2026-1 | ADRIENNE II | BONUS Trans-At SXM - Canaries
Join an offshore sailing adventure from Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten to Placito Blanco, Gran Canaria aboard the modified Swan 651 'ADRIENNE' after filming the Swedish TV show Över Atlanten. Sail 3,000 miles via Bermuda, learning real weather routing and safety at sea, and earn the Anchor patch for crossing the Atlantic under sail.
The Passage
Synopsis
Our third 'BONUS' Trans-Atlantic will again see us prep for departure in Dutch Sint Maarten, following the conclusion of another season filming the Swedish TV show Över Atlanten. Once the reality-show stars have disembarked and the boat's been handed over to 59º North, we'll assemble the crew on the island and spend a few days going over safety briefings, orientations and final prep. Then it's eastward-bound across the Atlantic! You'll sail 3,000-miles to the Canary Islands, but not in a direct line - instead, follow the weather north towards Bermuda to find the westerlies, then turn east and play the cold fronts as you head across the pond. The rhumb-line route would be into the teeth of the Tradewinds, so you'll learn real weather routing on this trip as you skirt the Atlantic High. Make landfall in Gran Canaria after 16-18 days at sea and bid farewell to your new shipmates! You'll earn the coveted Anchor patch on this leg, indicted you've crossed the Atlantic under sail. THE BOAT: 'ADRIENNE' | MODIFIED SWAN 651 The boat is a lengthened German Frers-designed Swan 651, now measuring 70-feet thanks to an extended transom. She's got a new customized keel and a carbon-fiber rig, and is owned by Gurra Krantz, a 4x Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Race skipper. He uses the boat solely for the TV-show, so it’s outfitted properly for this type of sailing.
Details & logistics
typical Weather Pattern
Prevailing E to ESE trade winds likely 15–22 kt, with moderate confidence; occasional gusts to 25 kt possible, especially offshore. Seas generally 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft) in open waters, with nearshore areas somewhat calmer but subject to localized wind acceleration near headlands. Sea surface temperatures expected 78–81ºF (25–27ºC); air temperatures 77–84ºF (25–29ºC), with minor diurnal variation. Squalls and brief showers possible, particularly in windward passages, but overall fair weather is likely. This summary is based on publicly available meteorological data and is intended as a high-level overview; professional forecasting and consultation 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
Packing Notes
Cold | Warm Packing List
T-Minus 1 Day Til Departure
Almost time to go.
The First 24 Hours at Sea
The crew gets their sea legs.
Notes from the Navigation Table
ADRIENNE II is bucking the tradewinds and making speed east.
At Peace at Sea
Adjusting sails, loving the moments, and at peace with all. By Linda.
Life on Starboard Tack
Will the upwind sailing never end?
A Letter to My Mother
By Apprentice Anton | Whereby Anton laments the discovery of the ancient, and resilient, diesel bug.
Highs & Lows on ADRIENNE II
By Crewmember Knut | A racing sailor reflects on the cruising life in the Atlantic. And the seasickness is (finally!) gone.
Finding My Sea Legs
By Crewmember Simon | "The prunes finally did what prunes do."
Party Time!
Sorry Anton, but the middle of the Atlantic is a million FEET deep. Nobody knows how many meters.
Many Colors of The Atlantic
By Crewmember Molly | A cold front overtakes Adrienne II, and the crew enjoy a wild night on the helm.
Dearest Mother…
By Apprentice Anton | A second "letter to his mother" from the high seas.
Reflections from a Former Band Teacher
By Linda, Adrienne II Crew | Well “I woke up this morning” to a “zippity du dah kind of day.”
How about we just keep sailing?!
Time is weird at sea. During the first few days of an extended ocean passage, it often feels as though you will never arrive at your destination.
Random Thoughts at Sea
Randomish thoughts as we get closer to port.
Last Letter to My Mother…
Apprentice Anton's Final letter to his mother, in which the crew wonders whether a hot dog counts as a sandwich.
We Did It!
We did it!! We have sailed across the North Atlantic and red pants can now legally be worn by the whole crew :)
FAQS
What can I expect to learn on a 59º North trip? Do I get a certificate?
Will I be able to communicate with friends or family during the passage?
What’s included in the crew fee?
How much experience is required to sign on for a passage?
What amenities are there aboard ISBJØRN & FALKEN?
How do couples fit in with the crew?
How do we make travel plans given the uncertain nature of ocean sailing?
Will I be the only woman on the boat?
When do I find out who the rest of the crew will be?
What happens after I signup to sail with 59º North?
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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.