If you want to experience fantastic things, then you have to place yourself in fantastic situations. Helping to crew FALKEN was a truly life-altering adventure. Chris and Mia created a wonderfully safe space for us to experience our aspirations, test our limits, and grow by leaps and bounds all while experiencing the profoundness and beauty of the open ocean. It was a thrill to have two such accomplished sailors share their craft and the bonds that were made between crew members will last a lifetime. My sea legs are long gone but I still wear a smile thanks to both the sense of my own accomplishment as well as from the hours of shared laughter with those that made this trip transformational and transcendent.

It was an honor to be onboard FALKEN for her crewed maiden voyage. This was my third trip with 59 North and it did not disappoint. We sailed in challenging conditions on our 5 day romp in the English Channel. The crew rose to the occasion inspired by our skipper, Nikki and first mate, Alex. If you have the desire to experience real world offshore life under expert supervision with liked minded folks, look no further than 59 North. I look forward to my next trip. Hold fast.

At the age of 65 I was a bit anxious about my first ocean passage from 'Antigua to Bermuda. We spent 7 days at sea in a variety of conditions including 20 to 30 knot winds, squalls and storms. 59 North provided a unique opportunity to experience the magic of passage making whole learning new skills. Mia Karlsson was inspiring, supportive, and encouraging while sailing FALKEN and cooking amazing meals for the crew. Captain Chris Kobusch brought a wealth of knowledge and experience with over 165,000 nautical miles at sea. This was truly the experience of a life time and one that I will always cherish.

59-North made my dream come true to cross an ocean via sailboat, but it didn’t end there. Andy and Vilma taught me little lessons and big lessons of the sea, and they pushed 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 I hope to keep learning.

PS. thanks to all the crew mates of this grand adventure and to James the Sailor for having made the trip so memorable…

The trip delivered on all my expectations and more. I wanted to experience sailing beyond my current boundaries of mainly coastal sailing. I wanted to apply skills I already have and to learn more from those around me. And whilst sunshine, night watches by moon or star light, and dolphins are beautiful and were part of our passage story, so were gale force winds and ‘proper’ (5m) waves. I felt able to embrace the whole experience because we had an excellent 59 North team that shaped us into a great crew on a well-prepared boat. The team (Nikki, Emma, Mia) struck such a perfect balance. If you are seeking ocean wisdom you could not be in better hands. I’d go again in a heartbeat and can’t stop thinking about all the memories we made. Thank you is not adequate!

I can’t say enough good things about the camp, August, and Isbjorn. It was fabulous from start to finish (and the hot tub out in the middle of no where didn’t hurt 😁)The format is perfect for someone like me. I have done some sailing, but not enough to feel comfortable on a passage. Stopping each night in a different place and having dinner together and a full night’s sleep was great and much needed. The days were packed with so much learning. August is an amazing teacher and so patient! I learned an incredible amount and feel ready to take on a passage with 59 North. Highly recommend this camp to anyone considering an offshore passage.

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. Life-changing and eye-opening to say the least. I feel I completed this adventure with the best of the best. Erik and Ben were top notch professionals and the my experience with 59 north was a great!

Sailing with 59 North on their all-women's Iceland trip was an incredibly enriching experience. Nikki, Emma and the entire crew of strong and knowledgeable women empowered and inspired me. we, In fact, drew a crowd (of surprised men) at every dock. I could not be more grateful and proud to have had such a powerful experience!

Gathering with 10 other like-minded women aboard FALKEN was amazing! i learned more than i ever expected from Nikki and Emma. It was super inspiring to see how they ran the ship and how they interacted with each other and the rest of the crew. Being "allowed" to mess up and actually learn from your mistakes without anyone getting stressed was freeing! No matter your skill level, i'd recommend this trip to any women with a desire to sail.

Before 59 North I didn't know my bowsprit from my binnacle. I suffered from low sailing esteem and a general lack of tide driven energy. After two weeks of 59 North, what a difference! I now know my sheepshank from my scuttlebutt, I'm more attractive to mermaids, and I have whiter teeth and a full head of hair.

