Testimonials
WHAT THE CREW SAY ABOUT SAILING WITH 59º NORTH...
If you've sailed with us and want to tell the world about your experience, click the button below to send us your feedback! testimonials will then be published on this page. Check out what past crew have said below!
"Some of us seek out more meaning through travel rather than escaping from life. We want to be stronger tomorrow than we are today."
"What an incredible experience! I am so grateful to have been on the leg from Reykjavik to Stornoway over the solar eclipse. ISBJØRN is an incredible ship—sturdy, safe, comfortable (not to mention her amazing and somewhat scandalous history!). Feeling ever grateful to 59º North for this journey."
"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."
"Cruelling and unforgettable! I knew I would be inspired by Nikki and Alex—true professionals—but it was the inspiration I took from my crewmates that will stay with me for a lifetime. As a blue water cruiser, this experience definitely made me a better ocean sailor!"
"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."
"I can’t say enough good things about the camp, August, and ISBJØRN. The format is perfect for someone like me—I’ve done some sailing, but not enough to feel comfortable on a passage. August is an amazing teacher and so patient! I learned an incredible amount and feel ready to take on a passage with 59º North."
"This passage was literally my first time sailing. My goal was to get as far as possible from my daily life and desk-bound comfort zone, and Andy assured me I would be looked after. I could not have asked for a better skipper (thank you, Jon), better crew mates, or a more enjoyable passage. I'll be forever grateful to 59º North for this opportunity, and I hope to sail with them again soon."
"There are so few opportunities in our lives, unless we seek them out, for adventure, exploration, and personal challenge. Doing hard things results in personal satisfaction and makes life meaningful. If people don't understand that and want more creature comforts than 59º North trips offer, then they're not the right people for you. Keep doing what you're doing and there will be plenty of crew who share your values wishing to join you."
"I have so many great memories from this sailing experience, and so much of that was because of our skipper, Mary, and first mate, Delaney. Mary was incredible: approachable, present, knowledgeable, and always calm, with a quiet confidence that made everyone feel safe and comfortable. She frequently studied the GRIB files and always considered the best course of action to keep her crew happy and safe. She kept us informed each day with clear explanations of passage changes and weather. She never wavered in providing gentle reminders about safety on board. It never once crossed my mind that we were not in good hands. Delaney was equally wonderful. She and Mary were perfectly in sync as leaders, communicating calmly, respectfully, and often with great humor. Delaney was always smiling, quick to laugh, and showed clear respect for Mary’s decision-making while bringing her own steady presence to the crew. Virginia, our intern, and I spent less time together due to our shifts. However, in the few interactions we had, we shared some amazing life perspectives that I will always remember. Together, they created the full offshore sailing experience I hoped for: a combination of education, safety, leadership, and kindness. The only problem is that they have now set a very high bar for future sailing experiences. When I reflect back on the passage, I have no ‘glums’ at all."
"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."
"I had an unbelievable sailing experience aboard ISBJØRN with Naxo as skipper and David as apprentice. They took special care to accommodate everyone's wants and needs, and we sailed every point of sail, practiced MOB drills, docking, navigating, trip planning, and weather forecasting. The food was hot, plentiful, and varied, even during our cold offshore passage. I plan on doing this trip again and recommend that you do too. Thanks to 59º North, Naxo, and David."
Check out What the rest of The crew says...
"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!"
Denise | 2023-14 | FALKEN | Azores-Lagos
"Great time sailing on FALKEN with Alex, Adam, and Zoe from Hawaii to B.C.! The passage took about 2 weeks, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets, dolphins, whales, fast speeds, and big waves. FALKEN handles rough weather with ease, and the experienced staff made this passage a piece of cake. By the end of the trip, I was already looking at next year’s openings to sign up for!"
Nikolay | 2026-8 | FALKEN | Hawaii-Alaska Border
"I really didn’t know what to expect on my trip. I knew it was going to be about 800 miles, the Bay of Biscay is notoriously challenging, and there was a remote possibility of orca attacks. Thankfully, we were safe, but the Bay of Biscay did not disappoint, and we logged more than 1,000 miles. Our skipper and mate, Nikki Henderson and Emma Garschagen, far exceeded any expectation I had, and at no time did I ever feel unsafe, which allowed me to fully take in every experience. I learned a ton, had a great time, and left with a new sense of confidence that I never expected."
