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 kick off the 2026 Pacific season with an offshore sailing adventure south to La Paz, Mexico. Be part of 59º North’s first-ever voyage into the Sea of Cortez and experience this renowned sailing destination firsthand.

Sign-on to sail

The Passage

Synopsis

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!

Details & logistics

typical Weather Pattern

In January, interaction between a thermal trough (low pressure) across Northwestern Mainland Mexico to the Baja Peninsula, and high pressure ridging offshore from the Baja will yield NW-N winds, averaging 11-17kts across the region. Strong frontal passages will bring 24-48hr surges of NW-N’lys of 20-25kts, with periods of 25-35kts also likely near and north of Cedros Island. Swells along the western Baja Coast average W-NW from 6ft/2mtrs or less, and NW-N 5ft/1.5mtrs or less. However, in the aforementioned wind surges, W-NW swells can reach as high as 11-13ft/3.5-4mtrs north of Cedros Island, and W-NW 8-10ft/2.5-3mtrs farther south to Cabo Falso and offshore from the southern tip of the Baja. Along the east coast of the Baja, NW-N swells of 3-6ft/1-2mtrs are likely during wind surges, tending lowest along immediate coastal waters. DC

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

Document

Download

Cold | Warm Packing List

Document

Download

COASTING DOWN BAJA

January 19, 2026
Passage Blog

Mary and I joked that this was probably the longest lead-up to a passage we’ve ever had - we arrived into San Diego on Saturday, January 10, deliberately a bit early as it’s the first trip of the year and we needed to recommission FALKEN after a 5-week layover.

Download

BONUS SAILING

January 20, 2026
Passage Blog

The wind filled in between 1100-1200 today, right on schedule with the GFS weather model, and by lunchtime we were sailing.

Download

FLYING THE KITE + DOMESTIC CHORES

January 21, 2026
Passage Blog

Each day we rotate through who cooks the meal (I was on chili duty tonight, my specialty), who cleans the heads (that’s done on whoever has the 1930-2230 watch.

Download

TUNA TUNA FISH

January 22, 2026
Passage Blog

It’s tuna time on the good ship FALKEN.

Download

DEEPWATER SWIMMING

January 23, 2026
Passage Blog

Swimming in 10,000-ft deep water...yes please!

Download

40+ KNOTS IN A BLACKOUT NIGHT

January 24, 2026
Passage Blog

By the time one reef was in, it was basically time for a second, and before 1930 we had two reefs and a partially furled headsail.

Download

HOW'D WE END UP IN CABO?!

January 28, 2026
Passage Blog

We're supposed to be in La Paz, what gives?

Download

FAQS

We've tried to answer most of the relevant questions we get from time to time, so have a look at the FAQS on the right, or feel free to contact us if there's something you can't find an answer to!
Contact us

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?

Contact us

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.

55,604
Miles sailed
view details
FALKEN

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.

|
2016-5 | ISBJORN | Ft. Lauderdale-Annapolis 2016 ISBJORN
United States
🇺🇸
2,561
Miles sailed
3
Passages sailed

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!

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

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.

John Dinner
|
2024-3 | FALKEN | Cape Verde-Barbados
Canada
🇨🇦
2,175
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

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!

|
2018-7 | ISBJORN | Lagos, Portugal-Madeira & Back 2018 ISBJORN
United States
🇺🇸
1,085
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

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!

Jillian Feberwee
|
2025-2 | FALKEN | Las Palmas - Antigua
Canada
🇨🇦
3,046
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

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.

Rob Stassen
|
2019-5 | ISBJORN | Key West-Bermuda
Canada
🇨🇦
1,282
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed

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!

Lucinda Kemmet
|
2025-1 | ISBJORN | Bergen - Faroe Islands
United States
🇺🇸
540
Miles sailed
1
Passages sailed