Sailing Around Dakar To Gorée Island: Wet Bikes, Fouled Hull & The Rain Of Pain

Hello Winded Voyagers.

In this episode, Galopin goes for a cruise!

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.

Big hugs from Dakar

Sailing Around Dakar To Gorée Island: Wet Bikes, Fouled Hull & The Rain Of Pain (YouTube)