Chris | "2021-11 | ICEBEAR | Falmouth, UK-Cascais, Portugal 2021 ICEBEAR"
"I signed up for this passage hoping to spend an extended period offshore, learn new skills, increase my competencies and confidence, and sail with amazing crew mates—and this passage completely exceeded my expectations. The 59º North team brings impressive skill, experience, wisdom, and fun to each passage and crew, which is a huge part of why I returned for this second passage in twelve months. I recommend 59º North to all of my sailing friends who want to learn about offshore passage-making in a thorough and hands-on way from true professionals."
Meg | 2022-11 | ICEBEAR | Marstrand-Portsmouth
"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. All of the staff at 59º North were kind, professional, fun, knowledgeable, and friendly. I will be back!"
Lucinda | 2025-1 | ISBJORN | Bergen - Faroe Islands
"I’ve sailed with 59º North four times—each has been a unique and gratifying experience. Sailing with like-minded folks, captained by the best in the biz, in well-maintained vessels has been the highlight of my 40-year sailing career. I’ve learned so much about sailing and myself on my 59º North adventures."
Karl | 2023-11 | FALKEN | Reykjavik-Kinsale
"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."
Paul | 2019-3 | ISBJORN | RORC Caribbean 600
"59º North runs the most professional offshore training program you can find, and it shows in their professionalism, leadership, skill, and service. I felt honored to be part of the maiden voyage of FALKEN—she's a beauty, and the 59º North refit crew did an amazing job! Shout out to Nikki Henderson (Captain) and Alex Laline (Mate) for inspiring, knowledgeable, and caring leadership. I can't imagine having a better experience with any other."
Alex | "2023-1 | FALKEN | OFFSHORE TRAINING CAMP, SOUTH COAST UK"
"I'm still processing everything I saw, felt, learned, and experienced over those 17 days, but there are a few things I wanted to express before the land sickness wears off and I return to my landlubber life. Your Skippers and Mates created an environment of calm, comfort, and confidence that washed away any apprehension I had about joining seven strangers on a 1600-mile round trip. I am blown away by their depth of knowledge, not only of sailing but also in teaching a crew of widely different experience levels without a hint of condescension. I would not hesitate to sail with them again, and we're already scoping out future dates on the cal."
Adam | 2020-3 | ICEBEAR | Spirit of Bermuda Rally 2020 ICEBEAR
"I have been on two 59º North voyages—Antigua to Cartagena on FALKEN and Sail Training Camp on ISBJØRN in Norway last May 19-26. What I love about sailing is the absolute focus and concentration required for those fleeting moments of joy when it all comes together perfectly. Fair winds, good sails, a sturdy boat are all I want—the rest is a distraction."
Kathy | 2025-3 | FALKEN | Antigua-Colombia
"This was my second trip with 59º North, my first being a fantastic heavy weather crossing of the Irish Sea on ISBJØRN. I signed up for the Canary Islands to Caribbean trip, thrilled to be chosen as crew. The attention to detail in equipment, vessels, and crew at 59º North is world class, making ocean sailing both safe and unforgettable. I will definitely be sailing again with 59º North."
Scott | 2025-2 | FALKEN | Las Palmas - Antigua
"When I think back to my trip across the North Sea on ICEBEAR, the memories uplift me and fill me with warmth and gratitude. Unplugging from the corporate world and embracing the beauty the ocean has to offer with 59º North molded me into a slightly different version of myself, in the most magical ways. I went home after 11 days with a more courageous yet humbled energy, realizing how capable and excited I am to take on new challenges."
Katelyn | 2022-11 | ICEBEAR | Marstrand-Portsmouth
"I signed up for this passage hoping to spend an extended period offshore, learn new skills, increase my competencies and confidence, and sail with amazing crew mates—and this passage completely exceeded my expectations. The 59º North team brings impressive skill, experience, wisdom, and fun to each passage and crew, which is a huge part of why I returned for this second passage in twelve months. I recommend 59º North to all of my sailing friends who want to learn about offshore passage-making in a thorough and hands-on way from true professionals."
Meg | 2022-11 | ICEBEAR | Marstrand-Portsmouth
"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."
Karl | 2023-11 | FALKEN | Reykjavik-Kinsale
"I'm AKA Andy’s Dad, so my opinion of the skipper may be slanted a bit. I admit to being wrong on my initial reaction to FALKEN—at first sight she seemed like a hard-to-handle race boat, but she is easy to handle and shrinks once you get used to her. The refit work done below is flawless, with comfortable bunks, a spacious galley, and plenty of storage. A trip with 59º North on any of their boats is truly a life-changing experience. Highly recommended!"
Dennis | 2025-6 | FALKEN | Galapagos - Marquesas
"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. All of the staff at 59º North were kind, professional, fun, knowledgeable, and friendly. I will be back!"
