"Whoever sees the sea as only water Will never notice mountains on the land." (c) Vladimir Vysotsky This video is something a little different. It’s not really a video - it’s my first musical album :) You know, the sea is such a great inspiration. Being solo and being in such beautiful places sparked a bit of creativity in me. Happy to share my work - I've put a lot of time, energy, and love into it!! Some tracks were inspired by an old (and sometimes not so old) Russian songs. I translated the lyrics into English, reworked them to rhyme in English and tried my best to preserve the spirit and emotions of the originals. That's the trick! :) Some of these songs are powerful and emotional. A few are a bit funny. This project took a lot of time and experimentation to bring together, and I’m really happy to finally share it. Let me know in the comments, which one is your favorite! If you recognize which Russian song inspired any of these tracks - let me know in the comments. I’d love to see who can guess them. Enjoy the music! Track List: 00:00 1. Road To Portland 02:57 2. It’s Not Over Yet 06:46 3. Danish King’s Drops 09:11 4. In the Port of Cape Town 13:22 5. Farewell, You Mountains 16:00 6. Night Has Fallen 19:30 7. Yet It Still Happens

Leaving Georgetown in the Exumas, I continue my solo sailing journey aboard Mirage, heading southeast toward three historic islands first visited during Christopher Columbus’ first voyage — San Salvador, Rum Cay, and Conception Island. It was a perfect sailing day - sunshine, steady trade winds blowing 20–25+ knots, and a beautiful downwind course at about 120° true wind. My original plan was to reach Rum Cay first, but offshore sailing often means adapting to the wind. After passing the southern tip of Long Island it became clear that the wind would not cooperate, so I followed the breeze and changed course toward Conception Island instead. That decision turned out to be incredible! Conception Island is completely uninhabited, with crystal-clear water and untouched beaches - one of the most peaceful anchorages I've ever visited. In the evening I shared some stories about Columbus' voyage while sitting on the transom at sunset. The next morning brought a true ocean passage: A straight downwind sail to Rum Cay, with bigger waves now that Mirage was no longer protected by the upwind islands. It was an awesome sail and incredible solitude - just the boat, the ocean, and the wind. Solo sailing at its best! 0:00 Sail Plan 1:23 Sails are up 5:00 Beautifull Ocean Views Start Here 7:22 Change of Plans 8:38 History of three islands and more 13:32 Approach to Conception Island 14:58 More Columbis History (the highlight!) 18:36 Departure to Rum Cay 19:56 More Columbis History 21:40 Some Jazz and more Beautifull Ocean Views 25:24 Approach to Rum Cay 26:29 Magical Sunset Route: Georgetown (Exumas) → Conception Island → Rum Cay Boat: Amel 50 "Mirage" Sailing Solo in the Bahamas If you enjoy real offshore sailing adventures, consider subscribing. 🌊 Sailing Mirage - Life Under Sail

In this video, I’m finally sharing something I’ve been working on for a while now — the official “Mirage Martini” recipe — prepared at sunset, at anchor, aboard Mirage. Smooth, refreshing, and with just a touch of mystery — just like the ocean itself. Give it a try and let me know in the comments :) After a long day chasing the horizon, there’s nothing better than dropping anchor in a quiet, beautiful bay… watching the sun melt into the sea… and mixing the perfect drink. If you’ve been following Sailing Mirage, you know this cocktail has been a long time coming. Tonight, we make it properly. Oh, and I hope you'll enjoy the song and the lyrics I've made for that special little video!! :) 🍸 Mirage Martini 📌 Ingredients: 2.5 oz (75 ml) London Dry Gin 0.5 oz (15 ml) Dry Vermouth 0.25 oz (7 ml) Blue Curaçao 1 dash Orange Bitters (10 drops) Lemon twist (for garnish) Ice 📌 Instructions: Pour the gin, dry vermouth, Blue Curaçao, and orange bitters into a cocktail shaker. Add 4–5 cubes of ice. Shake well - about 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist (express the oils over the drink) or an olive. Give it a try, for that perfect “Mirage” effect - smooth, refreshing, and with a touch of mystery, just like the sea. 🌊🍸

