Sailing Around Dakar To Gorée Island: Wet Bikes, Fouled Hull & The Rain Of Pain
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
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Winded Voyage Sailing
In 2026, Swiss sailor Alexandre Guidetti marks a decade of continuous blue water cruising aboard his 1981 Jeanneau Sun Fizz 40, Galopin. Operating out of Cercle de la Voile de Dakar in Senegal, he documents remote West African anchorages, mechanical overhauls, and offshore navigation with candid technical clarity. His self-produced series emphasizes self-reliance, local cultural immersion, and practical seamanship.
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Sailing Around Dakar To Gorée Island: Wet Bikes, Fouled Hull & The Rain Of Pain Location
- Dakar (14.716677,-17.4676861)
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