• Wave icon Trip Type: Offshore
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9 (10 for ocean)
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-70 ish
  • Pin icon Region: Norway, Iceland & The Arctic
High

Adventure Rating:
High

Low to some

Experience Required:
Low to some

17 Days from £3,999

Dates, Prices & Travel

Sail from the heart of New York City to the wild, sparsely populated coast of Newfoundland on a serious adventure through some of North America’s most historic and dramatic waters. This eighteen-day expedition takes you past Manhattan’s skyline, through New England’s sailing heartlands, and then steadily north into ever more remote water. From here we explore the exposed eastern coast of Nova Scotia, with places such as Lunenburg, Liverpool and the granite headlands of Shelburne, before pushing on to the rugged south coast of Newfoundland. Deep fjords, isolated fishing communities and a coastline shaped entirely by weather and sea make this a distinctive and rewarding route. With varied conditions, an open water passage and landfalls rooted in centuries of seafaring, this voyage offers a rare mix of challenge, history and genuine bluewater experience.

What this voyage is really about

This is proper remote, adventure sailing. From the outset you are part of the crew: helming, standing watch, navigating, trimming sails and managing the boat as we move from busy waterways into genuinely isolated waters. Expect changing weather, night sailing, some longe stretches offshore, and landfalls that feel a world away from the mainland. Quiet anchorages, working fishing towns and scattered communities are all part of the route. Life on board is active and supportive. Everyone contributes. The skipper and mate will work with you throughout, making sure you’re fully involved, building skills and confidence as the passage unfolds.

Why this route stands out

Few routes offer this mix of major city departure, classic New England waters, and a spectacular offshore leg between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Newport, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard sit alongside multi-day passages across open ocean. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland provide some of the most isolated and striking coastlines in North America, many of them accessible only by sea. It is a route shaped by tides, history and weather, and every season plays out differently. For sailors wanting real adventure, this is up there with very best we offer.

Who this trip suits

You do not need previous offshore or high latitude experience, but you do need to be ready to throw yourself into it. This route mixes day sailing with remote offshore passages, night watches and several days at sea. If you want a fixed plan and predictable stops, this is not the right trip. If you want to gain real competence, feel the extraordinary change from Manhatten to Newfoundland as you head north, and complete a serious adventure under sail, this route is exactly the right challenge..

What to do next

Check the Dates and Prices section for availability, joining details and travel information. You can reserve your place there or schedule a chat if you’d like to talk through the passage and what to expect.

Sailing Area

new york to newfoundland map
The Yachts

Can't see the video? You may need to adjust your cookie preferences here.

Key Information
What’s included
  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket with PLB

  • All sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included
  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas (where required)

  • Discretionary crew tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

We’ve priced this trip 5-10% lower than we otherwise would to allow you the option, at the end of your adventure, to offer a discretionary tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they’ve provided exceptional service. A combined tip of 5-10% is suggested but is entirely at your discretion and based on your satisfaction with their performance. See our FAQs here.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help!

We get it – joining a major sailing adventure is a big decision, and it’s natural to have lots of questions before you book. Wondering who else will be onboard? What the experience will be like? These and many more questions are completely normal. While our homepage and FAQs provide loads of info, we know sometimes it’s best to talk it through. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or live chat (at the bottom of the screen). Better yet, we’d suggest you schedule a call. Most crew who join do and find it really useful. We can discuss your options, answer every question, and make sure you’re booking on the perfect trip for you.

As with all real high latitude routes, the wind and weather will determine the exact route. Conditions may speed our progress, hold us in harbour, or open opportunities we hadn’t planned at all. We carry a broad outline of intended stops, but the final track is shaped by tides, forecasts and the judgement of the skipper. What follows is a guide to the main areas we aim to explore along the way.

Departing New York City

Statue of liberty

Few departures are as striking as slipping lines in downtown Manhattan. After stowing gear and completing safety briefings, we ease down the Hudson with the skyline rising above us. The Statue of Liberty comes abeam, the East River carries us past the bridges and out into the wide water of Long Island Sound. It is a dramatic and memorable start to the passage.

Long Island Sound

ocean sailing

We sail through one of the busiest and most historic stretches of water on the East Coast. Connecticut’s old maritime towns lie to the north; Long Island’s sheltered anchorages and wooded hills to the south. We weave through channels and tides, and, if conditions allow, anchor in Oyster Bay before continuing east or pushing straight on into an overnight passage.

Newport, Rhode Island

newport ri

Newport has long been the centre of sailing in the United States. Approaching from the sea, we pass cliffs, old lighthouses and the town’s distinctive waterfront. Ashore, the harbour is a mix of working boats and classic yachts, and the town’s long maritime history is evident everywhere.

Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket

Marthas Vineyard

Depending on conditions, we may visit these two well-known islands off Cape Cod. Each has its own character: from the wooden cottages and beaches of Martha’s Vineyard to the old whaling streets and lighthouses of Nantucket. Both offer a chance to see New England’s coastal culture before we turn north.

Offshore Passage to Nova Scotia

offshore sailing

We head into the North Atlantic for a three-day offshore passage of roughly 350 miles. Watches run day and night. Weather can shift quickly, requiring good teamwork and concentration. Night sailing is a highlight here, with clear skies and long, uninterrupted runs. Wildlife is common, including dolphins and whales as we approach Canadian waters.

Whale

Landfall in Nova Scotia – Lunenburg

Nova scotia

Granite headlands mark our approach to Nova Scotia, and Lunenburg is often our first stop. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long shipbuilding history and one of the best-preserved wooden waterfronts in North America. A wonderful, rewarding stop after the offshore run.

Across the Gulf of St Lawrence

bras dor

Next we cross one of the richest marine environments in the world, with whales, seals and birdlife often seen in the area. The gulf is known for fog and strong tidal influences, making navigation and careful watch-keeping essential.

The South Coast of Newfoundland

yacht by mountains newfoundland

Newfoundland’s south coast is remote, stark and unforgettable. Many communities are still accessible only by sea. Steep cliffs, deep fjords, narrow channels and small fishing settlements give this coastline its character. It feels like a place shaped entirely by weather and sea, with little changed over generations.

Saint Pierre & Miquelon

Saint Pierre & Miquelon

Arrival in Conception Bay

We complete the passage by rounding the headlands north of St John’s and entering the sheltered waters of Conception Bay. The coastline here is rugged and steep, with small fishing communities tucked into the coves and wooded slopes rising behind them. It’s a very special end to this unique adventure.

Dates, Prices & Travel

Start Date & Location

May 6, 2026
USA

End Date & Location

May 22, 2026
Newfoundland

Price

£3,999

Deposit

£1,499

Availability

Available

Trip Information

Start Date: May 6, 2026

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: USA

Start Port: New York

Start Marina: Liberty Landing Marina (TBC)

End Date: May 22, 2026

End Time: 10:00

End Country: Newfoundland

End Port: St Johns

End Marina: TBC

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: New York (IATA code: NYC)
Fly Out of: St Johns (IATA code: YYT)

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the Boat
  • You will join the boat in New York, Liberty Landing Marina
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on May 06, 2026, so you will need to be in New York on or before Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or Airbnb.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the Boat
  • You will leave the boat in St. John’s, Newfoundland, by 10:00 AM on May 22, 2026.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel back from St Lucia or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

Start Date & Location

May 5, 2027
United States of America

End Date & Location

May 21, 2027
Canada

Price

£3,999

Deposit

£1,499

Availability

Available

Trip Information

Start Date: May 5, 2027

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: United States of America

Start Port: New Jersey

Start Marina: Liberty Landing Marina

End Date: May 21, 2027

End Time: 09:00

End Country: Canada

End Port: St Johns

End Marina: St Johns Yacht Club

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: New York Airports (IATA Code: JFK,LGA)
Fly Out of: St Johns Airport (IATA Code: YYT)

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the Boat
  • You will join the boat in New York, Liberty Landing Marina
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on May 05, 2027, so you will need to be in New York on or before May 4 2027.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or Airbnb.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the Boat
  • You will leave the boat in St. John’s, Newfoundland, by 10:00 AM on May 21, 2027.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel back from St Lucia or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

You May Also Like

  • Norway coast
    Offshore

    Across the Norwegian Sea: Norway to Iceland

    12 Days from £2,499

    Sail and explore the rugged, magical coast of Arctic Norway before embarking on a 700-mile offshore passage across the Norwegian Sea to Iceland. Navigate through remote islands, glaciers, and historic fishing villages, sailing under the continuous daylight of the Midnight Sun before heading off across the open ocean for a five-day crossing to Iceland, crossing the Arctic Circle on route Watch for whales, sea eagles, and the Arctic horizon stretching endlessly ahead. One of the great offshore sailing adventures.

    Quick Buy This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page View
  • lofotens 2560
    Coastal

    Arctic Paradise: Norway's Lofoten Islands

    12 Days from £2,499

    Spectacularly beautiful sailing and exploring in the UNESCO world heritage region of Norway's Lofoten Islands. Soaring mountains, sheltered inlets, rich in wildlife  - a magical adventure.

    Quick Buy This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page View
  • sailing offshore to iceland
    Offshore

    Arctic Odyssey: Svalbard, Jan Mayan & Iceland

    12 Days from £2,699

    Offshore sailing adventure maxed out as we sail from Svalbard to Iceland via Jan Mayen, crossing the Arctic Circle en route. True adventure sailing.

    Quick Buy This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page View