SAILING STAFF

Nikki
Henderson
SKIPPER
Nikki Henderson
Alex
Laline Ruiz
SKIPPER
Alex Laline Ruiz

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 10, 2025

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 12, 2025

Scheduled departure, weather dependent.


October 26, 2025

Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart RACING from Valetta, Malta.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

Valetta

Weather conditions

Expect a warm, pleasant Mediterranean autumn sail with mostly settled conditions and gentle breezes—the kind of trip where you'll likely be reaching along comfortably, with the sea staying friendly and the sun keeping things easy underfoot.

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...

"Sailing on ISBJØRN with Captain Naxo during the Sail Training Camp was an incredible experience. His ability to adapt his teaching to each person's skill level built confidence throughout the crew and turned us into a cohesive team. I wholeheartedly recommend 59º North and Captain Naxo."

Brad
|
2026
|
ISBJØRN
|
Bergen-Bergen
United States
|
🇺🇸
220
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

"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!"

Jillian
|
2025
|
FALKEN
|
Las Palmas-Falmouth
Canada
|
🇨🇦
3,046
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

"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."

Daniel
|
2026
|
ISBJØRN
|
Bergen-Bergen
United States
|
🇺🇸
1,285
Miles sailed
2
Passages sailed

"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!"

Lucinda
|
2025
|
ISBJØRN
|
Bergen-Torshavn
United States
|
🇺🇸
540
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

"Having sailed on ISBJØRN in 2019 from Puerto Rico to Key West, I was excited to join another 59º North passage. Meeting the crew in Las Palmas for the trans-Atlantic passage on FALKEN was a fantastic experience, sharing cultural perspectives and sailing knowledge with people from six different countries. I learned so much, from safety procedures to specialized sail trimming, and made great friends on that journey."

Kevin
|
2025
|
FALKEN
|
Las Palmas-Falmouth
United States
|
🇺🇸
4,139
Miles sailed
2
Passages sailed

"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."

Alex
|
2023
|
FALKEN
|
Portsmouth-Portsmouth
United States
|
🇺🇸
1,253
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

"I'm still processing everything I saw, felt, learned, and experienced over those 17 days, but there are a few things I wanted to express before the land sickness wears off and I return to my landlubber life. Your Skippers and Mates created an environment of calm, comfort, and confidence that washed away any apprehension I had about joining seven strangers on a 1600-mile round trip. I am blown away by their depth of knowledge, not only of sailing but also in teaching a crew of widely different experience levels without a hint of condescension. I would not hesitate to sail with them again, and we're already scoping out future dates on the cal."

Adam
|
2020
|
ICEBEAR
|
Annapolis-St. Georges
United States
|
🇺🇸
2,477
Miles sailed
2
Passages sailed

THE BOAT

'

RACING

'

2,850
Miles sailed
About the Boat
RACING

packing lists & notes

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"I rarely remember my dreams ashore but almost always do at sea. Something about sleeping in a washing machine allows better access to the subconscious."
John Kretschmer
Sailing a Serious Ocean

FAQS

The FAQs on the right are the ones most pertinent to this specific passage, and most of what you need to know you'll find in there. If you don't find it there, click the button below for all FAQs, or you can always get in touch and ask us directly!
ALL FAqs
Contact Us
What to Expect Offshore
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