But seriously, I wouldn't consider sailing with anyone but 59 North. As a longtime podcast listener I arrived for my Bermuda to Horta transatlantic with high expectations. They were all not just met but exceeded. I could not imagine a skipper and mate more professional and enthusiastic than Andy and Emma. I would need a lot more space to list all of the things I learned but suffice it to say, I'll be back!

"Describing my experience on the all-women's passage in Iceland is a challenge because it was truly extraordinary. When i first embarked on this journey, my anxiety was soaring; I questioned my readiness, having never ventured beyond the familiar waters of the Chesapeake bay. However, from the moment i met Nikki and Emma, my worries dissipated. Their guidance and instruction were nothing short of incredible, and iIabsorbed a wealth of knowledge from them.

Collaborating with an all-female crew was not only inspiring but also exceptionally enjoyable. The on-board food (and tea time) was amazing, and our shared mealtimes and nightly debriefings with the crew added an extra layer of camaraderie and significance to the trip.

Looking ahead, I'm already eagerly anticipating my next voyage with 59 North. I deeply appreciate your organization's commitment to encouraging more women to embrace sailing. This experience has been truly amazing and life-changing. Thank you for making it all possible."

I’AKA Andy’s dad my opinion of the skipper may be slanted a bit. Andy and I have shared many offshore miles together. I taught him the basics of seamanship and he ran with it and teaches me. I admit to being wrong on my initial reaction to FALKEN. At first sight she seemed like a hard to handle race boat. Wrong! While FALKEN can outperform and boat I’ve sailed on she is easy to handle and shrinks once you get used to her. The equipment is large and handles the tremendous loads with ease. The refit work done below is flawless. Comfortable bunks-great spacious galley and storage space for all gear in lockers! First mate Vilma did an outstanding job making sure the crew were well fed and comfortable. A trip with 59 North on any of their boats is truly a life changing experience. Highly recommended!

59 North runs the most professional offshore training program you can find, and it shows in their professionalism, leadership, skill, and service. Anyone considering stepping into the realms of offshore sailing should take a passage with 59 North first - trust me when I say you won't regret it.

I felt honored to be part of the maiden voyage of FALKEN, and wow did she deliver! The winds were strong, the sea was high, and FALKEN sailed through swimmingly. She's a beauty -- well done to the 59 North refit crew for doing an amazing job!

Shout out to Nikki Henderson (Captain) and Alex Laline (Mate), for such amazing leadership. I can't sing their praises enough - they were inspiring, knowledgeable, caring, and resourceful at all the times they needed to be. I can't imagine having a better experience with any other. Thanks, Nikki and Alex!

In the 11 days we spent on the North Sea, with a crew of 9 women, 59 feet of boat, 1350nm and two episodes of heaving-to, we amassed the kind of experience it might take many years to acquire on our own. Each one of us was given just the right mentorship, leadership, training and kindness to become better sailors by leaps and bounds. Every step of the way, we laughed, learned and discovered what we were made of.

If you want to leave land behind and sail oceans, you owe yourself the opportunity to get the training with those who have lived and breathed it the way the crew at 59 North have done. Every passage they have completed is a legacy of knowledge that we benefit from. Having the chance to share this experience with other sailors from around the world was a pure joy as we doubled up on ideas, solutions and worked together as a team. How often do you get to come home with extraordinary experiences, well-honed skills and some lifelong friends? You owe this to yourself. Go for it!

I really didn’t know what to expect on my trip. I knew it was going to be about 800 miles, I knew the Bay of Biscay is notoriously challenging, and there was a remote possibility that we could get attacked by orcas. Thankfully we did not get attacked, but the Bay of Biscay did not disappoint, and we logged more than 1,000 miles. Each of my watches was a new and different experience, from keeping a close eye on ship traffic in the night to maintaining course beating into 12-foot seas and 25 knots of wind. Our skipper and mate, Nikki Henderson and Emma Garschagen, far exceeded any expectation I had. Each salty spray in their face and bucking sail change was met with smiles and infectious positive energy. At no time did I ever feel unsafe, which allowed me the space to fully take in every experience without any reservations. I learned a ton, had a great time and left with a new sense of confidence that I never expected.