I woke up at 4:00 AM in Calabash Bay, Long Island, Bahamas — shaken awake by a strong ocean swell rolling in from the open sea. Overnight, the wind had shifted… and everything pointed to a serious weather increase during the day. By first light, several sailboats were preparing to leave the bay. Some chose the safety of a more protected anchorage along Long Island. A few of us committed to the crossing — bound for the Exumas. The day started with a steady 20 knots of wind, quickly building to 25–30 knots, and the sea state followed. Bigger waves, more motion, more energy — sailing was about to get interesting. With a True Wind Angle around 130°, at least it was a following sea — a proper downwind run. And Mirage absolutely flew. We held no less than 8 knots, with long stretches at 9 knots, and occasionally pushed past 10 knots SOG. A fast, powerful ride. Midway through the passage, the wind cranked up even more. Gusts exceeded 35 knots, forcing multiple reefs. This was one of the most intense and exciting parts of the sail. As the Exumas came into view, I realized the final challenge was still ahead. The island cuts were rough, with a big swell running straight through them. Entering the cut under sail, in 35+ knots of wind, waves exploding on nearby reefs — absolutely priceless sailing moments. About a mile before the anchorage, I rolled the sails, pushed through heavy rain and limited visibility, and finally dropped anchor safely near Sand Dollar Beach, Exumas. This place means something special to me. I was here five years ago, aboard my previous boat — a Beneteau 41.1 “Melody.” Different boat. Same sailor. Same sea. Some dots just connect themselves :) ⚓🌊

A peaceful but powerful sail along Long Island, Bahamas. In this episode, I leave Clarence Town and sail north along the entire length of Long Island to Calabash Bay — about 45 nautical miles of changing winds, currents, and open water. With steady following winds reaching 25–27 knots, the boat settles into her rhythm. Autopilot locked on waypoints, sails trimmed, generator running, water being made — sometimes it’s best to just let the boat work and enjoy the journey. The weather is shifting. Cooler air from the north, darker skies, and a stronger system coming in a couple of days. Choosing the right anchorage becomes important — protection matters out here. Along the way, I reflect on: Route planning and navigation Wind and sail decisions Life aboard during longer passages Upcoming plans for the Exumas and George Town No rush. No drama. Just honest sailing in the Bahamas. If you enjoy real sailing, thoughtful navigation, and life at sea — you’re in the right place. 🌊⛵

In this episode of Sailing Mirage, I sail solo from Acklins Island to Long Island, anchoring safely in Clarence Town after a 60 nautical mile passage. Once again, the Bahamas delivered - a powerful downwind sail with winds reaching 25 knots. Mirage truly came alive, lifting and flying effortlessly over the deep blue Bahamian waters. These are the moments when everything feels perfectly aligned - boat, wind, sea, and mind. During the sail, I got a bit sentimental and shared stories about friends and fellow sailors I’ve met over the years. Long passages have a way of bringing memories back - people, conversations, shared anchorages, and brief crossings of paths that somehow leave a lasting mark. Sailing alone gives space for reflection. With the wind pushing hard from behind and miles of open water ahead, thoughts drift naturally to those who’ve been part of the journey - even if only for a short time. The day ended with a safe and peaceful anchorage in Clarence Town, a perfect place to slow down, breathe, and appreciate just how lucky this life at sea really is. If you enjoy real sailing, strong wind, and the human stories behind long voyages - welcome aboard. ⚓ Fair winds, Vlad Sailing Mirage

A truly special overnight sail 🌌⛵ In this episode of Sailing Mirage, I sail solo from Matthew Town, Great Inagua to Acklins Island, Bahamas - a 96 nautical mile passage. I departed around 4pm, timing the sail for a full overnight run. The conditions couldn’t have been better: steady downwind sailing, winds around 15–20 knots, warm air, and a calm sea. To slow the boat and arrive safely at first light, I reefed both the main and genoa, keeping the speed around 6 knots for a planned 7am arrival. Night sailing always feels different - quieter, deeper, more personal. Under a sky full of stars, I talk about Orion and Betelgeuse, a massive red supergiant that may one day become a supernova. With a neutrino burst already detected, the thought that we might actually witness Betelgeuse explode in our lifetime is simply incredible. Near Castle Island, about 7 nautical miles from Acklins, I dropped anchor for a quick 3-hour rest, then continued on under engine - making water, charging batteries, and watching the morning light return. There’s something truly unforgettable about being alone on a small sailboat at night, surrounded by the wide open ocean and the universe above. I tried to capture that feeling - the calm, the focus, and the quiet joy of it all. If you love real passages, night sailing, and the spirit of life at sea - welcome aboard. ⚓ Fair winds, Vlad Sailing Mirage

