2026-6 | ISBJORN | Reykjavik - Solar Eclipse - Stornoway
This trip, and indeed this whole sailing season, was conceived during a conversation with Dan Stinebring in the Lofoten Islands. Dan is a bona fide astronomer, and a professor of Physics & Astronomy. As we were discussing the total eclipse over the US that year, we learned about an upcoming total solar eclipse over Europe, that sadly would be tough to see, as the best part would occur out in the ocean. It then dawned on us both that there existed a machine that could take us there—the very machine that was ghosting us along the cliffs of Lofoten as we spoke. ISBJØRN is going to sail to the point of greatest eclipse for the Total Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026! This is the point which will have the longest duration of totality. Experience this unique once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon in the coolest possible location! As lunar perigee will occur on August 10, 2026, two days before the solar eclipse, the Moon's apparent diameter will be larger, and totality will last for 2 minutes and 18 seconds! ISBJØRN will start in Reykjavik, then sail for 65°10.3' N 25°12.3' W to experience the eclipse, and then head to Stornoway in Scotland. Book your flights early! The eclipse will be visible from the mainland of Iceland as well (although much reduced) and there will probably be tons of people coming to see it.
SAILING STAFF
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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:
August 9, 2026
Crew arrive to ISBJØRN at 13.00 in Reykjavik, Iceland. ISBJØRN orientation followed by crew dinner. All crew stay onboard ISBJØRN.
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 ISBJØRN by the skipper.
August 10, 2026
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
August 20, 2026
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart ISBJØRN from Stornoway, Scotland.
Join ISBJORN in Reykjavik, Iceland. The main harbor where ISBJORN will be docked is next to Harpa, the concert hall in town. The Solar Eclipse is the 'star' of this passage, we sail for 65°10.3' N 25°12.3' W to experience the eclipse, and then head to Stornoway in Scotland. We may stop along the way in Iceland, or closer to Scotland depending on the weather and timing.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Reykjavik
Stornoway
Weather conditions
Expect a cool, lively passage across the North Atlantic, with plenty of breeze to keep the boat moving and unsettled skies that'll likely throw a few blows your way—proper offshore sailing that rewards a well-found boat and a hardy crew.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
The best boats
Professional, well-paid staff
knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"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!"
"As this was my first major passage, I wasn't sure what to expect. You have to have a lot of respect for people who choose offshore sailing for their profession. Erik and Ben were top-notch professionals, and my experience with 59º North was great!"
"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."
"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."
"Adventure, education, majesty... I can't imagine a better pair to introduce people to the sublime enterprise of offshore sailing. This trip will always live amongst my cherished memories. Thank you!"
"If you are thinking about reefing—reef! The same logic applies to sailing with Andy and Mia: if you are thinking about sailing with them, stop thinking and GO! Andy and Mia are great sailors, leaders, teachers, cooks, and warm, intelligent, 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."
"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."
THE BOAT
S&S Swan 48
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ISBJØRN
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🇳🇴
ISBJØRN is the "OG" 59º North boat, the classic S&S Swan 48 that we started the business with back in 2015. She's considered an all-time great ocean cruising boat - built like a tank in Finland to the highest standards and with a modern but conservative hull shape making for fast & comfortable passages offshore in any weather. ISBJØRN sails with 5 crew plus a Skipper, and each person has their own dedicated sea berth & storage locker.
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 | Chilly Packing List
Weather-wise, expect chilly to cold conditions (not Arctic-level cold, but cold enough to need boots, hats & gloves, especially at night). On sunny, calmer days, it might be warm enough for shorts and t-shirts, so on these types of trips you kinda need one of everything! Check the packing list for specific details.