When I think back to my trip across the North Sea on ICEBEAR, the memories I reflect upon uplift me, and fill my being with warmth and gratitude. SO much laughter, learning, and sailing.. with a dash of cookies on those late night shifts. Unplugging from the corporate world and embracing the beauty the ocean has to offer.. it doesn’t get much better than that. Not to mention meeting 5-7 strangers from across the world who share that mutual desire.

My experience with 59 North molded me into a slightly different version of myself, in the most magical ways. I signed up for a passage with little to no sailing experience, lacking confidence in the basics, and I went home after 11 days with a more courageous yet humbled energy.

This opportunity allowed me to grow on an individual level, and realize how capable and excited I am to take on new challenges. Helming the boat in the wee hours of night with 4 meter waves took some adjusting, but I was able to overcome my instant sense of fear and trust myself.

I can’t promise all the same experiences I had, but I can promise that the 59 crew will eloquently teach you how to handle any challenge thrown your way at sea. From safety briefs to preparing delicious dinners from scratch and SO much more, this crew really drives the most exceptional and balanced offshore opportunity.

Nikki, Mia, and Emma - Thank you for doing an outstanding job at making me feel safe and empowered to ask all the questions and learn new things.

I signed up for this passage hoping to spend an extended period offshore, learn new skills and increase my competencies and confidence, sail in challenging wind and seas, and sail with amazing crew mates -- and this passage completely exceeded my expectations. The 59 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 59N to all of my sailing friends who want to learn about offshore passage-making in a thorough and hands-on way from true professionals.

August is on the rare teachers with the perfect blend of patience, quiet confidence and sense for when to push his student out of their comfort zone.

I have participated in 2 passages so far and have booked one for next year. This is the only team that I will pay to sail with, everyone is world class. I have learned during each of my trips and the team makes it thoroughly enjoyable. I have made lasting friendships and can’t wait to sail with them again. When you sail with them you become part of the team. Join the team!

"Meeting and hanging out with the people that we've been crewing with...Andy and Mia have built a natural filtering mechanism to find cool people, essentially. Anyone who sign's up for this is going to be really great to hang out with. It was just so much fun on so many levels. I don't think 24 hours had gone by until we were signed up for RORC 2017. There's unfinished business here."

"59º North - Andy Schell, Mia Karlsson & Paul Exner...The real deal!"

"Ocean sailing is something you have to experience to understand. The Swan 48 is an offshore machine and Andy & Mia are fantastic hosts & teachers. Beyond the sailing, Cuba was an incredible destination. Thanks for the check-mark on the bucket list!"

"I can't remember the last time I had a 10 out of 10 experience! I am already looking forward to sailing with you again."

"Sailing on ISBJORN was a transcendent experience for me, something I'll never forget."

"Andy & Mia were an absolute pleasure to sail with! They put together an informative and fun trip on an absolutely beautiful boat."

"I first met Andy as part of his involvement with the Caribbean 1500 in October/November 2011. He also loved our classic style cutter, which also helped establish a rapport.

We maintained contact off and on, until the next year he asked me to join him as crew for the 2013 Annapolis to Newport race. It is through that experience that I can attest to his capabilities as a sailor, a captain and a teacher. In all pre-departure preparations, he kept foremost in his mind the safety and comfort of the crew. During the race Andy was a thoughtful teacher and captain, exhibiting patience, anticipating events and maintaining clarity in his instructions. Andy was always positive in debriefs, as well, which only serves to build confidence in those working with him.

Mia joined us this race, too, and it was wonderful getting to know her better – her knowledge, skills and sense of humor. The two of them make an invincible team! Thanks Andy, Thanks Mia!"

