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...
"When I think back to my trip across the North Sea on ICEBEAR, the memories uplift me and fill me with warmth and gratitude. Unplugging from the corporate world and embracing the beauty the ocean has to offer with 59º North molded me into a slightly different version of myself, in the most magical ways. I went home after 11 days with a more courageous yet humbled energy, realizing how capable and excited I am to take on new challenges."
"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!"
"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!"
"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."
"Gathering with 10 other like-minded women aboard FALKEN was amazing! I learned more than I ever expected from Nikki and Emma. Being 'allowed' to mess up and actually learn from your mistakes without anyone getting stressed was freeing! I'd recommend this trip to any women with a desire to sail."
"Mark and I signed up for a multi-night sailing adventure and ended up with a life-altering week of utter delight. Alex and Mia created an atmosphere of trusting, loving community the second we boarded FALKEN, and we still can’t believe how they trusted us with their beautiful boat and the crew’s lives. We learned about sailing, charting, trimming sails, and working in teams with strangers, and experienced everything from flat calm to huge swells, dolphins, and whales. We’ve been off the boat for four days and are already obsessed with going on another leg—what a week, 59º North!"
"It was such an experience! Meeting all the people and being part of the crew is something very special. We were so lucky to spend the passage on FALKEN; the nature and weather gave us the best, and I really wish it could have lasted longer."
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 :)