Just after coffee the sky darkened and minutes later furious wind and rain of 70kts were unleashed. for over 30 minutes it lasted while I watched helpless from the cockpit of my boat. My mooring held, but a steel boat washed by just a few meters away. 10 boats ended up on the beach that day. I live on my boat and this was a day I will not forget. I was lucky not to have been smashed into by other boats

Making a floating home in The Gambia, West Africa by dropping anchor during the quiet rainy season means having this corner of the world mostly to ourselves and the locals. In this video, we spend some time soaking in the chilled vibes at Lamin Lodge, catching up with Mariama for lunch, and hoping fisherman Bamba hooks some fresh butterfish for the crew. Life on the water here is peaceful, but not without its quirks—from keeping a close eye on our bags around the cheeky monkey thieves, to seeing what happens to abandoned boats left to fend for themselves in the creek. Afterwards, local guide Akon takes us off the beaten path, through winding mangrove tunnels, past an 800-year-old ancient tree, and out across hidden sandbanks. Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. 00:00 Intro 00:24 Feel good moment 01:02 Bird man 02:41 Bird sounds 03:52 Good cookin' 04:09 Butterfish 05:07 Monkey time 06:32 Boat stories 08:32 Mangrove tunnel 09:43 Oyster people 10:49 The shallows 10:52 Next week DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #thegambia #boatlife #africa

After leaving the chaos of Dakar, Galopin and I have dropped anchor in the peaceful Gambian River Delta at Lamin Lodge. Between dodging the quick-fingered local monkeys and hanging out with the awesome lodge crew, this place already feels like home for the next few months. In this episode, we head into Banjul to tackle the full immigration and boat clearance process, pick up local SIM cards, and grab some authentic thiep, lunch, with our guides Akon and Micah. Back in the wild, Akon takes us through jungle and rice paddies out to Daranka Island to go inside a massive 850-year-old Silk Cotton called the Elephant Tree. Stepping inside its hollow trunk—which can fit 20 people—we learn about its deep cultural history, traditional ceremonies, and how it once served as a slave hideout. A living witness to centuries of history, from ancient kingdoms to the scars of the slave trade. this journey highlights the dilemma between traditional agriculture and modern profit, all while navigating the playful dangers of local monkeys. This is a real look the playful dangers of local monkeys and the enduring spirit of The Gambia. 00:00 Intro 00:31 Arch friends 00:55 Smiling bureaucracy 02:21 People's restaurant 03:11 Cell service 04:56 Color of rain 05:32 Monkey swim 06:03 Norwegian relics 07:21 Rice & trees 08:54 The Elephant tree 09:44 Inside the tree 10:42 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #windedvoyager #sailing #westafrica #sailinglife #galopin #offgridadventure #offthebeatenpath #liveboldly #senior #retired #65 #oldseadog

After a long journey up the African coast, Dakar serves as the final stop to tackle a critical repair on Galopin: a broken genoa furler. Watch as local experts Diallo, Pape, and Mam climb the mast to swap out the damaged equipment with a salvaged part from a sunken yacht, turning a potential disaster into a surprising upgrade. Between the hard work, I explore the local scene at Chez Paco, catch up with friends, and dive into the madness of the World Cup. From Cabo Verde’s historic shutout against Spain to a raclette dinner at the Swiss Ambassador’s residence in Dakar, this episode proves that nothing is impossible in Senegal. The episode features mast climbing and genoa furler replacement, an artistic gift for the Yacht Club, sunset drinks with friends at Chez Paco, World Cup upsets including Cabo Verde versus Spain and Senegal’s match, and finally raclette at the Ambassador’s residence. 00:00 Intro 00:33 Furler is f#ckd 01:43 L'Artiste Azziz 02:33 Furler find 02:55 Dakar surf bar 04:03 Furler going up 05:02 Let's roll 06:17 Cabo Verde vs Spain 07:31 Fabulous Faby 08:24 Chez l'ambassadeur Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #sailing #boatmaintenance #dakar #westafrica #sailinglife #retired #65 #oldseadog