Lucinda | 2025-1 | ISBJORN | Bergen - Faroe Islands
"Having sailed on ISBJØRN in 2019 from Puerto Rico to Key West, I was excited to join another 59º North passage. Meeting the crew in Las Palmas for the trans-Atlantic passage on FALKEN was a fantastic experience, sharing cultural perspectives and sailing knowledge with people from six different countries. I learned so much, from safety procedures to specialized sail trimming, and made great friends on that journey."
Kevin | 2025-2 | FALKEN | Las Palmas - Antigua
"Wow! Andy, Mia, and the team run an extraordinary offshore program for new and experienced sailors alike. Their deep and wide-ranging knowledge of sailing provides anyone an opportunity to learn. The memory of sailing with 20+ knots of wind under a full moon across 8-10' seas is one I will carry with me forever."
Brian | 2022-3 | ICEBEAR | Antigua-Guadaloupe-Antigua Offshore
"To be surrounded by strong, intelligent women sailing leaders provided a safe and inclusive learning opportunity. This was exactly the environment I was looking forward to, and it met and exceeded my goals."
Sarah | 2026-10 | FALKEN | All-Women's Passage | Victoria-San Francisco
"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!"
Jillian | 2025-2 | FALKEN | Las Palmas - Antigua
"This trip across the North Sea from Bergen (Norway) to Oban (Scotland) was awesome! It offered hands-on learning about navigation, lots of sail handling, and a wide range of weather, wind (up to 35 knots!), and sailing conditions. Jon Amtrup is a highly experienced skipper—and he helped me fill in the gaps!"
Brian | 2025-9 | ISBJORN | Bergen - Oban
"This was my second trip with 59º North, and once again it was absolutely fantastic. The crew quickly became a friendly, supportive team, and living in close quarters felt natural and easy. Jon set the perfect tone as skipper, sharing his knowledge with clarity and patience, and Mia’s behind-the-scenes planning made everything seamless. Sailing with 59º North is about growing as a sailor, sharing adventure, and making lasting memories."
Alexis | 2025-10 | ISBJORN | Oban - Bergen
"My time on FALKEN crossing the Atlantic was highly rewarding and incredibly enjoyable. 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 | 2024-3 | FALKEN | Cape Verde-Barbados
"Sailing on ISBJØRN with Captain Naxo during the Sail Training Camp was an incredible experience. His ability to adapt his teaching to each person's skill level built confidence throughout the crew and turned us into a cohesive team. I wholeheartedly recommend 59º North and Captain Naxo."
Brad | 2026-2 | ISBJORN | Sail Training Camp #2
"Mark and I signed up for a multi-night sailing adventure and ended up with a life-altering week of utter delight. Alex and Mia created an atmosphere of trusting, loving community the second we boarded FALKEN, and we still can’t believe how they trusted us with their beautiful boat and the crew’s lives. We learned about sailing, charting, trimming sails, and working in teams with strangers, and experienced everything from flat calm to huge swells, dolphins, and whales. We’ve been off the boat for four days and are already obsessed with going on another leg—what a week, 59º North!"
Libby | 2024-1 | FALKEN | Lagos-Las Palmas
"At 65, I was anxious about my first ocean passage from Antigua to Bermuda, but 59º North provided a unique opportunity to experience the magic of passage making while learning new skills. Mia Karlsson was inspiring and supportive while sailing FALKEN and cooking amazing meals, and Captain Chris Kobusch brought a wealth of knowledge and experience. This was truly the experience of a lifetime."
Kim | 2023-6 | FALKEN | Antigua-Bermuda
"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."
Christian | 2022-6 | ICEBEAR | Bermuda-Azores Trans-At
"I truly enjoyed the entire experience. I went to gain confidence and understanding of offshore sailing, build my skills as a sailor, and have fun—this trip did not disappoint. Our captain, Paul Exner, had a relaxed and friendly coaching style, walking us through decision points and sharing his thought process, which was invaluable. I loved sailing on ISBJØRN; my only regret was that the trip had to end. Thanks to 59º North for such a dynamic experience!"
Brian | 2019-6 | ISBJORN | Bermuda-Annapolis
"Gathering with 10 other like-minded women aboard FALKEN was amazing! I learned more than I ever expected from Nikki and Emma. Being 'allowed' to mess up and actually learn from your mistakes without anyone getting stressed was freeing! I'd recommend this trip to any women with a desire to sail."