"I signed on to this passage hoping to get some offshore sailing experience before taking the plunge as a full time cruiser. What I ended up with was that and more. Mia and Andy were nothing short of wonderful. They made the build up to the trip easy and educational with multiple newsletters and e-mails specially designed for this passage. Their focus on safety is priority #1. While they will push you to go beyond your comfort zone, they have a uncanny ability to "read" their crew and provide an atmosphere of support that helps you succeed rather than succumb. If you are a woman, looking to gain more experience with a non-biased, supporting and amazingly fun experience, this is for you! Andy and Mia are confident and fun sailors who will teach you more in 1 week than you could learn in a year on your own. Andy tells you up front that you will have high-high's and low-lows during the passage. That is completely true! But when it's great, it's really great and when it sucks, it's really not that bad. (it was great 98% of the time!). I laughed, learned and felt an amazing connection to the sea. That first night on watch when you see the stars and realize you are sailing the same way that people have for hundreds of years, it's pretty life changing. I came back from my trip a more confident sailor. I also have 2 wonderful new friends. Thanks for providing one of the best experiences ever!"

"The journey on Isbjorn impacted me deeply & widely, I'm so grateful. I am listening to all your podcasts and try to keep up with where you guys are!"

"What a treat to sail with the 59 North A-team! It was everything I hoped it would be…good sailing, good company and lots of practical sailing experience. Also, it was a real treat to spend time at the helm of the Swan 48! It has set the bar high in terms of what I’ll be expecting from my next boat! Wishing you guys what I’m sure will be continued success!"

"If you are thinking about reefing - reef! - If you are thinking about sailing with Andy & Mia, stop thinking and GO!!!! Andy & 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 Isbjorn."

"How do you say thanks for providing a platform, experience, security, instruction etc. to do something that I’ve wanted to do for decades? The calm sailing seas of the first night, the stars, the bioluminescence, the more lively 2nd run, the sunrise, the boats, English Harbour, the new friends…Be safe out there and keep doing what you are doing. I’m betting that it will provide fruit well beyond your expectations."

"Andy & Mia were great at passing on their significant experience in an easy going way & were calm and professional in an emergency [Andy's appendicitis]. They served delicious food throughout the trip. Isbjorn is a fast, solid & well equipped boat ideally suited to this role. Overall it was a fantastic experience and the trip has given me the confidence to go sailing offshore with my family."

"I thought I would learn more spending time sailing on my own boat. I was so wrong!

I decided to book a trip when Andy announced the 2017 edition of the RORC600. The entire experience felt like an amazing vacation with familiar friends but nothing else was familiar: 4 hour shifts, sleeping against a lee board, larger winches and sails, beautiful boats everywhere around us, the Carribean sea, squalls, ... - the list of new and different goes on!

It's hard to express how much you learn when you are so deeply embedded with real salties. For me the realization came two weeks after I flew back when I looked up at the sails of my own boat and saw them like I never had before, knowing what was wrong and what I needed to trim. I will continue to work hard on better trims, inspired by the true seamanship I have seen from Andy, Mia and Paul aboard Isbjorn.

"An amazing and worthwhile experience. The varied weather provided opportunities to sail/navigate in some challenging conditions which is what I really wanted more experience doing. Andy & Mia are true sailors and excellent instructors. I learned a lot and would sign on more often if my budget allowed. I'm so glad I got a chance to join Isbjorn for a passage and truly hope to so again when I can."

"Words simply can't describe the experience I had aboard Isbjörn. The 600 was one of the most physically & mentally challenging things I have ever done, yet under the guidance of Andy and Mia and with the high-level coaching of Paul Exner, I can honestly say that I have come away from the trip with a total sense of accomplishment. My expectations were more than exceeded, and I feel that my overall grasp of sailing has achieved a new level!"

"The passage a wonderful opportunity given our current plan to start cruising in 3 years. It gave me a lot of information on how to setup my boat for a safe passage at sea; the safety equipment on the trip was the best money can buy. The passage gave me confidence. The biggest bonus, 'some say I’m crazy,' but I got my first taste at heavy weather sailing and it was a big confidence builder! I felt safe with the leadership on the boat and learned a lot… Whatever your reason for going on an adventure sail offshore, I highly recommend Andy to be the captain to take you!

