59 North Sailing, Rubicon 3 and Skirr: Who Wins?

Ok – short cut. There are three main adventure sailing companies out there and we, along with thousands of sailors, strongly believe Rubicon 3 offers – by far – the best adventures and value for money. We explain why below, you can see the insane independently verified ratings we get here, and there’s a special discount offer for your first sail with us at the bottom. Read on to see what lies behind it all.

When embarking on an adventure out on the world’s oceans, selecting the right boat and crew is crucial. Safety, expertise, and high-quality training are essential attributes for ocean sailing but are often lacking in operators. A sailing expedition or offshore passage can be life-changing, but it can also turn into a deeply unpleasant experience, much too far out of your comfort zone, or even a life-threatening situation if entrusted to the wrong people.

A successful voyage or expedition demands highly specialized yachts, proper logistical support, expert sailors capable of handling a crisis, and years of experience sailing around the world and of the regions being explored. Expecting small 40-50′ yachts or one or two-person teams to provide this level of service is unrealistic. In our belief, only three reputable operators run adventure sailing trips and expeditions to a significant standard. Even then, it is essential to ensure that the operator you choose meets your expectations, budget, and delivers the experience you’re hoping for. Trust us, not all adventure sailing operations are created equal.

To help you choose the right operator for your offshore sailing or high latitude adventure, or to understand why others have made their choices, we have compiled a list of key criteria to consider and ranked the three main operators accordingly, using publicly available data, customer reviews, industry opinion and website content. When you’re far out to sea, sitting night watches, and heavy weather approaches, you’ll thank us!

Comparison

In the world of adventure sailing, choosing the right company can significantly impact your experience on the high seas. Today, we’re comparing three prominent companies in this space: 59-North Sailing, Rubicon 3 Adventure, and Skirr Adventure, across a variety of criteria including reputation, customer feedback, industry recognition, and more. All three offer trips around the two weeks mark, with some shorter and some such as Atlantic Crossings longer.

Overall Reputation

59-North is a highly respected entity within the U.S, though it remains relatively unknown internationally. Rubicon 3 is probably the best known operator in the UK and Europe, with a rapidly growing base in the U.S as it replicates its incredibly successful European value model. Skirr, though a newcomer with the backing of the Clipper Round the World race, is still working on establishing its brand.

Verified Customer Reviews

Rubicon 3 enjoys the prestige of having by far the most and highest independently verified customer reviews of the three, scoring a huge 4.9/5 from nearly 200 reviews. 59-North appears to have few if any verified reviews, which is unusual. Skirr has very few verified reviews, and these are low with, at the time of writing, a solitary 1/5 rating on Facebook but a slightly better 3.8/5 on Trustpilot, indicating a mixed reception from the few who have posted verified reviews.

Industry Recognition and Safety Standards

Both 59-North and Rubicon 3 are frequent contributors to sailing magazines, indicating their established presence in the industry. All three companies boast MCA Cat 0 certified yachts, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards, a crucial factor in adventure sailing.

Experience and Type of Sailing

59-North has been operational since 2015, Rubicon 3 since 2013, and Skirr joined the market in 2023. While 59-North and Skirr focus on offshore sailing with some training, Rubicon 3 offers a broader range including offshore, coastal, and racing, with a strong emphasis on training and exploration.

Pricing and Value for Money

Pricing strategies vary significantly, with 59-North positioned at the ultra expensive end, charging between $500 to $800 per day. Rubicon 3 and Skirr are more competitively priced, around $300 and $250-$300 per day, respectively. When it comes to value for money, Rubicon 3 is regarded by most as the best in the industry, offering top-tier experiences at reasonable prices, contrasting sharply with 59-North’s very expensive prices but almost identical offering.

Additional Considerations

The variety of destinations, quality of boats, inclusivity, food, and training and education offerings also play integral roles in differentiating these companies. Rubicon 3 stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse routes, while Skirr’s approach appears more focused and less varied. 59-North offers a unique proposition with women-only voyages, though its food policy and the exclusivity implied by its pricing may limit its appeal.

Conclusion