2027-8 | ISBJORN | Stornoway - Kinsale
Stornoway, in the heart of the Scottish Hebrides, is an epic starting point for offshore sailing adventures. Sail south spotting castles, whales, and puffins before deciding whether to cross the Irish Sea or head around Ireland’s west coast toward Kinsale.
The Passage
Synopsis
Stornoway is just as epic as it sounds, and the perfect place to start any sailing adventure. And, it is right in the middle of the gorgeous Scottish Hebrides! A cockpit game of I-Spy might feature words like “castle”, “whale”, “distillery” and “puffin”, as we make our way south through the islands. Then, we’ll have a tough weather decision on our hands - either to tackle the Irish Sea or make a starboard turn around the west coast of Ireland.
Details & logistics
typical Weather Pattern
In August, gales will form near Newfoundland before tracking ENE’ward through the N’rn British Isles every 5-6 days. Associated cold fronts will tend to weaken by the time they reach 20W. At times, secondary lows/gale may form along the tail end of fronts to the southwest of Ireland before continuing E’ward across the Irish Sea and United Kingdom. Prevailing breezes between Stornoway and Kinsale often tend W-SW’ly in nature and between 15-20 knots (with higher gusts possible). This is thanks to cold fronts which we see crossing through the W’rn British Isles every 5-6 days during August, though these fronts typically trend on the weaker side during the summer months. As fronts reach the W’rn British Isles, breezes will often veer SW-W-NW’ly in nature due to transient high pressure systems which fill in behind cold fronts. These transient highs will often then drift S’ward and merge with semipermanent high pressure closer to the Azores during the approach of cold fronts, resulting in breezes backing NW-W-SW’ly once again. W-SW’ly swell sets between 2.0-2.5 meters (6-8 feet) will often prevail between Stornoway and Kinsale throughout August. Higher W-NW’ly swell sets can also develop in the wake of gales and their associated cold fronts, though these typically tend longer in period while building upwards of 3.0-3.5 meters (10-12 feet). JY
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
Cold | Warm Packing List
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
S&S Swan 48
'
ISBJØRN
'
🇳🇴
ISBJØRN, hull #002 of 46 Swan 48s built by Nautor of Finland, was launched in 1971 as WARBABY. Originally owned by Warren Browne, she was seized by the USCG in the early 1970s and later served 20 years at the US Naval Academy as INSURGENTE. After a major refit as PATRIOT with the Annapolis School of Seamanship, she raced again in 2012 and was acquired by her current owners in 2015. The Swan 48 is renowned for its safety and classic design, excelling in both racing and cruising.
CREW TESTIMONIALS
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.