"Sailing with Andy was a great experience and quite an education. I found Andy to be mature beyond his years and his experience and knowledge of sailing is impressive. Andy approaches sailing as an adventure that should be taken advantage of as an opportunity to learn more about yourself. His demeanor around the boat is anything but timid as he is quick to shimmy up the mast or out the whisker pole while underway whether its emergent or just for fun. He keeps a simple approach to systems and figures the fewer systems aboard the less you depend on and the less likely things will break. I would sail with Andy again in a heartbeat as I always look forward to an opportunity to learn from him.

"I learned so much from Andy, Mia and Paul and am grateful for their leadership and willingness to teach so many things. It took a number of weeks after getting home just to digest everything and realize how much the experience had changed me. I went into the trip expecting two main things: 1 - Learn lots about sailing and 2 - Enjoy the race. Both of those expectations were not just met, but exceeded. What I didn't expect was how the entire experience would be so inspiring.

Sailing with Andy, Mia and Paul Exner on Isbjorn was truly a life changing experience. Learning about sail trim, boat balance, spinnaker handling, navigation, headers and lifts...etc So many great takeways! The race we completed was one of the most challenging and physically gruelling trips i have ever been on. But...the greater the challenge, the greater the reward!

Andy, Mia and Paul are truly living their dreams. If that isn't inspiring enough, they are superb at humbly sharing their passion and helping us all reach our sailing goals as well. It was a real eye opener and reminds me that so much is possible with the right knowledge, attitude and perserverence.

If I had to sum up the entire experience in one word, that is an easy choice: Inspiration!"

"Where do I start? Give me a second to recollect the experience. Ok, ready. 

From start to finish my time aboard Isbjorn was extraordinary. Andy and Mia create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They have a casual way about them, but they mean business when it comes to sailing. It's hard work moving a 48ft sailboat from one place to the next, but it's joyful work. 

Our crew was a fine bunch and it took little time for us to realize we were in good hands. Andy and Mia are confident leaders and curious explorers. They have a genuine desire to share what they know and to tackle new challenges as a group, we all learned together. Sail trim to splicing to sailing off an anchor were covered. A sense of community centered around Mia's oceangoing culinary skills that are nothing short of magical. There was no shortage of laughter either. 

Isbjorn is an awesome machine. She's seen her share of sea miles, but she proved to be a fast and comfortable platform on deck and below. She's a real globe trotter. I was proud to be aboard.

The trip was life altering for me. The rugged Scottish coastline, a secluded anchorage in Skye, infectious fiddle music at a local pub, newly harvested mussels cooked in freshly foraged myrtle and juniper, Puffins on Fair Isle, dolphins dancing at our bow, haggis and blood pudding, ancient standing stones near Stornoway and a North Sea crossing are just a few of the recollections that will not be forgotten any time soon."

"MAN! What a trip!

This was my very first ocean sailing experience. My wife and I traveled to Scotland from the U.S. and we had such a blast. This trip was really great because we had a mix of coastal cruising and open ocean sailing. Each destination, each anchorage and each town we anchored in was such a fun experience. Every place was different and so very scenic. We saw a mix of rare anchorages as well as small towns and decent sized cities. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Puffins! / Seals / Dolphins / Hiking in the Cullin Hills / Scaling waterfalls / Swimming in frigid ocean water / Eating muscles we harvested from the sea! / Touring scotch distilleries / Being at the helm in 30 knots of wind and 6 foot seas / Waling Fair Isle with sheep / 4 days with no land in sight!

Stop reading this and just sign up for a passage already! Andy and Mia are such a great team to sail with. They are both great teachers and will answer any questions you have while underway.

SIGN UP NOW!"

“Adventure, education, majesty...I can't imagine a better pair of people to introduce us to the sublime enterprise of offshore sailing. This trip will always live amongst my cherished memories. Thank you!”

“Amazing experience. All that we had hoped for and more. My husband and I joined the crew, looking for bluewater experience. Andy & Mia are skilled professionals and gifted teachers. They create a warm environment while insuring that safety comes first. We feel much more equipped to head out of sight of shore on our own.”

