Rubicon 3 Adventure Sailing

29/04/2025

𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀. 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀.

Bluejay is beam-reaching toward Ireland with speed, style, and a fresh loaf or two. Read the latest update from the North Atlantic → https://www.rubicon3adventure.com/celestial-navigation-atlantic-crossing-2025/

25/04/2025

Bluejay Leaves Horta – and Hummingbird’s on Her Way In!

After a memorable landfall and a bit of creative painting, Bluejay has now left Horta and is bound for Scotland – continuing her incredible journey north after crossing from Antigua using only a sextant and the stars. Her mark is now proudly on the Horta wall, joining years of Rubicon 3 voyages and stories.

But the wall isn’t done with us yet this year.

Hummingbird is due to arrive in Horta this Sunday after a classic North Atlantic crossing from Bermuda. The latest blog updates are now live – and it’s been a proper mix of calm patches, changing plans, heavy weather, and some good conversation on deck.

With systems shifting around them, the crew stayed flexible, adapted their route, and handled the conditions with confidence. Storm sails have been up, hands have been busy, and spirits have stayed high.

Once she’s in, Hummingbird will be adding her own mark to the breakwater – another Rubicon 3 chapter in paint.

📖 Read the latest blog posts now on the website.
https://www.rubicon3adventure.com/hummingbirds-atlantic-crossing-from-usa-to-scotland/

24/04/2025

𝟭 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 – 𝗟𝗼𝗳𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 | 𝟰-𝟭𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

A last-minute cancellation means one lucky person can now join us on this sold-out voyage through one of the most beautiful sailing grounds on the planet.

Sailing from Bodø, we’ll explore the breathtaking Lofoten Islands – short daily passages, spectacular anchorages, towering mountains and hikes that are world-famous for a reason. Expect magical wildlife and some of the most unforgettable coastal landscapes you'll ever see.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.

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.

22/04/2025

Bluejay Makes Landfall in Horta – Navigated by Sextant Alone

After 14 days at sea from Antigua, Bluejay has made it to Horta in the Azores – using nothing but a sextant, a watch, and the stars to get there. No GPS, no plotter – just proper hands-on navigation and a lot of focus!

Horta’s marina wall is famous for its paintings – a tradition where sailors mark their visit with a splash of colour and their boat’s name. Rubicon 3 has left its mark here many times over the years, with artwork from Bluejay, Hummingbird, Starling & Oriole all still visible today.

Bluejay hasn’t added her 2025 painting just yet – but we’ll be sure to share it once the crew have picked their spot and got the brushes out.

In the meantime, we’ve gathered up as many of our past paintings as we could find. It’s a great snapshot of all the people and journeys that have made Rubicon 3 what it is.

Have you been to Horta with us?
If you’ve got photos of a painting we’ve missed, we’d love to see them – feel free to share them here or drop us a message.

22/04/2025

Right now, Hummingbird is mid-Atlantic on passage from Bermuda to the Azores—and the weather has truly turned it on. She’s currently skirting the southern edge of a deep low-pressure system that’s whipping up strong winds and heavy seas.

The red swirls on this PredictWind map show sustained winds in the 30-40 knot range, with some serious gusts driving waves up into proper rollercoaster territory. It’s a classic North Atlantic springtime blow—raw, powerful, and exactly why we sail this ocean: for the challenge, the thrill, and the stories we’ll never forget.

From here on, things look to moderate as we get closer to the Azores high (see that blue zone to the west that’s trying to catch them up), but for now, it’s two hands on the wheel and eyes on the horizon !

21/04/2025

𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞: 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 £𝟮𝟬𝟬 – 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗼𝗻! 🌞

Dreaming of a summer escape? This is your moment. Whether it’s the wild beauty of Scotland, the charm of Brittany, or the hidden coves of Devon and Cornwall – explore the best of the UK and Europe under sail with Rubicon 3.

⛵️ No experience needed
📆 5–12 day voyages
🔥 Very limited places left

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀. 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗻𝗼𝘄 – 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝗱.
https://www.rubicon3adventure.com/product-category/last-minute-deals/

19/04/2025

Has Marcus Aurelius ever been quoted in a Rubicon 3 blog before? We’re not sure, but if there was ever a time for some Stoic wisdom, it might be during 24 hours of flat calm in the middle of the Atlantic, with Cyndi Lauper playing in the background.

On Hummingbird, the wind dropped, the engine came on, and life aboard shifted into something smoother and quieter. Dolphins came and went. Then the breeze returned, the sails filled, and the ocean crossing carried on under canvas.

Over on Bluejay, it was a day of foul weather gear, whales, sun sights, and a queue at the saloon table for sight reductions. The first loaf of freshly baked bread appeared too — and disappeared just as quickly.

Read both blogs now at:

A treasure trove of equipment reviews, expeditions updates, top tips, skills and techniques explained by sailing experts.

18/04/2025

Atlantic Blogs Update!

Hummingbird is over three days out from Bermuda, settling into the mid-Atlantic rhythm. Strong teamwork, great food, clear skies, and growing confidence with every sail change. Spirits high, stars out.

Bluejay is now over three-quarters of the way from Antigua to the Azores. The crew are dialled in — logbooks open, celestial fixes, and “Knotty Boyz” watches: knots in the dark, one-handed, and full of laughter.

👉 Read the full blogs: https://www.rubicon3adventure.com/discover/blog/

18/04/2025

How confident are you... really?

Anchoring in a tight spot.
Crossing busy shipping lanes.
Sailing through the night.
Handling unexpected weather, tides, traffic and tired crew.

