SAILING EXPEDITIONS
Canary Islands → Sal, Cape Verde → Senegal → Guinea-Bissau → Sierra Leone → Bullom Town Point, Liberia → Cape Palmas → Ivory Coast → Ghana near Axim → São Tomé → Luanda, Angola
“When we achieve something truly rare, that success becomes more than a personal milestone; it becomes an instrument for the greater good. As human beings, our highest calling is to lift one another and rise together. After our recent six-month expedition, I feel a profound responsibility to ensure our efforts bring tangible relief to those who need it most. My experiences in Liberia touched me deeply, and I am fully committed to transforming the results of our journey into a lasting, positive impact for the people there. A portion of all proceeds from my book 'Naked Poetry,' upcoming features, and future media engagements will be donated to the expansion of maternal care facilities in Edina, Liberia." - Elena Levon
Sailing Yacht Rebels Expeditions (2023–2026)
A real-world offshore transformation into one of the least-traveled and most dangerous maritime regions on Earth.
The Vessel & Crew
Sailing Yacht: REBELS — Vagabond 47 (1989)
Crew (Double-Handed):
Robert D. “Kamikaze” — Co-Owner, Captain (Austrian)
Elena Levon — Co-Owner, Co-Captain (Russian-American)
All passages conducted double-handed with 6 hour shifts.
The Beginning
This journey did not begin with experience. When sailing yacht “Rebels”, a 1989 Vagabond 47 ketch, was purchased in 2023, Elena Levon had zero formal sailing background. No courses and no certifications. She was 39 years old at the time. What followed was an immediate transition into offshore life — learned in real conditions, at sea, under pressure. Not in controlled environments. Not in coastal training zones. But offshore, where decisions carry consequences. Over the next two years, those decisions evolved into a continuous expedition across the Atlantic and down the West African coast — Sailing Africa “wrong way” North to South.
Words from the crew of sailing yacht “Rebels” — LIBERIA — “A hidden paradise with some of the kindest, most welcoming people we have ever met. The staff of little heaven on earth — COCONUT COVE RETREAT, are our angels and our friends for life. Beautiful Liberia is highly recommended — to sailors, overlanders, and air travelers alike.” — Captain Robert and co-captain / Elena Levon.
“This moment belongs as much to the people of Liberia as it does to the vessel that arrived.” - Elena Levon
Liberia — Undocumented Coastline
Sailing yacht “Rebels” sailing to anchor in Liberia — January 2026
January 2026. Sailing yacht Rebels anchored off the Liberian coastline following a mechanical failure. There was no marina and no yacht infrastructure, only open shoreline, surf, and a country where private sailing yachts are virtually absent. Based on available cruising records, maritime references, and local accounts — it is the first documented arrival and anchorage of a private, non-commercial sailing yacht in modern recorded history along this part of the Liberian coast. The vessel remained at anchor for one week.
The Central Gulf of Guinea Crossing
February 2026. Within days of departing Liberia, sailing yacht REBELS undertook a direct offshore passage across the central Gulf of Guinea.
Route: Liberia → São Tomé & Príncipe
Distance: 1,000+ nautical miles
Duration: 11 days
Crew: 2 (double-handed)
Conditions of the Crossing
The passage moved directly through:
• An active piracy zone - Despite reports of declining piracy since 2021, kidnappings in the Gulf of Guinea remain a real concern. In early 2026, maritime security incidents — including attacks on fishing vessels off Ghana and a crew abduction earlier that year off Gabon — were still being reported across the region. In February 2026, sailing vessel Rebels crossed towards São Tomé and Príncipe, fully aware it was sailing through an active piracy zone and the intertropical convergence zone. After spending three weeks in Sao Tome, SV Rebels continued south past Gabon towards Luanda, Angola, moving through waters where a crew abduction had been reported earlier that year, and where maritime security risks extend across the wider Gulf of Guinea, including the waters around São Tomé and Príncipe.
(Gulf of Guinea — region responsible for the majority of global maritime kidnappings in recent years)
• The equatorial storm belt. Continuous lightning, electrical storms, and fast-forming squalls
• Unstable weather systems. Gusts building toward 40–46 knots
• Unpredictable sea-state transitions. Rapid shifts between calm and violent convection
No Support. No Detours.
This was not a rerouted or minimized exposure passage.
• No escort
• No additional crew
• No avoidance loop offshore
• No staged weather window
The vessel sailed through the central basin of the Gulf — not around it. The crossing was completed under:
• Sail
• Low-RPM motor-sailing (~900 rpm when required)
• Pushing through worst lighting zones under engine.