“Thanks for a fantastic trip with memories for a lifetime! I really enjoyed sailing with 59 North - you really do a great job of putting it all together. I have so many new ideas from this trip that I'd like to try on my own boat!”

“Imagine being on watch several hundred miles offshore, whistling along at eight knots under a summer Arctic sun that never sets. The skipper pops his head out of the companionway, looks around taking it all in without expression, then breaks into a grin and says, ‘Hurricane egg anyone?’

I’m having one of Andy’s signature breakfasts on the porch this morning about a month after our glorious sail from Tromsø, Norway to Spitsbergen, daydreaming about the trip and my ISBJORN experience. Beyond an exceptional Arctic adventure aboard a great boat with wonderful people, I came home a better sailor armed with a sense that heading offshore in my own boat was not only possible but, with prudence and adequate preparation, doable. I head out across the Bay of Maine bound for Shelburne, Nova Scotia in a few days. Thank you, Andy and Mia, for sharing what you know and how it's done so generously and for the opportunity to sample a world only previously read about. It was an experience of a lifetime!”

“I could talk about the crew and all the fun that we had sailing together and learn to know each other, how I came home richer in valuable knowledge and experience, or how the beauty of the places we visited will stick with me forever. 

It is all true, but what I remember most is how safe I felt during our crossing aboard ISBJORN. How, without any hesitation, I could go out of my comfort zone and be perfectly fine because of how incredibly safe I felt around Andy and Mia. That feeling of safety made the passage so immensely enjoyable for the newbie that I am, and had a deep impact on the way that I handle my own sailboat, prepare our passages, and most important: how I enjoy sailing. 

Andy and Mia, a million thanks for some of the best sailing memories of my life, and the opportunity to learn from you before taking off on our sailing adventure!”

“I had a outstanding passage. I wanted an offshore sailing experience to prepare for future passages. I saw some of what it takes in planning and executing a 600 mile sea passage. The crew was comprised of interesting and accomplished people who were fun to be with. The daily watch schedule and feeding and provisioning for an offshore passage was also something I wanted to see and learn about. Ishbjorn is a joy to sail and instills confidence in any weather. The physical beauty of where we were sailing was amazing. Mia and Andy are accomplished sailors and made it a great experience.”

“As a professional skipper myself, my time with Andy and Mia was invaluable. In terms of the vessel, they run a tight ship, with special attention to any detail that will effect safety and functionality offshore. In terms of the crew, they are incredibly supportive and patient - both great leaders and educators. Andy and Mia are doing a magical thing; they are taking us out in the ocean and sharing its enormity, while at the same time shrinking what seems like a daunting task, and making going off shore an achievable and enjoyable reality.”

“My time aboard Isbjorn was everything I wanted and more! Learning the seriousness and importance of weather routing (the result being a very comfortable 8 day offshore trip); safety aboard, the 4-hr. watch system, proper diet, the fun we had discussing your business model and the new boat Ice Bear. The glaciers, polar bear and icebergs were simply icing on top of this high arctic adventure. Anyone planning or considering venturing offshore would do well to travel a route or two with you aboard Isbjorn or Ice Bear. My sincere thanks for the opportunity to be a crew member.”

“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, thank you. 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 Isbjorn, her captain, and the excellent crew she attracts. I learned more and had more fun in those racing days than I'd ever thought possible. I'm definitely coming back.”

“This was my first ocean sailing experience and it was amazing in every way. Andy and Mia make a great team and their passion for their business shows in everything they do. I especially loved the navigational and weather routing instruction that Andy provided. I'm also honored to have been on the first trip on ICEBEAR. It is a really cool boat (massively understated).”

“Sailing with Mia & Andy was a dream and unlike anything I had expected. I did not have a lot of preconceived ideas about what to expect, being that this was my first open ocean sailing experience, but the support and experience Mia & Andy offered made me confident in taking on such an adventure and I cannot wait to do it again!”

