Unique Sailing Adventures

“Adventures for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience level”

Any destination
Destinations

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Any adventure
Adventure Type

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Any level
Experience Level

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Any length
Trip Length

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Any date
Dates

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2024
2025
2026
The #1 Rated Adventures

Ready for An Adventure? Join The Crew!

Rubicon 3 is a small group of passionate sailors with the mission to open up the world of the sea and the adventures that can be had on it to everyone. We’ve built a small fleet of ocean going 60′ expedition yachts, run by incredible sailors, exploring the most beautiful and remote parts of the world. You are invited to join the crew and take part in one of these awesome adventures, no matter your skill, experience or background. You can join offshore passages or coastal explorations. Embrace the sea’s unpredictability, conquer the challenges that come, and learn about remote territories and diverse cultures as you go. The sense of accomplishment and lasting memories will stay with you for life. Come and join the crew!

 

  • iconic routes

    Iconic Sailing Routes

  • Solo crew

    Solos & beginners welcome

  • Explore ashore

    Explore Ashore

  • Rated Europe

    Rated Europe's #1

Yacht and crew in Norway yacht under spinnaker crew exploring on beach

Why Sail With Rubicon 3?

  • Genuine Bucket List Adventures

    Tick off those once-in-a-lifetime adventures from your bucket list, whether sailing the Atlantic Ocean, navigating through icebergs, exploring the Galapagos Islands, anchoring off a deserted island in the Caribbean, or swimming with sea turtles. These are the routes and adventures everyone else wishes they could do!

  • Everyone's Welcome

    This encapsulates our belief that the thrill of these sailing adventures should be available to all, regardless of experience or background. From novices to seasoned sailors, our adventures ensure that everyone can experience the joy and freedom of the open sea.

  • Sail and Explore: the Best of Both Worlds

    The adventure doesn’t end when we anchor. The schedule is designed to allow the exhilaration of sailing with the thrill of exploration ashore, giving you the best of both worlds. Discover hidden coves, ancient ruins, and local communities, ensuring you explore the world under sail.

  • Solo Sailors Welcome

    Over 90% of our adventurers join solo, making our sailing trips ideal for those traveling alone. As part of a crew, you get instant camaraderie and a real sense of belonging as you work together to shape the adventure. The shared experiences and friendships made are among the true highlights.

  • The #1 rated Adventure Sailors

    Choosing Rubicon 3 means setting sail with the best. Recognized as the #1 rated adventure sailing company, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled experiences at sea. Our commitment to excellence, passion for adventure, and dedication to creating unforgettable journeys have earned us the top spot in adventurers’ hearts worldwide.

Live Yacht Tracking & Updates

sailing yacht hummingbird rubicon 3
Hummingbird
  • Type: Clipper 60
  • Configuration: Cutter rigged sloop
  • Built: 1996
  • Length: 18.3m
  • Beam: 4.3m
  • Draught: 2.2m
  • MCA rating: Cat 0 (unlimited offshore)

SAIL THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

We have three different sailing routes across the Atlantic Ocean, each of them unique in their own way. Take on a bucket list adventure with the offshore sailing experts!

WINTER 2024/2025 ADVENTURES

Winter 2024 has us cross across the Atlantic again with the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers and spend time in the Windward and Leeward Islands before heading west to Jamaica and Cuba before returning to Europe!

RACING

Most of the year we are all about adventures and exploration, but come the Caribbean race season, one of the yachts just has to take part! If you’re new to racing, this is the ideal route in as we train you from the start

Short Breaks

Join a Short Break, where adventure meets flexibility. Ideal for both seasoned sailors and newcomers, these 1 week sailing adventures are the perfect way to have some wonderful sailing, discover a new part of the world and be back home for the weekend!

Featured In
caribbean sailing yacht at speed on ocean Whale

What Is Adventure? Our view.

True adventure is more than just a journey; it’s an experience that challenges your perceptions, maybe tests your limits, and expands your horizons. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, daring to explore the unknown, and embracing the unpredictability of the world with open arms.
At its core, true adventure often involves a blend of courage and vulnerability. It’s about connecting with people and places, often finding beauty in unexpected locations. It’s the thrill of navigating uncharted waters, the quiet awe of witnessing a sunrise over a wild ocean, and the camaraderie developed through shared challenges and triumphs.

True adventure doesn’t shy away from difficulty; instead, it sees every obstacle as an opportunity for growth. It’s about learning to sail through a gale, literally and metaphorically, and coming out stronger on the other side. It’s not just about the destinations reached, beautiful though they are, but about the journey itself and the lessons learned about ourselves, each other, and the world along the way.

