2024-6 | FALKEN | Jamaica-Cuba
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:
April 14, 2024
Crew arrive to FALKEN at 1300 in Port Antonio, Jamaica. 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.
April 16, 2024
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
April 24, 2024
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart FALKEN from Havana, Cuba.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Port Antonio
Havana
Weather conditions
Expect a warm, tradewind passage with steady breeze on the beam and a lively, rolling sea—comfortable sailing for the most part, though you'll want your sealegs for those occasional sloppy patches as you reach across toward Cuba.
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...
"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."
"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. The expression 'life-changing experience' is thrown around too loosely, but this one was for me. I'll be forever grateful to 59º North for this opportunity and I hope to sail with them again soon."
"Great time sailing on FALKEN with Alex, Adam, and Zoe from Hawaii to B.C.! The passage took about 2 weeks, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets, dolphins, whales, fast speeds, and big waves. FALKEN handles rough weather with ease, and the experienced staff made this passage a piece of cake. By the end of the trip, I was already looking at next year’s openings to sign up for!"
"Wow! Andy, Mia, and the team run an extraordinary offshore program for new and experienced sailors alike. Their deep and wide-ranging knowledge of sailing provides anyone an opportunity to learn. The memory of sailing with 20+ knots of wind under a full moon across 8-10' seas is one I will carry with me forever."
"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’ve sailed with 59º North four times—each has been a unique and gratifying experience. Sailing with like-minded folks, captained by the best in the biz, in well-maintained vessels has been the highlight of my 40-year sailing career. I’ve learned so much about sailing and myself on my 59º North adventures."
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 6
Last day of sailing today as we rounded the most westerly point of Cuba late last night. Its back to the coaching of the helm as many of the crew experience upwind conditions for the first time.
day 5
You can imagine my surprise to be awoken suddenly, wondering what emergency may have demanded my appearance on deck with such urgency. Fiona had been sent to undertake the task feared by many before her as she delivered the news that I must leave my dreamy wonderland of much needed rest…
day 3
Another cracking sail across to Grand Cayman where we picked up a mooring buoy off Georgetown in the early hours of this morning. Having woken early as instructed by the port security, we were able to clear in with ease as we temporarily came alongside the quay.
day 2
The pole made an appearance overnight as we waved goodbye to the lights of Jamaica that accompanied us for the first part of our passage yesterday. As always, the first night involved some coaching on the helm as each of our crew settled into life under sail aboard FALKEN.
Pre-Departure
Having reached Jamaica in remarkable time, given the almost perfect sailing conditions, the crew departed today but not before a number of mini adventures shoreside.