“After 50 years of coastal cruising I finally got the chance to sail offshore thanks to 59º North. Andy and Mia put together a great crew with a range of sailing abilities to make the passage from Key West to Bermuda a memorable first blue-water experience. The passage began cruising up the Gulfstream at 12 kts over ground leaving a phosphorescent wake under the Milky Way. Turning east and beating to Bermuda into a steady 15 kts breeze was great fun aboard ISBJORN. The Swan 48 sliced through the 5-7 foot swells like the thoroughbred she is. I enjoyed the trip so much I have already signed up for another.”

“Absolutely brilliant! It's hard to sum up what a great experience/sail/adventure this was. I have always enjoyed sailing, but I had no offshore experience and was curious if it was an activity I would truly enjoy......verdict.....best experience to date!

I had decided to sign up with 59º North (2 years ago) because from listening to the podcast you get a sense of Andy's approach to offshore sailing, and his focus on safety was important. This degree of familiarity really helps to minimize any anxiety about being an offshore rookie, which enabled me to enjoy all aspects of the passage from start to finish.

The highlight was the night watches, sundown and sunrise, or on this trip an orange moon rising at 1am lighting up the night. The sailing was great, a little bit of everything, with the added benefit of needing to heave-to for a few hours at the Navy's request.

So don't hesitate, if you're considering joining a passage sign up now. Andy and Mia have created an ideal opportunity to experience and learn about off shore sailing, and likely a little about yourself along the way.”

“The trip was awesome! Andy and Mia are an amazing couple/team. I went to get a good taste of ocean sailing and got just that. We had wind, waves, sun, fog, calms, storms, amazing sunrises and sunsets, dolphins, whales, sunfish and basking sharks. ICEBEAR is a fine seaboat and SOLID!

The crew was awesome and the sailing and organization was terrific. I would highly recommend sailing with Andy and Mia and have already signed up for a future trip!”

“I truly enjoyed the entire experience. I had some very specific reasons for going, mostly to gain confidence and understanding into the requirements and demands of offshore sailing, and build my skills as a sailor (and have fun) - this trip did not disappoint. Our captain, Paul Exner was awesome to sail with, he has a very relaxed and friendly coaching style that makes people feel very comfortable and he walked us through various decision points we made along the way and laid out options and how he thought about them - this was invaluable to me. Our mate Liz was also exceptional and helped us learn other systems on board as well as keeping morale high with our nightly meal. I loved sailing on ISBJORN, only regret was the trip had to end. Thanks to 59º North for providing such a dynamic experience!”

Andy & Mia are an impressive team. They compliment each other to provide an incredible offshore sailing experience. I was excited about the sailing, which was fantastic, but I came away from the experience learning the most about patience, leadership, and teamwork - skills I will certainly use as the skipper of my own boat, but also as a parent, a friend, and a partner.

“Andy and August made the trip amazing. Their laid-back style belies the level of knowledge and experience with sailing offshore that each of them possess.

Coming in to this trip with 12 years of coastal sailing experience, both racing and cruising, I definitely thought I know and have experienced way more about sailing than I have. The first time the fog sets in at 2am and all you can see in front of you is the soft glow of the bow lights, or the first time you are laid low by mal de mer, it's a good wake-up call that learning to be a proficient sailor is a lifelong activity.

Having the opportunity to sail with two easily competent sailors like Andy and August, on a beautiful boat like ICEBEAR, is the best opportunity to have your butt kicked a bit and be reminded that there is always so much more to learn!”

“A tremendous debt of gratitude to Andy and Mia for giving people the opportunity to join them on the ocean like this. For any aspiring cruisers like me who’re still on the fence; maybe you’ve been considering doing this for years or you’ve been scrimping and saving to get to a trip like this. My advice is do it. Jump in, make the commitment. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.

From watching Andy give a mini-course on weather patterns and route planning, to sailing under some of the finest leadership around, to the amazing experience it is to sail on ISBJORN. This was an incredible and awe inspiring thing to be a part of and I’m so glad I took the plunge.

They’ve done a damn fine job recruiting others that not only know their way around a sailing vessel, but also share similar values and perspectives about the ocean. My trip was with a guest captain and mate but I would have absolutely no reservations sailing with anyone Andy trusts with his baby.