Solo sailing deep into the southern Bahamas 🇧🇸 In this episode of Sailing Mirage, I sail alone from Little Inagua Island to Great Inagua Island, arriving in Matthew Town - the most remote settlement in the entire Bahamas island chain. It was a beautiful, steady downwind passage with deep blue water, sunshine, and great spirits - just how I like it. 🌊☀️ What I didn’t expect was the arrival… In Matthew Town, every yacht arrival is an event. Locals quickly gathered around, full of curiosity and warmth, asking questions about sailing, my boat, my passages, and - most of all - how solo sailing is even possible. :) As a bonus, I hired a local guide to explore this unique island: 🧂 Morton’s Salt - one of the largest salt production facilities in the world 🦩 Flamingos feeding on saltwater pink shrimp 🗼 The historic lighthouse built by the British in 1870 🐚 And a rare local conch cookout, ending the day with an incredible fresh conch salad This is sailing at the edge of civilization - simple, human, welcoming, and unforgettable. If you enjoy real ocean passages, remote places, and the human side of sailing, you’re in the right place. ⚓ Fair winds, Vlad Sailing Mirage

After an amazing time in Turks & Caicos, it was time to point Mirage toward the Bahamas 🇧🇸 In this episode, I sail solo from Providence, Turks & Caicos to Little Inagua, Bahamas - a 70 nautical mile downwind passage filled with steady trade winds, deep blue water, and pure sailing rhythm. I departed at about 3:00 PM, made an overnight stop at West Caicos, and at 6:00 AM headed out again for the final leg to Little Inagua. Conditions were nearly perfect: 140–150° TWA with about 20 knots of wind, making for a fast, smooth, and very enjoyable downwind sail. Along the way, I’ll show: • How I jibe the boat safely while sailing solo • How to calculate wind angles before a jibe using the bearing to a new waypoint • A relaxed onboard dinner cook-up, inspired by a Gordon Ramsay video • A bit of history and information about Little Inagua, wrapped up with a stunning Bahamas sunset 0:00 Leaving Blue Haven Marina 1:24 Shallow passage between the reefs 2:00 Sails up 3:50 Overnight stop at West Caicos 4:30 Day 2 – early morning departure 6:09 Crossing the Caicos Channel 8:50 How to estimate wind angle before a jibe 10:00 Jibing the boat solo 10:35 “Bahamas Are Waiting” – my theme song 🎶 12:20 Approaching Little Inagua 13:30 Anchor set 13:55 Cooking with a famous chef 👨‍🍳 14:55 A bit about Little Inagua Fair winds, blue water, and welcome aboard!! Soundtrack: The jazzy background music you hear in this episode is an original track I created just for this episode. You’ll find the full lyrics below - they capture the mood of the passage perfectly: calm, rhythmic, and quietly adventurous. "Bahamas Are Waiting" [Verse 1] Chart on the table Mug with a coffee ring Mirage leans hungry to starboard Like it’s tasting everything Turks and Caicos waking Soft gold on the rail Solo hand on the mainsheet Whistling, ready to sail [Chorus] Bahamas are waiting Full sail, heart racing Blue on blue, that endless view Fair winds, sun blazing Bahamas are waiting Bahamas are waiting [Verse 2] Halyard hum in a half-time groove Spray on my face, sweet salt perfume Clouds like brushstrokes, high and thin I laugh at the line where the sky drops in Compass swings, then settles true Hull just slices that liquid blue Every wave a soft backbeat Mirage dancing under my feet [Chorus] [Bridge] Is this dream, is this day When the charts all fade away Only numbers are the knots we make Only measure is the wake we shake [Chorus]