In essence, true adventure is a mindset—a willingness to engage deeply with the world, to be continually surprised, and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the richness of humanity. It’s about making stories worth telling, memories that last a lifetime, and discovering that the greatest adventures lie not just in exploring the world but in discovering yourself as you do it.

What our customers say
sailing from iceland to scotland

Iceland-Faroes-Scotland: fabulous experience, big shout-out to the skipper and mate who got us through it and read the conditions perfectly. The Clipper 60 birds are going strong! Can't wait for my next trip!

Themos Tsikas
Greece

Bay of Biscay trip was quite a challenge with F7-9 winds and 6m swell. Got what I wanted which was heavy weather experience! Boat managed conditions really well. Skipper Patrick and 1st mate Michelle were superb. Friendly, funny and excellent sailers.

Dai Roberts-Harry
UK
sailing in the lofotens

My first real experience of sailing and what a fantastic adventure it was! Our skipper and first mate were superb, and Norway's Lofoten Islands were spectacular!

Simon Ivell
Canada
yacht at anchor in caribbean

A fantastic way to see the Caribbean. The itinerary was flexible to accommodate our interests, and the crew experienced and supportive of teaching new skills. A fun adventure, thank you!

Tara Jewell
USA

'Adventure of a Lifetime' 'Superb Instructors' 'Magical' 'The Best'

AGE, FITNESS, DIET & SUITABILITY

Rubicon 3 welcomes adventurers of all ages while emphasizing that a basic level of fitness and agility is essential for enjoying our sailing trips. While you don’t need to be highly athletic, navigating a vessel and participating in daily activities require some physical activity. If you’re unsure about your fitness, our Fitness to Sail page offers resources to help you assess your readiness.

DIETARY AND MEDICAL ISSUES

We try our best to accommodate dietary needs but ask for flexibility due to the constraints of provisioning at sea and in remote regions. Severe allergies will impact your suitability, so please discuss any major dietary restrictions with us beforehand. Similarly, medical conditions and don’t automatically disqualify you, but we advise contacting us to discuss any concerns before booking.

helming at sea

Is a Rubicon 3 adventure for me?

Thinking about joining a sailing adventure usually leads to excitement and apprehension. You’ll be sailing with people you’ve not yet met or worrying about the physicality of it. It’s normal, and everyone is thinking the same. Read the fantastic reviews we get, however, and you’ll find why these are likely the perfect fit for you.

Joining a Rubicon 3 adventure solo is very common, and it’s part of what makes these experiences magical. The expeditions naturally foster camaraderie and teamwork, ensuring easy bonding among the crew. You’ll quickly gain your sea legs and become part of a close-knit group, sharing extraordinary experiences and learning together, no matter your starting point. Sailing is an active endeavor, but we accommodate many fitness levels.

The Rubicon 3 crew guide you through every task, providing training and support at every turn. So whether hoisting sails, navigating, or steering between deserted islands, there’s a role for everyone, and for most routes, no prior experience is required. So, if adventure is calling you, you’re keen to meet new people, discover the world, and are ready to learn, these sailing adventures are indeed for you.

below deck briefing

Who else joins?

Wondering who you’ll be sharing the adventure with? The answer is simple: people just like you! Our voyages attract a diverse group from across the globe, all united by a thirst for adventure, a passion for sailing off the beaten track, and a desire to learn and discover. Your fellow crew will have a wide range of professions and backgrounds,

which may include doctors, engineers, artists, and even politicians. Most aren’t seasoned sailors but individuals keen to sail and explore the world.
Age is just a number, with Rubicon 3 adventurers ranging from their 30s to the early 70s. Your spirit of adventure and willingness to engage is much more important than age. So long as you have sufficient fitness and agility, you’re welcome to join. Curious about your readiness? We’ve created this simple test to help gauge if you’re ready to join the crew.

sailing crew in caribbean

What can I expect?

Embarking on a Rubicon 3 adventure is far from your traditional sailing vacation. It will deliver great fun, camaraderie, and unparalleled discovery. However, it’s essential to understand that this experience is as real and immersive as it gets. You won’t find yourself a passive passenger; instead, you’ll be an active crew member from the moment you step on board. Whether crossing the Pacific Ocean with us or cruising the Caribbean, you’ll have all the sail training you need.

You’re not on your own private yacht, so yes, it’s a sailing holiday, but expect to be fully involved in all aspects of life at sea. This means you’ll take turns at the helm, plan routes and navigate, work with the sails, and contribute to the day-to-day tasks such as cooking and maintaining the yacht in a clean and shipshape condition. This total involvement and shared responsibility elevate the experience from a simple holiday to a true adventure you have helped shape.

