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
WOMEN BUNKS GUARANTEED
Professional, well-paid staff
knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"Andy & Paul were amazing from the practice sails to the race itself; I never thought I'd be able to participate in such an exciting event. I'd also like to thank Liz & Lee, your first mates, who were always on hand to encourage us, teach us, and swap stories. I came away with tremendous respect for ISBJØRN, her captain, and the excellent crew she attracts. I'm definitely coming back."
"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!"
"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."
"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!"
"In 11 days on the North Sea with a crew of 9 women, 59 feet of boat, 1350nm, and two episodes of heaving-to, we gained experience that would take years to acquire alone. The mentorship, leadership, training, and kindness from the crew at 59º North helped us become better sailors by leaps and bounds. Sharing this journey with sailors from around the world was pure joy, and every passage with 59º North is a legacy of knowledge we benefit from."
"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."
"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
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!