong. All well om board. Jon, JoJo and crew.