2025-2 | ADRIENNE II | Trans-At: Salvador, Brazil-Canaries
59º North will use ADRIENNE II for offshore sailing in 2025, with a return passage from Salvador, Brazil, across the equator to Placito Blanco in the Canaries. Skippered by Erik Nordborg, this Atlantic trip will run just like any other 59º North adventure.
The Passage
Synopsis
With FALKEN headed to the Pacific, Andy has been on the lookout for a boat for a few limited passages in the Atlantic in 2025 & 2026…and we’ve found it! 59º North will use ADRIENNE II for the second time in 2025, for the return passage from Rio, across the equator to the Canaries, and we’ll run it exactly like any other 59º North trip. She’ll be skippered by Erik Nordborg.
Details & logistics
typical Weather Pattern
Prevailing E to ESE trade winds likely, averaging 15–22 kt, with moderate confidence; occasional gusts to 25 kt possible, especially offshore. Seas generally moderate, 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft), with a long ESE swell; locally higher near squalls or in enhanced trades. Sea surface temperatures expected 78–82ºF (25–28ºC), with air temperatures 77–85ºF (25–29ºC), trending slightly cooler northward. Nearshore segments may see lighter, more variable winds and reduced sea state, but with increased risk of localized squalls and showers, particularly near the ITCZ boundary. North of the rhumb line, moderate chance of encountering isolated convective activity and brief wind shifts; south of the rhumb line, steadier trades and more consistent conditions are likely. No significant tropical systems are forecast with current data, but a low-probability risk of late-season disturbances remains. This output is AI-generated, based on publicly available meteorological data and is meant to give a high-level overview of expected conditions. Professional forecasting & consulting with our weather-routing partners WRI will be used during the actual passage.
SPONSORED BY WRIWX
Weather synopses are intended to be a big-picture overview of expected conditions to help you plan for your passage. They are provided by our good friends at Weather Routing Inc. and initialed by the forecaster who created them! WRI provide all of our forecasting and routing for all trips and have done so since we started 2015. Check them out on wriwx.com.
packing lists & notes
We did it!
By Tim, Adrienne II Mate | We did it!! 3206 nautical miles and 18 days since leaving Salvador, Brazil. Feels like years ago. The perception of time really is different out on the ocean. The days blend into each other as we are awake and sleep in 4-hour increments instead of ’day and night’ as we are used to on land.
The beginning of the end
By Tim, Adrienne II Mate | I listen to the ship’s bell.Tick tock. Tick tock.I’ve never quite understood the landlubbers’ obsession with clocks — seconds, hours, days. For me, it’s the wind that keeps the time, the waves that hold the rhythm of life.
Code Zero
By Brittany, Adrienne II Crew | After a day of motoring and calm glassy seas, and then sailing as much as we could in between the periods of light winds, the wind filled in as the weather models predicted. The Azores high pressure has given us the most gentle and silky seas.
Morning swim
By Jim, Adrienne II Crew | Moonlight, stars, sunrise and sunset - Imagine this... every day for two weeks! Officially, 15 days at sea! 10 people on a boat and more than 2 700 nm has passed underneath the keel.
The Ocean
By Nicole, Adrienne II Crew | To be a sunrise,A golden hue that silently wakes the ocean blue…..
The Life onboard
By Vilgot, Adrienne II Crew | Today is the 14th of October and the 14th day at sea the sky is starting to turn blue and small cloud banks cover the small parts of the blue ocean above us. The ocean beneath us has calmed down the last couple of days and the comforting waves rocks the boat while we make our way upwind towards our destination.
Our first tack
By Andrew, Adrienne II Crew | Storms and headwinds continue to dissipate in front of Adrienne! Despite an active doldrums, we darted through and missed all major weather. With the doldrums behind us, the northeasterly trade winds have built and carried us through the night and all of today on a close reach.
2000 miles sailed
By Lance Adrienne II Crew | We all gathered in the cockpit to celebrate another milestone—2000 nautical miles sailed through the Atlantic. As we enjoyed our 2am 2000-mile cheesecake we reflected how far we have traveled. But really, how far is 2000 mile?
Life At Sea
By David, Adrienne II Mate | The Brazilian heat nearly makes my deck boil. The sun reflects off my polished rigging — I think I even managed to blind one of my neighbors here in Bahia Marina. This time I'm in Salvador. Twice before I’ve sailed to Rio — one of my favorites
Life on the heel
By David, Adrienne II Crew| This day started with another calm morning motoring through the doldrums. We’ve been very lucky to be spared from many squalls during our passage through these latitudes. Life onboard has been quite luxurious some of these days with good food…
Halfway & Wahoo!
By Pete, Adrienne II Crew| Joining Adrienne, I didn’t know what to expect, having no experience offshore and very little sailing experience overall, but after 9 days and over 1500 nautical miles all my expectations have been exceeded. Both in tough ways, experiencing a lot of seasickness for the first few days;
First week offshore!
By Jim, Adrienne II Crew| Wow, first week offshore! Let's take this from the start. We departed from Salvador, after a great skipper meeting, during the afternoon in beautiful and great conditions. Nice wind and some waves (according to Tim not more than a 1m…). After a fantastic pasta carbonara, made by David, we started the night shift.
Greetings from King Neptune!
By Erik, Adrienne II Skipper | At 00:50 this morning (well that’s practically in the middle of the night..) Adrienne crossed the Equator. Wow! The whole crew had gathered in Adrienne’s aft cockpit counting down as we approached N 00° 00.000’ 3-2-1 yeaaayh!! Northern Hemisphere here we come!
