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?
The best boats
Professional, well-paid staff
knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"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."
"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!"
"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!"
"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 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."
"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."
"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!"
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.