After six months in Dakar, it’s time to lift off and sail Galopin solo to The Gambia. What was supposed to be an uneventful overnight passage turned into a high-stakes obstacle course of compass failures, near-misses with fishing trawlers, and a literal minefield of fishing nets. In this episode, I navigate through the night using just wind and compass because my autopilot display was off by 60°. I run from the gusts of a big storm passing by, and weave through slalom-style fishing buoys at dawn. Upon arrival, I meet my local guide, Akon (yes, named after the singer), who helps me navigate the mangroves and the bureaucratic waters of Port Authority immigration. Once anchored, the adventure truly begins as I take a dip in African waters teeming with fish, crabs, oysters, and yes, small crocodiles that locals claim are shy. The anchoring process proves tricky as we move the boat twice, touch bottom at low tide, and discover why this unique spot filled with floating bars and private pirogues requires a constant chilled attitude. This is raw reality with no safety nets and no warning labels, offering an unfiltered adventure for those ready to embrace the wild. Please remember that this journey involves real risks, so always listen to locals and double-check your ladder before diving. 00:00 Intro 00:26 Letting go 00:53 Due South 01:16 Wrong heading 02:53 Fishing mine field 03:24 Net dodging 04:18 Slow moving 04:41 Agent Akon 05:39 Being courteous 05:58 Morning repositioning 06:57 Fear no crocs 08:24 Should have listened 10:01 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #crocodileriver #liveboldly #gambia

Six months into my stay in the bay, it was finally time to take Galopin out of the water because the hull growth had attached itself with a vengeance. Hauling the boat up onto the beach is always a nerve-wracking experience, and the sound of the cart balancing Galopin is enough to make you cringe. Once ashore, we assessed the situation. The most agresive invasion of barnacles caked the hull like cement. The crew faced a grueling four days of sanding to remove mutant shells left cemented because of poor antifouling product I was sold previously. Although I felt bad for the guys struggling with the job because they were sold inadequate antifouling, I paid them something and they covered new primer and antifouling to ensure the job would be done right.While the sanding continued, I relied on local legends like Mam, a 64-year-old "tranquil man" and true sailor who knows his stuff to climb the mast to install a new wind transducer and cable. And Pape, who scavenged perfect rope from a downed mast to replace my fading furler line. The team worked hard enough that I expected to be back in the water by sunset, but just as we were ready to start the engine, disaster struck. The ignition switch failed completely, turning the moment into pure frustration and what felt like a scripted movie scene. With the boat stuck and the engine dead, I had to call in Arona, the master mechanic and one of the most loved characters in my story, to save the day. This episode captures the raw reality of boat maintenance, the value of skilled local help, and the unpredictable drama of keeping an old sailboat running. 00:00 Intro 00:43 Got sh#t done 01:39 Sail packing 01:58 Roll us up 02:29 Slow & screechy 03:12 Shell shocked 04:15 Slow moving 04:53 Wind whisperer 05:41 L'homme tranquille 06:17 The messenger 07:05 Foul no more 07:20 Real vs fake 07:45 Start my engine 08:21 Arona magic 09:00 Cheap parts suck 09:39 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #SailingLife #BoatMaintenance #Galopin #HaulOut #Antifouling #SailingAdventure #Liveaboard #SailingProblems

This video documents the somber hours after a severe storm hit our bay in Dakar. A poorly anchored work barge drifted through the anchorage, causing serious damage to boats that were otherwise securely moored. From Stan’s crushed dinghy to the sunken pirogues being pulled from the depths, we look at the harsh reality of boat ownership in these waters. But amidst the wreckage, we celebrate the locals who hold this community together, like Arona, who knows the sandy bottom better than anyone. Despite the destruction and the pollution, this is also about "Terranga"—the welcoming spirit of Senegal that keeps us here. Join me and Galopin out for the first time in a year, tweaking the sails in pure elegance and style, and finally get my boat, Galopin, ready for our next adventure to The Gambia. 00:00 Intro 00:27 Storm aftermath 01:54 Sad ending 02:31 Boat sitter 03:47 Happy day 05:46 Practice tack 06:55 Happy boat 08:07 Love hate place 08:56 What I'm doing here? 09:29 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #sailing #senegal #storm #dakar #liveaboard #africa #boatlife

