2027-4 | ISBJORN | Lofoten - Seydisfjordur
Join ISBJØRN in one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, north of the Arctic Circle. This is a proper expedition. 700 miles of ocean separate Norway’s dramatic fjords from Seyðisfjörður, a hidden gem on Iceland’s remote east coast. This is not a milk run - it is a hardcore crossing into one of the most storied and elemental parts of the North Atlantic. The arrival into Seyðisfjörður will be very exciting. Tucked into a narrow fjord, the town is surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls. Few sailors ever make landfall here, and you’ll count yourself among an adventurous handful who have. This voyage is ideal for those seeking both challenge and discovery. It demands endurance, teamwork, and a spirit of adventure, and it delivers the unmatched thrill of exploring places rarely seen by sea. It is high-latitude sailing in its purest form.
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:
May 31, 2027
Crew arrive to ISBJØRN at in Lofoten, Norway. 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.
June 2, 2027
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
June 11, 2027
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart ISBJØRN from Seydisfjordur, Iceland.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Lofoten
Seydisfjordur
Weather conditions
Expect a cool, brisk passage across the Norwegian Sea, often unsettled with a lively swell and shifty winds, so dress warm and settle in—it'll feel like a proper high-latitude crossing, raw but rewarding for the bold.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
ambitious sailing schedule
The best boats
Professional, well-paid staff
knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"Andy & Paul were amazing from the practice sails to the race itself; I never thought I'd be able to participate in such an exciting event. I'd also like to thank Liz & Lee, your first mates, who were always on hand to encourage us, teach us, and swap stories. I came away with tremendous respect for ISBJØRN, her captain, and the excellent crew she attracts. I'm definitely coming back."
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
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.