• Full onboard command by a two-person crew
Against the Norm
Most private yachts avoid the Gulf of Guinea entirely, reroute far offshore or approach São Tomé from the south. Sailing yacht “Rebels” did none of the above. This was a direct central crossing through one of the world’s most dangerous maritime regions — where piracy, armed robbery, and kidnappings at sea have been widely documented. In January 2026, pirate attacks were still occurring across the whole region targeting crews for ransom.
Record Context
Based on available public records, cruising references, and documented sailing routes: This passage represents a rare documented double-handed crossing of the central Gulf of Guinea by a private sailing yacht. It also stands among the first documented female-led crossings of this kind.
Expedition Scale (2023–2026)
• 10,000+ nautical miles sailed
• Atlantic crossings and return passages
• 11 nations visited
• Continuous West African coastal descent from Canaries to Angola (6 months)
• Sailing conducted entirely double-handed
Final Note
There was no production crew, sponsors, onshore guidance, or safety net. Only one sailing yacht, two people and the ocean.
Publications
Yachting World Magazine (feature) — currently in production.
Noonsite report — Off the Beaten Path: From Liberia to São Tomé & Príncipe
Sailing Films, Expeditions & Art
Most sailing films show turquoise anchorages, perfect sunsets, and effortless passages. These films include those moments—but they are defined by what happens in between.
A growing collection of candid sailing documentaries capturing life aboard the 1989, 14-meter Vagabond ketch Rebels during double-handed ocean voyages across the Atlantic.
“If you have ever wondered what ocean voyaging really looks like beyond the glossy narrative, these documentaries offer an honest view from the deck of a classic sailing vessel crossing some of the world's most challenging waters. Welcome aboard Rebels.” — Elena Levon, Co-Captain
It is not a curated social media version of life at sea. It is the raw reality of learning to sail while crossing oceans. When Elena Levon first stepped aboard Rebels, she was not a trained sailor. There were no classrooms, certificates, or protected training waters. The lessons came in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, between countries, in changing weather, during equipment failures, night watches, navigation challenges, and thousands of miles under sail.
You will witness impossible routes fought against winds and currents. Mechanical breakdowns in the middle of nowhere. Encounters with coast guards and wildlife. Long nights without sleep. Moments of uncertainty — and the constant reality every sailor eventually discovers. Yet between the hardships lie the moments that make ocean voyaging unforgettable: the rare feeling of complete freedom that exists only far beyond sight of land.
Runtime: 1.5 hours of documentary footage
Year: 2024
100% Ad-Free
Atlantic crossings between the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, and the coast of West Africa, revealing both the beauty and the cost of pursuing an unconventional life at sea.
By purchasing these films, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
—
The next chapter — a six-month West African expedition from the Canary Islands to Angola, (2025-2026) including a crossing of the Central Gulf of Guinea — will be added to this collection in the future.
Gifts:
OPIUM DEN - Art Film
Sicily, Italy (2020) - Lamu, Kenya (2021) - A sensual exploration of memory, movement, and passion — and the words left unspoken between them.YOUTHFUL FOOLS - Podcast Episode
“Choose to collect memories instead of things” - Elena Levon (Unique card download)
Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives and Q&A’s from 2018
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
A private access link and unique password will be sent to the email you provided. Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.
Watch every documentary, adventure film, and sailing expedition in one collection.
GONE WITH THE DUST - Overland Adventures, Expeditions & Art
THE QUINTESSENCE OF LIFE - A documentary shot on six continents, capturing a 10-year journey.
GONE WITH THE WIND - Sailing Films, Expeditions & Art
Runtime: 5 hours of documentary footage
Year: 2011-2024
100% Ad-Free
By purchasing these films, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
Gifts:
OPIUM DEN - Art Film
Sicily, Italy (2020) - Lamu, Kenya (2021) - A sensual exploration of memory, movement, and passion — and the words left unspoken between them.YOUTHFUL FOOLS - Podcast Episode
“Choose to collect memories instead of things” - Elena Levon (Unique card download)
Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives and Q&A’s from 2018
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
A private access link and unique password will be sent to the email you provided. Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.
There are many “Black Pearls” in the world, but only 1 “REBELS”
She has been caught in 7 meter breaking waves, journeyed “impossible” route against winds and strongest current, had autopilot and engine failures, in the middle of Atlantic Ocean and still is thirsty for more adventures, same as her crew...
Yes, all of us, are not exactly “young” in passport numbers, but we have something that no amount of grey hair and squeaky wood can take away...…
Wind - Ocean - Woman
Format: Digital — instant access
Step into a vivid, audio-rich world of words, sound, and imagery. The Immersive Edition of Naked Poetry is a high-resolution, book-format PDF featuring life-like, flip-through pages.