I vowed never to ride a moto-taxi again, but the people here in Africa changed my mind. Meet Mamgol, a 64-year-old mast climber built like a jockey who helps us tackle the wind meter issue. But just as we thought we could get some work done between storms, trouble arrived adrift. A massive storm made its presence known in the early morning during coffee. Nothing unusual during the rain season here, except this storm was very unusual. Terrifying winds blowing at over 70kts blasted though the bay like a hurricane. Usually the winds die down after a few minutes, this went on for nearly an hour. In the chaos a steel boat broke free and nearly hit us. Following behind was a big barge which was anchored 500 meters away. It had drifted dragging its anchor and was less than 10 meters away now. I faced a nightmare scenario on deck. I was expecting the worst and hoping for a small miracle. Watch how we navigated the danger and the sheer power of that storm. Life in The Matrix? Maybe. Life in the bay in Dakar, Senegal? For real. 00:00 Intro 00:26 Never say never 01:13 Pollution nightmare 02:31 Top helper 03:21 Into the rain season 04:07 Trusting the forecast? 05:25 Morning fury uncut 07:14 Barge is loose 07:55 Intense close call 08:49 We got lucky 09:15 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #Sailing #StormSeason #Africa #Adventure #Galopin #SailingLife #Survival

Could you find your way out of Colobane Market? One of the busiest in Dakar Senegal. I team up with my friend Asse to recover a lost hard drive in one of Dakar's most intense markets. Watch as we negotiate deals, fix broken phones, and navigate the dusty streets where traffic is an extreme sport. Back on my boat, "Galopin," we get some serious work done with Robert installing new netting, followed by a special visit from Mana. We tackle everything from bargaining for sneakers to searching for a wheelchair, proving that while solo sailing is peaceful, having the right partners makes the journey special. 00:00 Intro 00:24 My friend As 02:04 Solo or alone? 04:49 The perfectionist 05:28 Guess who's coming? 07:08 Fabulous fone fixers 08:01 Chaos controlled 10:01 Galopin's cooking Galopin's cookingSubscribe to follow the journey of Galopin across Africa: @windedvoyage Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor

We finally got the sails up with Diego and Pape, but our Sunday excursion to Gorée Island wasn't just about the journey—it was about the irony of the destination. Known historically as "Slave Island," Gorée is now a bustling local fun spot, a stark contrast to its dark past where people were once shipped across the ocean. In this episode, we join Hann and the crew for some chaotic "wet bike" action on a packed beach that felt like Waterworld. While the kids had a blast, the reality of sailing in Dakar during the hivernage (rainy season) quickly caught up with us. From discovering unexpected hull growth despite three fresh coats of antifouling (blame the polluted, hot waters!) to navigating the extreme weather shifts that define this season. We also hand the helm over to Faby—a natural driver—and reflect on the unpredictable nature of this bay. Between night storms, the risk of drifting moorings, and the story of a captain beaching boats in Dakar and Cabo Verde, this is the unfiltered, sometimes scary, but always thrilling reality of the sailing life. Join us for a day of high energy, historical reflection, and a sudden shower from the heavens that reminds us why we have to be ready for the worst-case scenario at any moment 00:00 Intro 00:33 Welcome aboard 01:15 Waterworld 02:09 Manning the helm 02:42 Swimming surprise 04:07 Hann helms 04:25 Beached boat,why? 05:56 Storm colors 06:19 Weather anticipation 07:19 Be ready 08:07 Rain of pain 08:34 Lightning strikes 09:02 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #SailingLife #GoréeIsland #Dakar #Hivernage #SailingAfrica #BoatMaintenance #AdventureTravel #OceanLife #StormSeason #Sailors

Two weeks away was all it took for Galopin to show the scars of our rough return from Cabo Verde. In this episode, we dive into the gritty reality of boat maintenance in West Africa. There’s no better place than CVD to get real work done, especially with trusted friends like Arona and Diallo by my side. Watch as we tackle a new alternator installation, replace worn-out fuel and temperature gauges, and wire up a fuse for the MPPT solar charge regulator. From wrestling with tricky fuel apparatus inside the tank to silencing my own complaints while sealing up the battery access with twenty-four nuts, this is hands-on problem solving at its finest. We also service the Winless engine, fit a badass ten-millimeter base plate, and reflect on how life sometimes feels like a video game—full of unexpected challenges, rewards, and obstacles. Plus, a curious drift of sea cucumber relatives arrives annually, reminding us nature always has surprises. And about those new sails? No sponsors yet, but who cares. We’ll sail until they shred.This is what it’s really like fixing up an old boat for African sailing. Real work, real friends, real adventures. 00:00 Intro 00:15 Why leave Switzerland 01:06 The birds 01:44 The list 02:51 Parts delivered 03:59 Club privileges 04:57 Anchor security 05:54 In the matrix 06:32 Newsed sails 07:10 Poop pump 07:44 Pressure switch 08:59 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #retirement #nevertooold

