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The comparison
Two serious names. One you may not know yet.
In ocean passage making, only a few names matter. Two lead the market, by a distance. One is famous in America. The other is Europe’s #1.
First, a fair word
59 North is very good.
A fine yacht. A loyal following. A podcast about offshore sailing, famous in America. Pure ocean passage making, and for some sailors, that is the whole appeal. But it is not the only serious name out here.
Now, the operator you came to compare
Then there’s Rubicon 3 Adventure.
Sailing the great expedition routes since 2013. Atlantic crossings, Arctic Norway, Iceland and Svalbard, Caribbean races, and the anchorages no one else finds.
The real difference
Same ocean. A very different trip.
Both sail serious routes on serious yachts. The difference is what happens around the passage. 59 North gets you across the ocean. We get you across the ocean, and into the places it leads. Not a softer trip. A fuller one.
All crew. No passengers.
You don’t watch the adventure unfold. You help make it happen. Taught if you’re new, trusted if you’re not.
Raised voices stay at the dock.
Challenging, never intimidating. Mistakes are taught, not exposed. Calm, patient, professional, every mile.
Come home a better sailor.
Every voyage builds real skill, from your first night watch to RYA Yachtmaster Ocean.
World-class, on every measure.
The yachts
60ft Clipper expedition yachts. MCA Category 0. Proven in the Southern Ocean. Heating, air conditioning and room to work.
The culture
Calm, patient and professional, with no shouting. All crew, no passengers, everyone takes part. Stretching and supportive at the same time.
The training
You learn to helm at night, read weather, plan a passage and stand a proper watch. Competent Crew to Yachtmaster.
On price, we’ll be direct
Pay for the sailing. Not the brand.
59 North can cost three to four times what we do. Both Category 0 (unlimited) yachts. The same oceans. Over two weeks, the price difference is your next voyage.
At a glance
| What matters | 59 North | Rubicon 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Reputation | Well known in North America | Europe’s #1 rated operator |
| Proof | Smaller public review footprint | 4.9/5, hundreds of reviews, 2026 Travellers’ Choice |
| Sailing | Primarily offshore passages | Offshore, high latitude, coastal and racing |
| Focus | Mainly the passage | The passage and the places it reaches |
| Training | Learned informally on passage | Competent Crew to Yachtmaster Ocean |
| Culture | Purist, expert-led | Calm, mentoring, no shouting |
| Yachts | Farr 65 | Fleet of 60ft Cat 0 Clipper 60s |
| Food | One hot meal a day | Three proper meals a day |
| Price | Highest | Far better value |
Serious adventure that’s still kind.
The hardest thing to find at sea is not a good boat or a good route. Rubicon 3’s atmosphere on board is highly professional and warm at the same time. Serious, but never intimidating. That is the whole idea.
What Rubicon 3 crew actually say.
“We learned, we had fun, and no one yelled or was impatient.”
“Even with ASA 101 to 114, I learned more practical, real-world seamanship than I expected. This was not a passive charter. It was hands-on, technical and intentionally immersive.”
“Not a canapés and cocktails trip. I wanted high-quality instruction in a supported way, and Rubicon 3 delivered in spades. I felt safe and supported, and I learnt a bit more about myself.”
“The skipper was friendly and calm, and created many memorable teaching moments. The first mate helped the crew grow in confidence. I hope to return.”
“If you like adventure with controlled risk, this is for you. Strong, well-equipped boats, capable staff, and awe-inspiring starry skies and ocean horizon few get to experience.”
A common worry, answered
You don’t need to prove yourself before you arrive.
The capable sailor who wants real miles. The professional who needs a reset. The one who has pictured an Atlantic crossing for years. On a Rubicon 3 yacht, you belong. You join as crew. You are taught as you go. The only thing to bring is the willingness to take part.
Who should choose which?
Choose 59 North if…
You want a premium, purist, offshore-focused brand, you love its podcast, and budget is not a consideration.
Choose Rubicon 3 if…
You want once-in-a-lifetime passages, a European price, a warm all-crew culture, exceptional training, and the proof of those incredible customer reviews.
Questions, answered.
Rubicon 3. Europe’s #1 rated adventure sailing company, a 2026 Travellers’ Choice winner, rated 4.9/5 from hundreds of verified reviews. Serious offshore and high-latitude expeditions on Cat 0 yachts, plus coastal and racing, typically for far less than 59 North.
Rubicon 3 has grown through word of mouth and verified reviews rather than a podcast or North American media. Most sailors find us only when comparing serious operators, then wonder why they hadn’t sooner.
No. Trips are built for a mix of newer and experienced sailors. You join as crew and are taught as you go. First-timers regularly sail alongside seasoned hands and do brilliantly.
No. Our first Golden Rule is that raised voices stay at the dock. Mistakes are something to teach, not expose. It is the most consistent theme in our reviews.
Yes. Most crew join solo, and Rubicon 3 has an unusually high proportion of female crew for offshore sailing. The culture is calm, respectful and inclusive by design.
Now you’ve heard of us.
The same oceans. The same routes. One winner amongst crew.