There’s no replacement for experience. And in my mind, this has been a critical step on my own path. I’m so happy I worked up the courage to do this and I really believe you will be too. I hope to see you out there some day!”

“Loved our trip off the coast of Eastern Canada on ICEBEAR. Although we missed having Mia on board, we were joined by August, the new skipper of Isbjorn, and he was awesome! Sailing with a genuine Nordic Viking was a real pleasure and would love the opportunity to sail with him again. Thanks again to Andy and our special guest Dennis (Andy's dad) along with our fellow crew members for making this such a memorable adventure!”

“Whether you have the heart of an explorer or the soul of a poet an ocean passage may be the last great adventure accessible to us simple mortals. This trip, the sight of stars from horizon to horizon in a perfectly dark sky, the visceral power as the Swan plows through the seas and the knowledge that you are now further from the world of people than you have even been, or may ever be again, made this a unique moment in my life. While I have been an extensive traveler, this trip, more than any other, has reframed my understanding of the vastness and power of my world and my place in it. It was both humbling and empowering, and now, even several weeks later I am still processing what it all means, but more than anything I long to go back.

Mia and Andy are delightful guides into this adventure, both charming hosts and confidence inspiring leaders. You will not find a better team to let you live the adventure with the confidence that you will be safe, albeit a little tired and bruised on your return.

If you're ready to stretch how you understand yourself and your world, get on the boat. Open your mind and expect something special. I'm already signed up for my next two passages and hoping that someone bails out so I can do a big transatlantic leg before I get too damn old. Ive always want to see Horta!”

The Tortola to Antigua trip was perfect for someone like me without ocean sailing experience. Andy insightfully assesses crew members' abilities and encourages us to stretch ourselves. Both he and Mia create a supportive and fun experience. I learned a lot and loved the sailing.

It was another incredible sailing adventure. I have sailed Canadian waters but this was my first time sailing in the Caribbean; Andy and Mia were just the team to do it with.

Andy is a scholar of all things sailing. He will be the first to say that his way may not be “the way” to do something but it will be effective and safe! He is a great teacher. Mia, competent and confident, is a wizard in the galley and a Captain in her own right. Together they run a tight ship while still being available to answer questions and pass on their experience to those of us who join them.

I am always blown away by the number of stars that join you for the late-night passages, thanks Mia for pointing out some major constellations!

My wife and I have sailed with Andy and Mia twice now and both times it was a blast. Each time we have met incredible people in the other crew members and I for one, have returned home a better sailor. We will see you in Annapolis!

The clearest yet least anticipated benefit of our voyage, was the strong camaraderie that developed between crew and staff alike. As 59-North's website states "the best ships are friendships" ! From shared watches, to shared day-adventures and boat-chores once ashore; shared meals and any-time-of-day-or-night coffee clutches; shared knowledge (including Celestial nav, chart nav, and helming a 59' ship, to name a few), to lots of shared laughter and even some singing with Captain Sandberg and crew -- these highlights can't be understated. Everyone had a hand in every on-board experience, making the team work palpable and meaningful in myriad ways.

There is a saying that "travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer". I would offer an addendum after my recent 1642nm trip with 59-North sailing from Annapolis to the British Virgin Islands: "travel on the open ocean with 59° North is an experience you can buy that makes you wealthy beyond words".

I really enjoyed my sailing experience on Icebear; it was my first solo adventure in 14 years. Each watch I was on gave me memorable and awe-inspiring moments, from incredible sunsets and sunrises to star-filled night watches. Rob, our skipper, and Vilma, the first mate, were amazingly knowledgeable. I really liked their calm style of leadership and teaching: letting us get on with it, but always being there to answer queries, and helping us to get the most out of the trip.

When I got home to Ireland, I was asked a lot how I had got on in the mostly male environment on the boat. I had to say it had never been an issue for me to begin with. I think we were all treated the same by Rob and Vilma, every member of the paying crew came to learn, and we were all given plenty of opportunities to take part in all the sail changes, steering, and navigation.

“Our voyage was interesting because both ISBJORN (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 stores, and they were both cheerful about answering questions and providing advice. The other 3 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 59 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.”