Offshore adventure company goes virtual

59north

The sailing adventure travel company 59° North normally sails more than 10,000 miles a season, offering offshore passage experiences from the Arctic to the Caribbean aboard 48- and 59-foot Swans. But recently, the company made the decision to postpone its sailing season for this year. According to Ben Soofer of 59° North, “The decision was made in response to the travel restrictions, unstable economy, and the safety of our staff and paying clients.” As a result of this difficult choice, the company has launched a new venture: 59° North LIVE.
 
The new site is designed for going digital in the age of COVID-19, Soofer explained in an email. “59° North LIVE (www.59-north.com) is a public platform — free during the coronavirus crisis — to educate, inform and encourage dialogue between all sailors, salty or aspiring. Join 59° North co-founders Andy and Mia, along with our team of professional skippers and mates, photographers and engineers for expert discussions on all things offshore sailing.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, sailing-related businesses like 59° North will have to adapt to the situation — or, as Soofer explained it, they’ll have to “jury-rig!”

By Ocean Navigator