Do I have medical insurance? No, I don't. So what do I do in case of an incident? Like on a motorcycle taxi where I got burned on the exhaust pipe which turned into a very nasty infection. I went to see a doctor who checked me out and prescribed a strong treatment. That nasty infection kept me confined to the boat with antibiotics and rest, but soon it was time to get back to business. In this episode, I break my vow to never ride a motorbike again because necessity calls. I needed cash from the ATM and a few items at the giant China Mall. Then ticking the last items off the repair list, we are making progress. Watch as Diego measures and fits new battens for my main sails, patching up the old beat-up one to serve as a spare while we install a "new used" replacement. A huge shout-out to Pape, a proper sailor and skilled rigger who just returned from delivering a boat to The Gambia. He’s helping us tackle the rigging, installing a new wind transducer up the mast. Me, I'm ensuring the diesel engine is fed—now that I finally have a working fuel gauge to prevent running dry mid-ocean. However, being here during rain season comes with challenges. Vicious storm fronts barrel across the bay with little warning, especially at night. I share the reality of securing a mooring against these elements and the damage seen on other beached boats. It’s a mix of mechanical fixes, weather battles, and the resilience needed to keep sailing. 00:00 Intro 00:27 The incident 01:22 The injury 02:59 The healing 03:16 Back in the saddle 04:19 China bounty 05:13 Gone black 05:30 The doors 05:45 Sail math 06:15 Hoist away 07:11 Fill her up 08:13 Wind instrument 08:49 Danger coming Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #Sailing #BoatLife #WestAfrica #StormSeason #SailboatMaintenance #AdventureTravel

In this premiere episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real life of a sailor in West Africa. It’s not just wind and water; it’s about survival. I’ll share the untold stories of my time in Cape Verde—learning Creole from the women I loved, navigating the "drunken sailor" lifestyle, and dealing with corrupt officials and gangsters just to keep moving. Now, with my pension finally here and survival mode over, I’m refitting my 45-year-old Jeanneau SunFizz 40, Galopin, in Dakar. Forget Swiss efficiency; here, we operate on "African Standards." I’m not here to teach you DIY boat repair (I mostly suck at it). I’m here to show you how to survive: finding fuel when there is none, trusting a crew that knows nothing about sailing, and embracing the chaos of the African coast. From the dark times of questionable jobs to the beauty of the ultimate chapter, this is the raw, unfiltered truth of sailing West Africa. 00:00 Intro 00:15 A rude awakening 01:14 Hacked not jacked 02:00 Cape Verde Years 03:04 Living on edge 04:03 Life change 06:32 Ultimate chapter 07:56 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #retirement #lifeafter60

After months of hard work, sanding, and refitting, Galopin is finally going back in the water! In this episode, we navigate the ups and downs of boat life in Dakar on the hard. Trust is everything when you’re far from home, and the local expertise here in Senegal has been invaluable. We got the antifouling done, fixed some metal knick-knacks, and tackled the slow but productive process of getting this old girl ready to sail again. The moral of the story? If you have the time, take care of your boat, and he will take care of you. But the adventure doesn’t come without challenges. Watch as we deal with shoddy marine lines that snap under pressure and the edgy moments of testing the furler. Now that we’re free from the cormorants and the dock, where to next? Rumor has it Paps is taking a finished boat to The Gambia… could that be our next destination? Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. 00:00 Intro 00:48 Ups & downs 01:21 Soft sanding 01:39 Paint they did 02:10 Antifoul away 03:33 More than paint 04:05 Ready to splash 04:29 Coming down 05:48 Back in the water 07:21 Furler fail 08:24 Gone to Gambia 09:08 Next week DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #SailingGalopin #WindedVoyage #BoatRefit #SailingAfrica #BoatLaunch #Liveaboard #SailingAdventure