If these make you hesitate, this is the course for you.

The Passage Making Masterclass is Rubicon 3’s most advanced coastal sailing course, run in the demanding waters between England and Scotland. It’s for sailors who have their Day Skipper (or ASA 104) and want real-world experience that bridges the gap between theory and true offshore confidence.

🔹 You’ll sail over 12 packed days with professional expedition skippers
🔹 Navigate strong tides, exposed headlands, and complex port entries
🔹 Plan and lead real offshore passages
🔹 Manage a watch, handle heavy weather, anchor in tight harbours
🔹 Learn to use AIS, radar, lights and plotters in busy shipping lanes
🔹 And build serious self-reliance and leadership at sea

This is not a course for ticking boxes. It’s about helping you take the next leap — with expert coaching, hands-on experience, and a real push outside your comfort zone.

⛵ Just 2 places left on the June 9–20, 2025 trip.
Step up. Sail further.

https://www.rubicon3adventure.com/product/england-scotland-passage-making-masterclass/?attribute_dates=June+09-20+2025 #

17/04/2025

𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻

A last-minute cancellation has left us with one open berth on our 12-day expedition from Tromsø to Svalbard, departing July 7, 2025 ending July 18. £2,999. It’s a full-on sailing adventure that leaves the familiar behind, heading far north into a realm of midnight sun, glacial fjords, and spectacular sub-polar beauty.

Over 600 nautical miles, we’ll navigate some of the most remote waters in the world, passing Bear Island en route. Seabirds wheel overhead. Whales break the surface. And then we see the ice-covered mountains of Svalbard and explore its glaciers, harbours and outposts.

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗡𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.

https://www.rubicon3adventure.com/product/norway-svalbard/

17/04/2025

𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝘁𝘀. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻. 𝗔 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀.

Bluejay is somewhere mid-Atlantic, navigating by sextant and stars. No GPS. Just sun lines, moon shots, and trust in ancient skills. Hummingbird is out there too, chasing the same horizon but with modern tech and full GPS.

Both boats are racing toward the Azores and the Scotland. Same ocean. Same destination. Two different philosophies.

We’ve just received fresh updates from both boats: great snapshots of life in the middle of nowhere: strong winds, hot sun, overcast skies, dolphin sightings, the frustrations of the Azores High, and the wonderful rhythm to life that ocean sailing brings.

Read the latest updates here and follow the story as it unfolds, mile by mile! https://www.rubicon3adventure.com/discover/blog/

15/04/2025

Looking for a Yacht!

A slightly unusual request from a sailing company – but we're on the lookout for a 40-45’ yacht that you might own but aren’t currently using.

We’re hoping to run some small boat sail training courses in Scotland and would love to care for a boat that’s otherwise sitting idle. In return, we’d maintain it to the highest standard, keep it in top-notch condition, and ensure it’s ready for you whenever you want it.

If this sounds interesting, drop me a line at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!

14/04/2025

Thorben Reinhardt, Skipper,SY Hummingbird

Landfall in Bermuda.

It’s been a proper shakedown. We beat our way out of Key West into stiff headwinds – no gentle introduction, winds straight in the face. The crew were thrown in at the deep end. A few early cases of Seekrankheit – seasickness – but everyone dug deep, learned fast, and kept showing up. I’m proud of that.

Once we eased off the wind and turned northeast, the rhythm changed. Long, open-water miles. The team got into the groove – helming, trimming, navigating, changing sails. Confidence grew with every watch. You could see it and it's special to see individuals and a team grow.

Rain found us again on the approach to Bermuda – relentless for the last 48 hours – but we arrived to the sound of marching bands, a warm welcome, and a much-needed evening ashore. A good dinner, dry clothes, and a day for rest, repairs, and victualling.

Now we’ve got a perfect forecast: force 3 to 5 on the beam, eleven days to the Azores if Neptune’s in a good mood. Mit Rückenwind und guter Laune – with a tailwind and good spirits – we’re ready for the next leg.

Follow our progress here: https://www.rubicon3adventure.com/discover/the-yachts/

– Thorben

13/04/2025

Whilst the crew of Hummingbird explore Bermuda and have some time to rest up before their next passage to the Azores, Bluejay is still making great progress towards the Azores, but just using celestial navigation! See an update from life onboard:

After five days at sea, we’ve all settled into life aboard. The watch system works well, everyone’s adjusted to the new sleep patterns, and galley duties are taken seriously — so we’re eating well. Every day at 1300 is ‘happy hour’, when the whole boat is awake. We have lunch together and then a training session. So far, we’ve covered emergencies at sea, knots, and weather patterns. Varied wind has meant several headsail changes and lots of reefing in the mainsail. Now that we’ve started turning further east, rather than beating into the wind, sail trimming matters more — squeezing every bit of speed from the boat. In practice, this means lots of grinding in lines and easing them again, repeating each time the wind shifts. After 4,500 miles of this, we’ll have the patience of saints and forearms like Popeye.

Alongside this, we’ve been getting into celestial navigation. We’re improving with the sextant, taking sights of the sun, moon, stars and planets — not always easy on a heeled yacht in a rolling sea! Once the readings and times are logged, it’s down below for the calculations we learned during two days of training with Bruce. Yesterday, three people took independent sights and calculations — and came up with remarkably similar results. That’s given us great confidence. Even better, the fixes were very close to our dead reckoning plot — just a few miles behind it. That’s a very small margin over 850 miles of sailing, and not bad for our first week!

In the coming days, we’re keen to keep improving our celestial fixes — and to finally “make the turn” north of the high pressure, to ride the westerlies to the Azores.