Jules | 2023-10 | FALKEN | Isafjordur-Reykyavik // ALL WOMEN // Iceland Cruise
"I sailed on ISBJØRN in March 2024 from Bergen to Tromsø and it was fantastic. 59º North truly lived up to expectations—Mia and August were always helpful, and our skipper Jon Amtrup did a fantastic job, balancing safety with giving everyone the right tasks and space. We had incredible anchorages, great sailing, fun dinners, and unforgettable experiences under the stars on the North Sea. ISBJØRN is a wonderful boat with character, and I highly recommend the trip."
Marco | 2024-2 | ISBJORN | Bergen-Tromsø
"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."
Bruce | 2016-5 | ISBJORN | Ft. Lauderdale-Annapolis 2016 ISBJORN
"Having sailed on ISBJØRN in 2019, I was excited to join another 59º North passage and finally sailed on FALKEN for the trans-Atlantic in January 2025. The 17-day passage was an incredible experience, sharing sailing knowledge and cultural perspectives with a diverse crew. FALKEN felt extremely safe and comfortable, and the care 59º North puts into both the voyage and post-trip details is outstanding. I came away with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a whole new level of sailing experience."
Kevin | 2025-2 | FALKEN | Las Palmas - Antigua
"This passage was literally my first time sailing. My goal was to get as far as possible from my daily life and desk-bound comfort zone, and Andy assured me I would be looked after. I could not have asked for a better skipper (thank you, Jon), better crew mates, or a more enjoyable passage. The expression 'life-changing experience' is thrown around too loosely, but this one was for me. I'll be forever grateful to 59º North for this opportunity and I hope to sail with them again soon."
Markham | 2025-1 | ISBJORN | Bergen - Faroe Islands
"I have been sailing for 60 years, mostly as an inshore one-design racer, and had never had the right boat, expertise, or opportunity to go far offshore. The Annapolis to Bermuda passage on ICEBEAR far exceeded my expectations—the skipper and mate were very knowledgeable, and ICEBEAR is a solid, sea-kindly vessel that is surprisingly fast in light air. Our crew of seven strangers became a cohesive, friendly, and competent group, and I’m grateful I got to put into practice the celestial navigation knowledge I gained from Andy and Mia’s 2020 seminar. I hope to make another passage with 59º North in the future."
John | 2021-4 | ICEBEAR | Annapolis-Bermuda Ocean Race Trial 2021 ICEBEAR
"In 11 days on the North Sea with a crew of 9 women, 59 feet of boat, 1350nm, and two episodes of heaving-to, we gained experience that would take years to acquire alone. The mentorship, leadership, training, and kindness from the crew at 59º North helped us become better sailors by leaps and bounds. Sharing this journey with sailors from around the world was pure joy, and every passage with 59º North is a legacy of knowledge we benefit from."
Marina | 2022-11 | ICEBEAR | Marstrand-Portsmouth
"59º North made my dream come true to cross an ocean via sailboat. Andy and Vilma taught me little lessons and big lessons of the sea, pushing me out of my comfort zone, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you Andy and Mia for letting me, a rookie ocean sailor, live the experience of a lifetime and fueling future dreams. I hope to be crew on FALKEN once again and to keep learning."
Matt | 2023-10 | FALKEN | Trans-At // St. John's-Greenland-Isafjordur
"I highly recommend the experience of doing a passage on ISBJØRN. I gained valuable offshore experience on a fine boat, learned how Andy and Mia competently manage their boat, learned about celestial navigation, and had a great time doing it. Completing ISBJØRN's first back-to-back 200 mile day passage was a smokin' fast bonus!"
Reed | 2017-3 | ISBJORN | Grenada-St. Croix-BVI 2017 ISBJORN
"I had always wanted to do an ocean crossing but never felt comfortable doing it myself. Experiencing a bucket list item with 59º North was deeply special and has me considering how I can design my life for more adventures like this. Thank you for creating 59º North and allowing others to experience the magic of the seven seas!"
Kristie | 2025-9 | ISBJORN | Bergen - Oban
"Our voyage was interesting because both ISBJØRN (which I was on) and ICEBEAR traveled the same route at roughly the same time. We had Matt Rutherford as our captain and Ben Doerr as first mate, and they were both chill, fun, and always happy to answer questions and provide advice. 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. If you are looking for blue water sailing experience and a fun adventure, I highly recommend that you sign up with 59º North."
Rob | 2019-5 | ISBJORN | Key West-Bermuda
"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!"
Matt | "2018-7 | ISBJORN | Lagos, Portugal-Madeira & Back 2018 ISBJORN"