1000 miles & carrot cake
By Brittany, Adrienne II Crew | The crew were all smiles last night with some fantastic sailing. It’s great to have the moonlight to guide us, and to light up the squalls so we could easily avoid them. When I was at the helm, a dolphin jumped out of the water right beside me. What a treat. They will forever remind me of my nephew's laugh when he was an infant. It was also nice to have several stars to steer by.
Nausea is no joke
By Nicole, Adrienne II Crew | I am not sure if I will make it through this blog, but I will attempt it. Seasickness is a real deal. Just when you start to feel better, a new fresh wave of it comes. All I want to do is tip my head out the side of the boat, and just wait for whatever wants to come up.
Burgers n’ sunsets
By Andrew, Adrienne II Crew | In some ways the beginning of day 4 was the beginning of our offshore passage. This is because at night on day 3 we could still see the glow of Brazilian cities on the western horizon. All light pollution is now gone.
Pancakes!
By David, 59º North Apprentice | This blog is an ode to my colleague and shipmate Vilgot. Today he whipped up and fried some pancakes for lunch, much to the crew’s delight. With jam and Nutella on top, there wasn’t a happier boat in sight…
First Full Day at Sea
By Lance , ADRIENNE II crew | We are all working into the rhythm of the sea. For some this is dealing with seasickness. The rest of the crew is rallying around those not feeling well to support. And though not all are 100% we are happy to report they are in good spirits and are on an upward trend as their bodies adapting to the constant away of the ocean.
Pre-Departure
By Vilgot, ADRIENNE II Crew | The moment has finally arrived. The crew is all aboard, and it was such a joy meeting everyone in person for the first time. Spirits are high, energy on top and everyone is excited to throw the lines and be underway. Over the past days we have made Adrianne ready for her next Atlantic crossing.
FAQS
THE BOAT
Swan 70
'
ADRIENNE II
'
🇸🇪
ADRIENNE II is a modified Swan 651, lengthened to 70 feet with an extended transom, upgraded fin keel, carbon-fiber rig, and a Hallberg-Rassy-style glass windshield. Chartered by 59º North from owner Gurra Krantz (noted for the TV show Över Atlanten), she will be used for trans-Atlantic voyages in 2025. Only 19 Swan 651s were built (1982–1991) as successors to the S&S Swan 65, offering more interior space and family cruising features. More info and photos: 59-north.com/swan-70.
CREW TESTIMONIALS
My time on FALKEN crossing the Atlantic was highly rewarding and incredibly enjoyable. A unique adventure for sure, it was made that much more gratifying given the wonderful crew with whom I shared the experience. The trip was routinely challenging and always a lot of fun, allowing me to stretch myself and enjoy being absent from the rest of the world for a time. Unforgettable.
Adventure, education, majesty... I can't imagine a better pair of people to introduce people to the sublime enterprise of offshore sailing. This trip will always live amongst my cherished memories. Thank you!
Sailing from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas with 59º North Sailing was an outstanding experience and one I would recommend to anyone looking for an offshore sailing adventure combined with exceptional instruction and seamanship. The lead crew, Andy, Mary, and Ryan, created an environment that was both professional and welcoming. Safety, preparation, and teamwork were clear priorities, and every decision reflected extensive offshore experience. The passage itself offered everything I was looking for—extended offshore sailing, variable weather and wind conditions, sail changes, watch rotations, night sailing, and experience with weather routing—all while feeling supported and included as an active crew member. The watch system was well organized, allowing everyone to gain meaningful hands-on experience without feeling overwhelmed. There was a good balance between teaching and empowering us to take responsibility, and I came away with much more confidence in offshore sailing and a deeper understanding of ocean passagemaking. Beyond the sailing, the culture onboard made the trip really special. Good humor, amazing dinners, and strong camaraderie quickly turned a group of strangers into a cohesive crew. Arriving in Cabo after several days at sea was incredibly rewarding—made even more meaningful because we had truly earned the landfall together after an intense evening of squalls. 59º North delivers an authentic offshore experience, expert leadership, and an adventure that builds both skills and confidence. I would sail with them again without question!
There is a phrase you will hear aboard sail boats - it goes like this: "If you are thinking about reefing - reef!!" The same logic applies to sailing with Andy and Mia: If you are thinking about sailing with Andy and Mia - stop thinking and Go!!!! Andy and Mia are great sailors, leaders, teachers, cooks, as well as warm, intelligent, and 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. Ft. Lauderdale to Annapolis 2016.
Our voyage was interesting because both ISBJØRN (which I was on) and ICEBEAR traveled the same route at roughly the same time. I knew when I signed up that I would not be on a boat with Andy and Mia, but I wanted to experience the smaller boat, so I was fine with that. We had Matt Rutherford as our captain and Ben Doerr as first mate. The bonus was how chill and fun they both were throughout the trip. There were lots of fascinating stories, and they were both cheerful about answering questions and providing advice. The other three crew on my trip (Ted, Laz, and Chris) were great company too, so I feel pretty lucky about that. But regarding Matt and Ben, it says a lot about Andy and Mia that they attract people of that quality to their business. For me, it was mission accomplished. 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. I wouldn't tackle Bermuda on my own yet, though. It's far! But one step at a time. For now, thanks to 59º North and all of their good people for a safe but true ocean adventure. If you are looking for blue water sailing experience and a fun adventure, I highly recommend that you sign up.
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 to have 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 will cherish the starry nights chatting (or enjoying in silence), the 360° horizon, and the beautiful sunsets and sunrises. No matter how feisty the wind and sea state, all crew members took the helm, sometimes with the support of the captain or first mate by your side, coaching you. Amazing! I learned so much, and I'll be back for more!
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. Hiking in Bergen and the Shetland Islands was amazing. Hiking in the Faroe Islands was indescribable. I felt so close to nature the entire time. All of the staff at 59º North were kind, professional, fun, knowledgeable, and friendly. I will be back!