2026-1 | ADRIENNE II | BONUS Trans-At SXM - Canaries
(Note that we offer a % discount if you pay by cash/bank transfer.)
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.
SAILING STAFF
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:
February 21, 2026
Crew arrive to ADRIENNE II at in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten. ADRIENNE II orientation followed by crew dinner. All crew stay onboard ADRIENNE II.
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 ADRIENNE II by the skipper.
February 23, 2026
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
March 15, 2026
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart ADRIENNE II from Pasito Blanco, Canary Islands.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Simpson Bay
Pasito Blanco
Weather conditions
This is a downwind tradewind passage—expect warm, settled sailing with steady breeze on the quarter and lively following seas; classic Atlantic crossing weather that'll feel comfortable and fast, though you'll roll a bit when the swell builds.
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...
"I really didn’t know what to expect on my trip. I knew it was going to be about 800 miles, the Bay of Biscay is notoriously challenging, and there was a remote possibility of orca attacks. Thankfully, we were safe, but the Bay of Biscay did not disappoint, and we logged more than 1,000 miles. Our skipper and mate, Nikki Henderson and Emma Garschagen, far exceeded any expectation I had, and at no time did I ever feel unsafe, which allowed me to fully take in every experience. I learned a ton, had a great time, and left with a new sense of confidence that I never expected."
"Having sailed on ISBJØRN in 2019, I was excited to join another 59º North passage and finally sailed on FALKEN for the trans-Atlantic in January 2025. The 17-day passage was an incredible experience, sharing sailing knowledge and cultural perspectives with a diverse crew. FALKEN felt extremely safe and comfortable, and the care 59º North puts into both the voyage and post-trip details is outstanding. I came away with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a whole new level of sailing experience."
"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."
"I signed up for this passage hoping to spend an extended period offshore, learn new skills, increase my competencies and confidence, and sail with amazing crew mates—and this passage completely exceeded my expectations. The 59º North team brings impressive skill, experience, wisdom, and fun to each passage and crew, which is a huge part of why I returned for this second passage in twelve months. I recommend 59º North to all of my sailing friends who want to learn about offshore passage-making in a thorough and hands-on way from true professionals."
"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."
"Before 59º North I didn't know my bowsprit from my binnacle and suffered from low sailing esteem. After two weeks of 59º North, what a difference! As a longtime podcast listener, I arrived for my Bermuda to Horta transatlantic with high expectations, and they were all not just met but exceeded. I could not imagine a skipper and mate more professional and enthusiastic than Andy and Emma."
"I highly recommend the experience of doing a passage on ISBJØRN. I gained valuable offshore experience on a fine boat, learned how Andy and Mia competently manage their boat, learned about celestial navigation, and had a great time doing it. Completing ISBJØRN's first back-to-back 200 mile day passage was a smokin' fast bonus!"
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.
packing lists & notes
Packing Notes
Start here when planning your packing for sailing with 59º North. This list includes the general basics for all of our passages. The passage-specific packing lists offer more details.
Cold | Warm Packing List
This will be a "transitional" passage, either starting in warmer climes and increasing in latitude until it's significantly cooler, or vice versa. Another one of those trips where you'll need to pack one of everything for changing conditions. See the packing list for specifics.
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 :)