We operate on the ethos that we are all crew—there are no passengers here. This philosophy fosters a unique sense of unity and achievement among everyone on board. If you’re seeking a really laid-back sailing holiday where the emphasis is more on leisure than participation, then these adventures won’t be for you. Companies such as Sunsail and Moorings & G Adventures have gentle sailing tours in places such as the Ionian Sea, Greek islands, and Croatian islands, and these may be better suited to you.

However, if you’re looking for genuine adventure where you can bond with fellow crew members and explore the world’s hidden corners far off the beaten track, you’re in the right place. Our sailing adventures are designed for those who crave the thrill of discovery, the joy of learning new skills, and the satisfaction of being part of a team that navigates the seas together. If that sounds like your kind of journey, you’ll love what we have to offer.

sailing instructors on course

Our 3 Golden Rules

Ask any of our past adventurers what sets the Rubicon 3 experience apart from other sailing operators, and they’ll likely highlight our three golden rules. These principles are not just guidelines but the bedrock of our approach, the elements that ensure every journey with us is respectful, rewarding, and fun. These rules form the DNA of our shared adventure.

  1. Maintain a Calm & Professional Environment: Sailing with us means entering a zone of absolute professionalism. Everyone’s likely experienced the tension that shouting can bring aboard. With Rubicon 3, raised voices are left at the dock. Our skippers and mates lead by example, demonstrating that effective communication and control come from calmness, not volume. Shouting has no place here, as it’s the hallmark of inexperience and a lack of control.
  2. Empower Through Responsibility: A sailing trip with Rubicon 3 is about full involvement in the adventure and growing as a sailor. That’s why we only take tasks off one another if asked. It can be all too easy to take over when you see a crewmate in a bind, but we believe in giving each other space to think, to try, and, if necessary, to fail safely. This approach fosters learning and development, ensuring everyone can reflect, plan, and execute tasks confidently.
  3. Encourage Questions and Assistance: Sailing, for all its simplicity, also comes with a steep learning curve, especially on the larger expedition yachts brimming with complex equipment. It’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed, but with Rubicon 3, no question is too small, and no request for help is too trivial. Our skippers and crew are always on hand to guide, support, and uplift, ensuring no one hesitates to seek assistance. Asking for help is essential to learning on all sailing vacations, not least these adventures.

These golden rules make sailing with Rubicon 3 not just another trip but a transformative sailing experience.

survival suits

What clothing & equipment do I need?

Setting sail with Rubicon 3 Adventure is designed to be as easy and accessible as possible, meaning you won’t need to worry about gathering a lot of specialized equipment before your trip. We provide the essential gear to keep you safe and comfortable on your journey, including lifejackets and oilskins, which are crucial for your protection against the elements.

 

The two essential items you’ll need to bring are a sleeping bag and some suitable footwear. Other than that, using what you already have is the way to go. For guidance on what to pack, we’ve compiled a handy list that you can find here.

Before you rush out to buy brand-new sailing gear, we encourage you to pause. There’s no need to invest in expensive sailing-specific clothing or equipment for your trip with us. The beauty of Rubicon 3 adventures lies in the simplicity and joy of sailing, not in the gear you wear.
So, save your money for your next adventure and use what you have. We’re here to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable journey at sea.

using hand bearing compass

How can I get some advice?

Selecting the perfect sailing adventure can be an exciting yet overwhelming decision, especially with so many breathtaking destinations and experiences. At Rubicon 3 Adventure, we’re dedicated to helping you find the voyage that meets your dreams and suits your skill level and personal interests.

Personalized Guidance: Our team of experienced sailors and adventure specialists is here to offer customized advice. Whether you’re wondering about the differences between coastal and offshore sailing, the physical demands of each trip, or which destinations might offer the type of experience you’re seeking, we’re just a call or email away.

Adventure Matching: We take the time to understand your sailing background, fitness level, and what you hope to get from your trip. Whether you’re looking for an adventure in warm Caribbean waters, an action-packed Arctic expedition, or a chance to sail far offshore, we can guide you to the most suitable options.

Information Sessions: Periodically, we host online and in-person information sessions. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to hear more about our different adventures, meet some of our skippers and past adventurers, and ask any questions you might have.

Online Resources: Our website is a treasure trove of information, including detailed descriptions of each trip, FAQs, and testimonials from previous adventurers. These resources can help narrow your choices and set expectations for what’s coming.

Connect with Community: Join our social media channels or forums to connect with past and future adventurers. Hearing firsthand experiences and getting tips from those who’ve already embarked on Rubicon 3 adventures can be incredibly insightful.

Life Doesn’t Wait. Get Busy Living!

Set Sail on The                Adventure of a Lifetime

+44 20 3086 7245

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