2027-10 | FALKEN | ARC Europe: Azores Cruise
Experience offshore sailing in the Azores with 59º North, island-hopping from Horta to Sao Miguel. Highlights include climbing Pico, witnessing Terceira’s bull run, and exploring Sao Miguel’s city life. Special pricing available for crews adding this passage before or after Horta.
The Passage
Synopsis
The Azores are one of our all-time favorite destinations in the Atlantic, and the islands offer unparalleled scenery and culture. Here's a chance to do something different with 59º North, island-hopping our way from Horta to Sao Miguel and exploring these wonderful islands. Climb to the summit of the 7,700' high Pico, watch the running of the bulls in Terceira and explore the big city in Sao Miguel. Special pricing for crews who want to add-on this passage either after arrival in Horta, or before joining the next leg to Scotland.
Details & logistics
typical Weather Pattern
The East Atlantic in June often sees a dominating high generally in latitudes near 35-37N, with a ridge over the tropical and subtropical Atlantic from 45N and S'ward. The gale track tends to stay farther north from E'rn Canada towards Iceland, with fronts extending to 33-35N but tend to weaken around 60-65W as they encounter the high. Tropics tend be rather low in June across the open Atlantic (tropical waves tend to remain along/south of 15N), with the W'rn Caribbean mainly being the hotspot region during this time. Winds largely prevail from the W-SW typically at/less than 20kts, and seas generally range near 1-2mtrs (3-6ft) but has a likelihood of building to 3mtrs (10ft) across June, prevailing from the W-NW and sometimes from the S-SW over the broad Azores region. Occasionally, winds will be from the NW-N-NE direction behind frontal passages.
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
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
Farr 65
'
FALKEN
'
🇬🇧
FALKEN is a 65-foot Bruce Farr-designed racing yacht, built in 1999 for a round-the-world amateur race. After the race, she was used for sail training before being purchased and refitted in 2022 for offshore sailing and crew comfort. The refit included a new Lithionics battery system and redesigned interior for a 10-person crew. More details and media at 59-north.com/falken.
CREW TESTIMONIALS
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!