The wait is over—Galopin is finally out of the water. Join us in Dakar for a traditional African haul-out where power tools are banned, and everything is done by hand. After months of waiting and navigating visa renewals, the team carefully lifts Galopin onto the cart. Watch the meticulous process as they scrape and sand the hull down to the primer, ensuring a perfect surface for antifouling. It’s not all work, though; the boatyard transforms during the World Cup, complete with feverish match viewing and a French-style barbecue celebrating the France vs. England game. Once the football ends, the real work begins with the primer application. This is 100% handmade boat care at its finest. 00:00 Intro 00:47 Renovation station 01:26 My African motifs 02:02 Flag test 03:02 Haul out wait list 03:32 World Cup fever 04:28 Going up 05:53 We're up 06:21 Shell scrape 06:47 Cared for by hand 07:17 Spanish vendetta 07:52 Just paint it 08:44 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #Sailing #BoatMaintenance #WestAfrica #HaulOut #SailingLife #Galopin #WorldCup

Welcome to The Gambia—the small sliver of a country carved by colonizers but defined by its incredibly chilled vibe. In this episode, we link up with a local legend, Rasta Babs (Babacar), to explore the authentic side of this West African gem. No AI-generated travel guides here; just real experiences, river adventures, and the true "Rasta thing."Join us as we scout the perfect anchorage for my boat, Galopin, to ride out the rainy season. From sailing up the river past crocs and hippos to navigating the crooked, full-moon streets that might just make you question if you’re high, this trip is a journey into the local culture. Babs isn’t just a guide; he’s revered. Whether it’s getting VIP treatment at local spots or smoothly talking our way through frequent police and military checkpoints, there’s a lot to learn from his approach to life.When bus tickets sell out and we get stuck for another night, Babs turns it into a celebration with Jack, Coke, and good company. We tour his neighborhood, meet his wife Marie, and discover that in The Gambia, stress simply isn’t an option. 00:00 Intro 00: 23 Ridin' with Rasta 01:19 Best driver 02:09 High tide wet feet 04:01 Coming back 04:37 Africa's car 04:50 Beach front paradise 05:46 Stuck in paradise 06:43 Gambian Rasta ride 09:26 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor

After three months in Senegal, the port police told me I had to leave the territory to renew my visa. The only option? A trip to The Gambia, the small country carved out of Senegal by colonial history. In this video, I team up with my local friend As to navigate the chaotic overland route from Dakar to the border. What started as a cheap $15 bus ride turned into an endurance test: endless waits for the bus to fill, constant hawkers climbing aboard, and a broken AC system in the hottest town in Senegal. We witness the reality of Senegal’s new toll infrastructure, endure a sweltering repair stop, and face the rigorous border control where biometrics and passport checks cost us another hour. To make matters more interesting, we miss our connection, haggle with private taxis, and risk missing the crucial Cabo Verde vs. Argentina football match. From the frustration of transport changes to the relief of finally reaching the Senegambia tourist strip for 24-hour food and late-night vibes, this is the raw reality of West African border hopping. In this video: The reality of "Garage" bus travel in Dakar. Breaking down in the heat of Kaolack. Crossing the colonial border: Senegal exit & Gambia entry. Chasing the Cabo Verde football game on the road. Arriving in Senegambia: Food, beers, and late nights Has anyone else dealt with visa runs in West Africa? Let me know your border crossing stories in the comments! 00:00 Intro 00:52 The train 01:08 Finding a ride 02:12 The highway 03:17 The chill fixers 03:55 Never doubt Senegalese 04:16 Crossing borders 05:12 Immigration station 06:07 Game on 07:18 Starved & stoned 08:30 Next week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #windedvoyage #sailinglifestyle #africatravel #solosailor #Senegal #TheGambia #WestAfricaTravel #Dakar #TravelVlog #CaboVerde #BorderCrossing #windedvoyager

