2024-2 | RACING | Middle Sea Race
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:
October 11, 2024
Crew arrive to RACING at in Valetta, Malta. 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.
October 13, 2024
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
October 27, 2024
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart RACING from Valetta, Malta.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Valetta
Weather conditions
This mid-October jaunt around Malta should feel pleasantly warm with that lingering summer glow, generally settled and easygoing, with light to moderate breezes giving you a relaxed, comfortable sail and a calm, friendly sea underfoot.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
The best boats
Professional, well-paid staff
knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"The trip delivered on all my expectations and more. I wanted to experience sailing beyond my current boundaries, apply my skills, and learn from those around me. I felt able to embrace the whole experience because we had an excellent 59º North team that shaped us into a great crew on a well-prepared boat. If you are seeking ocean wisdom, you could not be in better hands."
"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."
"As this was my first major passage, I wasn't sure what to expect. You have to have a lot of respect for people who choose offshore sailing for their profession. Erik and Ben were top-notch professionals, and my experience with 59º North was great!"
"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!"
"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."
THE BOAT
packing lists & notes
Be careful what you wish for
Be careful what you wish for! As we drifted past the NW corner of Sicily we were fantasizing about wind and waves! Then we had a night of constant rain in our faces, a building sea state....
‘The Drift’ technique
It’s 7am on - well I actually have no idea what day it is; such is the nature of offshore sailing. Probably day 3? Yes that’s right. We woke up on the first morning to an awful swell and no wind, contrasted with yesterday’s sunrise in which we were screaming along west from Stromboli…..