Providenciales welcomed us with everything we love about island life 🌊⛵️ In this episode, we explore the best of the Turks & Caicos, both by sailboat and by car: 🏝 Donna Cay - absolutely stunning, crystal-clear water that looks unreal 🦎 Iguana Island (Half Moon Bay) - meeting the local iguanas in their natural habitat ⚓️ Sailing into Blue Haven Marina ☕️ Blue Haven Resort - relaxed cafés, a lively beach, and a perfect island vibe 🚗 Road trip across the island - beach BBQ, fire show, and sunset at Somerset’s Beach 🌿 Princess Alexandra National Park - protected beauty above and below the water 🚢 La Famille Express - a massive former Soviet cargo shipwreck resting in shallow waters near Long Bay Beach, frozen in time Providenciales surprised us at every turn - history, nature, turquoise water, and that unmistakable Caribbean rhythm. This island is special 💙 If you enjoy sailing adventures, hidden gems, and real island exploration — you’re in the right place. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and sail along with us! #sailingmirage #TurksAndCaicos #Providenciales #SailingLife #LiveAboard #BlueHaven #Shipwreck #IguanaIsland #CaribbeanSailing

In this short 3-minute video, Ella shares her simple onboard recipe for making “caviar” from the mahi we caught in the previous episode. No fancy kitchen, no complications - just fresh fish roe, creativity, and pure joy aboard Mirage. Watching Ella cook is half the fun. Her excitement, charm, and happiness make this little galley moment a real treat. Sailing life is not only about wind and waves - it’s also about these small, beautiful moments at sea. Thanks for sailing with us 💙 If you enjoy life aboard Mirage, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. ⛵ Sailing Mirage

What a day at sea! In this episode of Sailing Mirage, Ella and I sail from Grand Turk to Providenciales in the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands — and it truly turned into one of those unforgettable passages. We departed at 6:30 AM with a steady 16–18 knots of wind on the beam, sailing comfortably under full main and Code 0. The ocean was absolutely perfect — smooth, powerful, alive. Moments like this remind me why I love sailing so deeply… I might have gotten a bit sentimental there 😊 Ella was in her element, sunbathing on the aft deck, enjoying every minute of the passage. Then came the highlight: we caught a BIG mahi-mahi! It took almost an hour to reel her in — and this was Ella’s very first fish! The excitement on board was real and unforgettable. As if that wasn’t enough adventure, our arrival in Providenciales added a little spice. With strong wind, about 3 knots of current, and charts that were a bit off, we briefly ran aground near Donna Cay. Nothing serious — a passing motorboat wake lifted us free, and we anchored safely nearby. Just another reminder to stay humble at sea 😉 We end the day the best way possible: fried fresh mahi-mahi, dinner in the cockpit, and a bottle of Mumm’s Champagne 🥂 Sunset, good food, great company — what more could you ask for? What. A. Day. Thanks for sailing with us — and welcome aboard Mirage ⚓ 0:00 Bye Grand Turk 0:37 Sails are set 1:29 Cockburn Town - a smart choice for the Capital 2:44 A perfect sailing moment! 3:18 "I'm filming the sea" :) 3:45 We caught a big Mahi! 5:15 Back on course 5:42 We run aground 7:00 And we free 7:40 Grilled Mahi for dinner 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe It really helps the channel and means a lot to us! #sailing #TurksAndCaicos #Providenciales #GrandTurk #SailingLife #Liveaboard #MahiMahi #CoupleSailing #OceanSailing #SailingMirage

This time, the sea was kind to us! Ella and I sailed 180nm from Samaná, Dominican Republic to Grand Turk Island, Turks & Caicos, and this passage could not have been more different from the previous one: No waves. No squalls. Just steady 14–16 knots on the beam, full mainsail and Code 0, and Mirage gliding effortlessly across the ocean. The night sail was pure magic - full moon, calm seas, and that deep, quiet rhythm of perfect sailing. One of those moments that remind you why you go to sea in the first place. Daytime was just as beautiful: Sunbathing on deck Relaxed breakfast underway First glimpse of the iconic light-blue, crystal-clear waters of Turks & Caicos Most importantly - Ella truly enjoyed this sail. Smiles, calm seas, and that rare feeling when everything simply works. 🎶 Soundtrack: "Dreaming" by Camouflage sets the mood for the passage 🕺 And yes… stay until the end for a little afterparty with classic Italo Disco - because good sailing deserves good music. If you love night sailing, smooth passages, and tropical arrivals, this one is for you. Fair winds, Vlad & Ella ⛵ Mirage

