2026-1 | FALKEN | San Diego-La Paz

Jan 18, 2026
Jan 25, 2026
$6,600
8
Days
800
NM
San Diego
La Paz

Join FALKEN in San Diego to start the 2026 Pacific season! After a short off-season break over the holidays, FALKEN will be back in action for the reaching sail south to Mexico and into the Sea of Cortez, making landfall in La Paz on the Baja California Peninsula. This will be 59º North’s first foray into the famed Sea of Cortez, and everything we’ve heard about it makes us very excited! Here’s your chance to be the first crew to sail to the Sea of Cortez with us!

SAILING STAFF

Andy
Schell
SKIPPER
Andy Schell
Mary
Vaughan-Jones
SKIPPER
Mary Vaughan-Jones

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:

January 18, 2026

Crew arrive to FALKEN at 1300 in San Diego, United States. FALKEN orientation followed by crew dinner. All crew stay onboard FALKEN.


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 FALKEN by the skipper.


January 20, 2026

Scheduled departure, weather dependent.


January 25, 2026

Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart FALKEN from La Paz, Mexico.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

San Diego

La Paz

Weather conditions

Expect a brisk, lively passage down the Baja coast—cool and breezy with the prevailing northwesterlies often at your back, generally settled but with a few spirited days at sea before you slip into the warmer, calmer embrace of the Sea of Cortez.

In-depth analysis, by WRI

WHY 59º NORTH?

The best boats

Professional, well-paid staff

knowledge & community

Why it costs what it costs...

"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."

Margit Charlotte Rosengren
|
2025-5 | FALKEN | Panama-Galapagos
Sweden
|
🇸🇪
980
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

"Sailing from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas with 59º North Sailing was an outstanding experience that I would recommend to anyone seeking offshore sailing combined with exceptional instruction and seamanship. The lead crew, Andy, Mary, and Ryan, created a professional and welcoming environment focused on safety, preparation, and teamwork. I came away with much more confidence in offshore sailing and a deeper understanding of ocean passagemaking. 59º North delivers an authentic offshore experience, expert leadership, and an adventure that builds both skills and confidence."

Kirk Schumacher
|
2026-1 | FALKEN | San Diego-La Paz
United States
|
🇺🇸
846
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

"Cruelling and unforgettable! I knew I would be inspired by Nikki and Alex—true professionals—but it was the inspiration I took from my crewmates that will stay with me for a lifetime. As a blue water cruiser, this experience definitely made me a better ocean sailor!"

Douglas MacDonald
|
2025-1 | RACING | RORC Caribbean 600
United States
|
🇺🇸
4,687
Miles sailed
4
Passages sailed

"It was an honor to be onboard FALKEN for her crewed maiden voyage. We sailed in challenging conditions on our 5-day romp in the English Channel, with the crew rising to the occasion inspired by our skipper, Nikki, and first mate, Alex. If you want to experience real-world offshore life under expert supervision with like-minded folks, look no further than 59º North."

Karl Westman
|
2023-11 | FALKEN | Reykjavik-Kinsale
United States
|
🇺🇸
3,931
Miles sailed
4
Passages sailed

"The trip delivered on all my expectations and more. I wanted to experience sailing beyond my current boundaries, apply my skills, and learn from those around me. I felt able to embrace the whole experience because we had an excellent 59º North team that shaped us into a great crew on a well-prepared boat. If you are seeking ocean wisdom, you could not be in better hands."

Rebecca Clark
|
2022-11 | ICEBEAR | Marstrand-Portsmouth
United Kingdom
|
🇬🇧
1,336
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

"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!"

Dennis Schell
|
2025-6 | FALKEN | Galapagos - Marquesas
United States
|
🇺🇸
7,645
Miles sailed
7
Passages sailed

"I can’t say enough good things about the camp, August, and ISBJØRN. The format is perfect for someone like me—I’ve done some sailing, but not enough to feel comfortable on a passage. August is an amazing teacher and so patient! I learned an incredible amount and feel ready to take on a passage with 59º North."

Susan Wareing
|
2023-5 | ISBJORN | Offshore Training Camp 4 // Bergen, Norway
New Zealand
|
🇳🇿
4,717
Miles sailed
5
Passages sailed

THE BOAT

Farr 65

'

FALKEN

'

🇬🇧

FALKEN is ideally set up for long-distance offshore sailing. We fully rebuilt the boat in 2022 to our exacting specifications and with the help of legendary yacht designer Bob Perry. She's comfortable belowdecks and each crew has their own dedicated sea berth & gear locker. On deck she has a huge cockpit which easily seats 10 people for our daily meals offshore, and allows for plenty of room to move about when handling lines and trimming sails. She's also easy to maintain, fast and fun to sail! FALKEN sails with 8 crew plus a Skipper & Mate and the occasional apprentice.

60,014
Miles sailed
About the Boat
FALKEN

packing lists & notes

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"It's called wayfinding, princess. It's not just sails and knots. It's seeing where you're going in your mind. Knowing where you are, by knowing where you've been."
Maui
Moana

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

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 the boat?

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?

Contact us