2024-1 | RACING | RORC Caribbean 600
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 12, 2024
Crew arrive to RACING at in Falmouth, Antigua and Barbuda. RACING orientation followed by crew dinner. All crew stay onboard RACING.
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 RACING by the skipper.
February 14, 2024
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
February 24, 2024
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart RACING from Falmouth, Antigua and Barbuda.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Falmouth
Weather conditions
Expect classic Caribbean tradewind sailing—warm, breezy, and lively out there, with the boat heeling happily and spray flying. Conditions should stay settled and reliable, the kind of steady, sun-soaked passage that reminds you why we love these latitudes.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
ambitious sailing schedule
The best boats
Professional, well-paid staff
knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"Huge thank you to the 59º North Team, especially Captain Emily and First Mate Mia, for taking me and our crew safely across the Atlantic Ocean. A daunting dream turned into an amazing reality under the expert supervision of a skilled and experienced team, on the beautiful, fast, and well-equipped boat, FALKEN. I feel very grateful to have met and worked with the wonderful, international crew aboard. I learned so much and I'll be back for more!"
"I'm AKA Andy’s Dad, so my opinion of the skipper may be slanted a bit. I admit to being wrong on my initial reaction to FALKEN—at first sight she seemed like a hard-to-handle race boat, but she is easy to handle and shrinks once you get used to her. The refit work done below is flawless, with comfortable bunks, a spacious galley, and plenty of storage. A trip with 59º North on any of their boats is truly a life-changing experience. Highly recommended!"
"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."
"It was such an experience! Meeting all the people and being part of the crew is something very special. We were so lucky to spend the passage on FALKEN; the nature and weather gave us the best, and I really wish it could have lasted longer."
"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."
"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."
"Before 59º North I didn't know my bowsprit from my binnacle and suffered from low sailing esteem. After two weeks of 59º North, what a difference! As a longtime podcast listener, I arrived for my Bermuda to Horta transatlantic with high expectations, and they were all not just met but exceeded. I could not imagine a skipper and mate more professional and enthusiastic than Andy and Emma."
THE BOAT
packing lists & notes
post-race update
Hola! Just as we reached the bottom of Guadeloupe, we noticed that part of the mast track was peeling away from the carbon mast. We continued racing with the trisail, flying it loose luffed to avoid any further dislodging of the track. By the next morning, the wind was so light - and forecast to stay that way - and we were struggling to make headway with the tiny orange hanker chief! So we decided to call it and head home….
Day 2
Hello from DNR! Phew it’s so hard to believe it’s not even been 48 hours here. This race is known for “600 miles 600 sail changes” and it’s just about accurate. After 24 hours in we had sailed three upwind legs and three downwind legs, as well as five of our nine sails! The long leg down to Guadeloupe was shifty with big squalls and local effects, but we pushed through, got some sleep and now have had enough shut eye to write this! Thank you for all the support back home. Here comes the tricky bit…
start -4 hrs
It’s the morning of the Caribbean 600 here! All quiet on the docks, except for the divers polishing our hull. It’s going to be a slower race, with the wind forecast to drop off by Wednesday morning as it gets sucked into a low developing up north. So we will be thankful for the clean bottom!