2024-2 | FALKEN | Las Palmas-Cape Verde
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 19, 2024
Crew arrive to FALKEN at 1300 in Las Palmas, Canary Islands. 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 21, 2024
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
January 28, 2024
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart FALKEN from Mindelo, Cabo Verde.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Las Palmas
Mindelo
Weather conditions
Expect a classic downwind tradewind romp—warm and tropical, steady breeze pushing you along from astern, lively but settled seas building over your shoulder, with that easy, rolling, sun-soaked feel that makes this passage such a joy.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
The best boats
Professional, well-paid staff
knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"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."
"I had an unbelievable sailing experience aboard ISBJØRN with Naxo as skipper and David as apprentice. They took special care to accommodate everyone's wants and needs, and we sailed every point of sail, practiced MOB drills, docking, navigating, trip planning, and weather forecasting. The food was hot, plentiful, and varied, even during our cold offshore passage. I plan on doing this trip again and recommend that you do too. Thanks to 59º North, Naxo, and David."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
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
Day 5 At-sea
Just as we thought we had run out of luck the breeze has shifted and lifted and Falken is making her way by wind power once again.This really has been a multi-faceted passage which the crew have responded to with constant energy and enthusiasm. Each and every one of them can now confidently helm downwind without coaching and a less vigorous sea state has certainly helped development.
Day 4 At-sea
Another day is coming to an end as we watch the glare of the sun disappear through the sandy haze in the air.The highlight of today has to be the stuff happening on deck, we all had a good clean and showered with the deck shower and immediately after we witnessed a couple of whales coming to say hi. After that we had different lessons on trimming followed by a delicious dinner.
Day 3 At-sea
Well what a difference a day makes! From 3 reefs and a partial jib to full sail and eventually reverting to the trusty iron sail as the wind finally disappeared this evening.The crew have been having a ball and feeling jubilant to have conquered some rather large seas and fairly fruity gusts over the last 24 hours. Any sickness has abated and the laughter continues to emanate from across the hull. Even the dolphins showed up to wish the crew congratulations for having taken on the might of mother nature at her finest.
Day 2 At-sea
Last night was some of the most epic sailing I’ve had in the last year, with one gust at 40 knots of True Wind Speed and FALKEN surfing down some pretty impressive waves with 3 reefs and doing impressive speeds! We have covered over 270nm in the last 28 hours! The crew have all been superstars and have handled the helm like pros, even if it is the first time offshore for a few of them.
PRE-DEPARTURE, DAY 2
The feeling of excitement has been growing amongst the crew as we finish preparing for our voyage to Mindelo. Today was all about weather briefings, routing, and pilotage and looking at some of the other safety equipment that Falken has to offer. The crew took some last minute down time to pick up any luxury items, and local shopkeepers commented on how many boats were waiting out the weather for a more favourable window.
Pre-Departure
There can be no better feeling than that of watching a new team come together, except perhaps when the team in question are about to embark on one of life’s last true adventures. For many sailors, the opportunity to push the boundaries from coastal sailing to embarking upon an ocean passage is beyond comprehension. So when the chance arises, it isn’t a surprise to find a group of like minded individuals that bond very quickly to form a very natural nautical family.