We’re finally sailing together again - this time from Puerto Real, Puerto Rico to Samaná, Dominican Republic. But the Caribbean had other plans for us… With only two weeks for this trip and a small craft advisory in effect, we had no choice but to sail through less-than-ideal conditions. What followed was a fast, intense 140 nm downwind passage with 4-meter waves and 25–35 knots of wind nearly the entire way. The day started beautifully - sunshine, calm seas, and Ella relaxing under the sun. But once we left the wind shadow of Puerto Rico, the waves built quickly… and so did the seasickness. Before long, it was just me at the helm, steering Mirage all the way to Samaná through squalls, spray, and the raw power of the Atlantic. This video is all about rough-weather sailing, staying calm when nature tests you, and the reality behind the romantic idea of life at sea. Will Ella sail with me again after this adventure? I’m not sure! 😅 But I’ll do my best to make it up to her in the Dominican Republic. Join us for the ride - it’s a wild one. If you enjoy the channel, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to follow more adventures from Sailing Mirage. #SailingMirage #SailingCouple #Amel50 #RoughWeatherSailing #PuertoRico #DominicanRepublic #Samaná #BluewaterSailing #DownwindPassage #CaribbeanSailing

After some time away, Ella returns to the boat here in beautiful Puerto Rico - and we celebrate in true Caribbean style. 🌴⛵ We picked up a bottle of local Don Q rum, enjoyed the warm evening breeze, and ended the day dancing Bachata on the aft deck of Mirage. Moments like these remind us why we love this life on the water. Join us as we soak in the rhythm of Puerto Rico, share some laughter, and reconnect onboard our Amel 50. If you enjoy the journey, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an adventure from Sailing Mirage! For the record - it was all Ella's idea! :) #sailing Mirage #Amel50 #PuertoRico #Bachata #DonQ #SailingCouple #LiveaboardLife #CruisingLife #SailboatLife

Join me aboard Mirage, our Amel 50, for a pure and immersive 440-mile passage from Le Marin, Martinique to Puerto Real, Puerto Rico. No music. Little narration. Just the sound of the waves, the wind, and the boat slicing through the Caribbean Sea. Day 1 delivered perfect sailing conditions - the best I’ve ever had on this route. With our Code 0 flying, Mirage surged forward at a 125° true wind angle and 23–24 knots of breeze, covering an incredible 200 nautical miles in the first 24 hours. The Code 0 proved once again to be a mighty sail. Day 2 brought calmer winds at 12–14 knots, a peaceful change of pace… But on Day 3, the wind returned and carried us straight into Puerto Real, right on schedule. I was joined by an old friend - recently retired and now discovering the joy of Caribbean sailing. He kept watch with me at night and shared every sunrise, sunset, and mile of this crossing. We end the passage with a well-deserved dinner in Puerto Real to celebrate a journey well sailed. What you’ll see in this video: - Fast offshore sailing with Code 0 - Stunning sunsets and sunrises - Quiet, meditative moments at sea - The natural rhythm of wind, waves, and boat - A relaxed arrival and dinner in Puerto Rico If you enjoy pure sailing , consider subscribing to Sailing Mirage for more ocean passages, island explorations, and life aboard.

