SAILING ALONE to BRAZIL
12 December 2025 · 24 min · 84K views · Salina, Aeolian Islands
Sailor on deck of SSK 1297, ocean stretching to horizon
What this video covers
Barry Perrins departs Salina Island solo, bound for Brazil on a 1,700-mile passage across the Atlantic.1:06 He leaves alongside a sailing friend named John, both setting poles for a downwind run, though Barry notes only one of his two poles is functional.0:51 Early passage conditions are light and pleasant, but conditions deteriorate: a large wave breaks into the cockpit, soaks the cabin floor, wets battery wiring, and rips out a side wave dodger, which Barry replaces with improvised plastic sheeting.15:22 A diesel tank overturns below, spilling fuel into the shower tray.9:38 Barry fabricates a prop shaft lock from a piece of bamboo after an aluminium-and-spanner version repeatedly falls off the hydraulic gearbox shaft.9:25 He treats a cracked tooth with an emergency dental filling kit and deals with septic sores on both knees.4:01 A satellite internet connection — installed to allow video editing and uploading at sea — generates an accidental £1,000 overcharge that he works to dispute mid-passage.10:34 A wind turbine kills two small birds on consecutive nights; Barry rigs improvised deterrents near the blades to stop further casualties.20:40 Navigation involves frequent pole adjustments as wind direction shifts, and one overnight leg produces a significant off-course dog-leg.17:50
More from Adventures of an old Seadog
From Adventures of an old Seadog — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.