Leaving the calm of the Casamance River was the easy part. Getting Galopin safely to Dakar with a torn Genoa and a "toy" storm sail was a different story. In this episode: •The Bar: Navigating the treacherous mouth of the Casamance. With only 5 meters of depth miles offshore, the breaking waves were a constant threat to capsize us. •The "Toy" Sail: My big Genoa is gone. I’m crossing open water with a used main and a tiny storm sail. No motor noise, no vibration, and no fear of a tangled prop. Surprisingly, Galopin found his stride, giving us 6 hours of pure, silent sailing bliss. •The Invisible Minefield: Darkness brings a new set of obstacles. Fishing buoys and nets are everywhere, and catching a line in the prop means diving under the hull in the dark—something I desperately wanted to avoid. •The Laser Game: Out of the dark, a green laser tagged my sails. Then, six massive spotlights blinded me. Fishermen guarding their nets or a phantom Coast Guard? I had to steer off-course and hope they wouldn't follow. •Surreal Beauty: Despite the stress, the ocean provided a light show. The hull was cutting through clouds of blue bioluminescence, a spellbinding sight that video never quite captures perfectly. •The Cat Nap: Sleep is a luxury you can't afford. My night was a cycle of 20-minute alarms—wake up, check the AIS, scan the horizon for unlit boats, and repeat. •Night Terrors: The Gambian coast is a minefield of fishing nets and unlit buoys. Just as the bioluminescence began its surreal light show, I was targeted by green lasers and strobe lights. Was it fishermen protecting their nets, or the Coast Guard? •The Race: A 20-minute cat-nap cycle and a race against a closing weather window. When you’re 65 and solo, you learn to trust your gut—especially when it tells you to drop the sails before the wind hits. 00:00 Intro 00:30 Breaking waves 02:20 WTF is this? 02:56 Pure sailing pleasure 04:57 Laser beamed & chased 06:06 Dancing around cargos 07:13 Ominous ahead 09:11 Got dancing seal legs 11:06 Mission accomplished Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ Help keep Galopin moving toward the next horizon by joining our Patreon. #SailingSenegal #WindedVoyage #SoloSailing #GambiaCoast #BoatLife #SailingAfrica

Navigating the Casamance River delta in Senegal is as magical as it is nerve-wracking. In this episode, a pod of dolphins finds me—first following in my wake, then leading the way through the winding, mangrove-lined channels. These dolphins are here for a reason: they’re feasting on the river's abundant shrimp, and for a brief moment, they brought me into their world.But the beauty of the river comes with a constant challenge: the depth. With one eye on the horizon and the other glued to my depth sounder, I have to navigate carefully to avoid running aground on the hidden sandbanks of the delta A Special Map from Ziguinchor I wasn't just wandering; I was looking for a very specific spot. Back in Ziguinchor, an old French sailor shared his local knowledge with me, handing over a hand-drawn map of a secluded beach perfect for careening. Following those ink lines through the shifting sands of the delta felt like a true mission.But the clock was ticking. I’m not a rich yachtsman, and the reality of cruising in Senegal is that it's expensive. The authorities charge a $170/month navigation tax for the river. My permit was nearly up, and with the last of my funds going toward fuel, cooking gas, and food for the trek back north to Dakar, I was—quite frankly—broke. The Solo Scrape: A 65-Year-Old’s Mental Battle At 65, the stress of a sliced foot from a sharp oyster shell combined with the financial pressure was heavy.To prepare for the long trek back north to Dakar, the hull needed to be spotless. With the help of a local named Gilbert, I managed to beach the boat. But to avoid being "neaped"—stuck on the sand until the next moon’s high tide—I didn't push her as high up as I should have.This meant I had to finish the job alone, standing in waist-deep river water.Locals in Ziguinchor assured me the water here is too salty for crocodiles—they stay much further up-river in the fresh-water tributaries. But when you’re alone in waist-deep, murky water with a bleeding foot, logic starts to slip. Every ripple in the mangroves feels like a set of eyes, and the "spook factor" becomes very real. If you enjoyed this journey through Senegal, consider subscribing and joining the crew on Patreon to help keep this journey on course! 00:00 Intro 00:18 Old sailor's map 00:48 Sailing with porpoise 02:24 Close to running aground 04:58 Beaching my boat 06:38 Scraping the hull 08:03 Spooked in waist deep water 09:35 Two boats is a crowd 10:31 Net week Some say it’s The Best Sailing Channel on YouTube! Agree or disagree, make your voice heard. Subscribe, like, dislike, or comment. DISCLAIMER: This series is simply intended to offer and give an alternative to conventional TV... for FREE! And if anyone has the good will to reward this series purely on merit because it's somehow funny, mildly interesting, slightly stupid, or bizarrely entertaining, you can do so by giving it a tip on Patreon or Ko-fi: https://www.patreon.com/SailorAlex? ko-fi.com/sailoralex Stay up to date with the following Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windedvoyage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windedvoyage/ Winded Voyage Website: http://www.windedvoyage.com/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuckooracha/ X: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissSailorAlex/ #SailingSenegal #WindedVoyage #Casamance #SoloSailing #BoatMaintenance #DolphinEncounter #SailingAfrica