After spending two years cruising the Caribbean, Mirage is getting some well-deserved attention in beautiful Martinique. In this video, I walk you through all the repairs, upgrades, and new tech we installed to prepare for an exciting new sailing season. 🔧 Upgrades & Fixes Completed: New Spinnaker Pole — replacing the old one that snapped during our Atlantic crossing. Sail Check & Repairs — all sails inspected and repaired by Incidence Sails. Starlink Mini — lower power draw, high efficiency, and the latest Starlink tech onboard. Victron 110V to 240V autotransformer — now to power all electrical systems via 110V shore power. Ultrasonic Anemometer (CV7) from LCJ Capteurs — no moving parts, super accurate wind readings. Full Engine & Generator Service — oil, filters, impellers for the Volvo engine and MASE generator. Yacht Devices NMEA2000 Wi-Fi Bridge — all boat data now available on Wi-Fi, perfect for the Navionics app. SodaStream Onboard — sparkling water anytime at the push of a button. Haul-Out — to complete the stern thruster plate recall by Amel. New Rope Cutter Installed — extra protection for the prop shaft. Leaking Hatches Fixed — all rubber seals replaced by Amel under warranty. Sensor Blue Temperature & Humidity System — monitoring all critical areas on the boat. With everything polished, upgraded, and ready, Mirage is finally set for a test sail and the start of the new season! 🌊 Subscribe to follow my journey: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@1RURO

After 5 months ashore, I’m finally back at sea! This marks the start of a new sailing season - a 180 nautical mile passage from Grenada to Martinique for some yacht maintenance. It began with pouring rain, but soon the skies cleared and the Caribbean sun returned. The water turned crystal blue, the wind settled just ahead of the beam, and "Mirage" came alive again - reaching 9 to 10 knots most of the way. Honestly… I’m speechless. It felt so good to be sailing again! This short 5-minute video has no narration - just pure motion, sea, and music. 🎵 Music: “The Life You Want to Live Once” — Midnight Mirage, Radio Miami 85FM (1984 synth magic). Perfect vibes for a perfect sail. Next up: a few cool new upgrades and improvements I’m making to Mirage! Stay tuned. #SailingMirage #Amel50 #GrenadaToMartinique #SailingLife #CaribbeanSailing #SoloSailing #OceanFreedom

After months of unforgettable sailing, it’s time to put Mirage to rest for the summer. In this episode, I take you through the full my "patented" :) 47-step process of preparing our Amel 50 for long-term storage on land in Grenada. From flushing the watermaker and defrosting the fridges, to removing the Starlink and lifting the boat onto concrete blocks—this is the ultimate sailboat shutdown checklist. Whether you're a cruiser yourself, planning your first haul-out, or just curious what goes into mothballing a yacht, this video pulls back the curtain on the real work behind the dream. ⚓ Some of the key tasks include: ✔️ Adding diesel stabilizer & filling the tank ✔️ Washing & polishing everything ✔️ Servicing winches ✔️ Protecting against mold & humidity ✔️ Locking up every hatch, locker, and compartment And of course, it ends the way all big boat days should - with a well-earned glass of wine. Or two :) Thanks for watching, and goodbye (for now) from beautiful Grenada! 🌴 📍 Boat: Amel 50 "Mirage" 🧭 Location: Grenada 🍷 Mood: Tired but satisfied #SailingMirage #SailboatLife #BoatMaintenance #CruisingLife #Amel50 #GrenadaSailing #LiveaboardLife #YachtPrep #HaulOut #SailingGrenada #SailingCaribbean #BluewaterSailing #OffGridLiving #BoatWork #OceanLife #StarlinkAtSea #SailingCouple #FullTimeCruising #SailingAdventure #BoatChecklist

After a few minor but important fixes aboard Mirage, it was time for a proper test sail! I set off from Port St. Louis in Grenada, sailed up to beautiful Tyrell Bay on the island of Carriacou, and returned to Prickly Bay - covering about 90 nautical miles in total. ✅ Fixes & Upgrades: Repaired the anemometer Replaced the ripped flag Cleaned and oiled all the teck Fixed the windlass counter Changed the water intake filter, fuel filter, and all freshwater filters And added a new innovation: a soft cover over the rear hatches—no more noisy rails at night! The weather couldn't have been better - fair winds and the ever-stunning Caribbean Sea made this final sail of the season a true pleasure. Now it's time to put Mirage into land storage until our next adventure. ⛵ Subscribe for more sailing stories, upgrades, and voyages aboard Mirage. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and hit the bell to join us on our next chapter at sea! #SailingMirage #GrenadaSailing #CaribbeanCruising #SailboatMaintenance #Amel50 #SailingLife