270 fine art photographs woven with original poetry, prose, and art, spanning 20 years and 6 continents. The complete 301-page journey. Designed to be lived, not just read.
Includes:
Elena Levon reading her original poetry
Tribal songs and ancestral rhythms
Ambient soundscapes woven throughout the book
Zoom-in functionality and a full-screen viewing option, you are invited to explore every detail in an intimate, cinematic way.
Why this edition is rare:
For those who want to live the book — not just feel it. Elena’s voice. The pulse of the earth. The rhythm of memory and movement. A digital ritual to carry with you, wherever you go.
Once your order is complete, you will receive a private access link and unique password.
“Choose to collect memories instead of things” - Elena Levon (Unique card download)
Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives and Q&A’s from 2018
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.
No two lives—or journeys—are ever the same. All your dreams are valid. They deserve to be treated with care, respect, and the courage it takes to bring them to life.
Whether you are standing at a crossroads, navigating a major life transition, pursuing a creative dream, or searching for clarity amid uncertainty, this private one-hour conversation offers a confidential space to be heard with honesty, care, and respect.
For more than twenty years, Elena Levon has lived an unconventional life at the intersection of art, exploration, and personal transformation. Her path has taken her across six continents and more than 100 countries—from remote tribal regions in the Amazon and the Darién Gap to the worlds of fine art, literature, and offshore sailing.
She is the author of Naked Poetry, endorsed by Lionel Richie and shaped through collaborations with Robert Farber and other internationally recognized artists.
These sessions are deeply personal and tailored to the individual. There is no fixed agenda. Every conversation unfolds according to where you are in life and what you most need in this moment.
Possible Topics
- Art, writing, and the creative process
- Solo travel and unconventional living
- Personal transformation and reinvention
- Grief, healing, and life after profound loss
- Expedition planning and sailing
- Publishing and storytelling
- Building a life aligned with your deepest values
Your privacy will be treated with the utmost care and respect.
Many people come to these conversations during pivotal moments in their lives—after loss, during health struggles, while facing uncertainty, or when they feel called to make a significant change. Others simply seek perspective from someone who has chosen a radically unconventional path and transformed lived experience into art, writing, and meaningful work.
What You Receive:
- One 60-minute private video consultation with Elena Levon
- A personalized, heart-centered conversation
- Honest insight drawn from two decades of unconventional life experience
- Complete discretion and confidentiality
Gifts:
NAKED POETRY BOOK ✧ IMMERSIVE EDITION ✧ Format: Digital — instant access
A living, audio-rich experience to accompany Naked Poetry. This is not an audiobook — it’s a sacred sound ritual. Includes: High-resolution PDF of Naked Poetry (270 images across 6 continents. Full Book.)
Elena Levon reading her original poetry. Tribal songs, ancestral rhythms, ambient soundscapes. Private, secure link with lifetime access. Why this edition is rare:For those who want to live the book — not just feel it. Elena’s voice. The pulse of the earth. The rhythm of memory and movement. A digital ritual to carry with you, wherever you go.
Unique handwritten photo-postcard (6×8 inches) will be send to you by mail (Upon request)
Full Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives from 2018 including Q&A’s.
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.
Overland Adventures, Expeditions & Art
Most travel documentaries show destinations. These films froze a moment in history forever.
Namibia • Zambia • Mozambique • Eswatini • Angola • Ethiopia
A growing collection of independently filmed overlanding documentaries. Expeditions across Africa during 2021–2022, a period when much of the world believed travel had come to a standstill.
While news broadcasts spoke of closed borders and restricted movement, another reality existed parallel to the headlines. Roads remained open. Vast stretches of Africa became quieter than they had been in decades. National parks stood nearly empty. Beaches stretched for miles without footprints. Famous landmarks welcomed only a handful of visitors. For a brief moment, some of Africa's most extraordinary places felt as though they belonged to another era.
This collection follows independent overland journeys by motorcycle, expedition vehicle, public transport, and on foot.
"Some journeys are measured in miles. Others are measured in moments that will never happen again." — Elena Levon
You will witness border crossings that were never supposed to happen. Long days spent navigating remote regions. Encounters with hidden from mass tourism tribal communities, ancient rock art, forgotten roads, and places rarely seen by outsiders.
A historical archive of a disappearing Africa and a disappearing way of exploration. It is a story about freedom. The freedom to continue moving when the world said stop.
Runtime: 2.5 hours of documentary footage
Year: 2021-2022
100% Ad-Free
By purchasing these films, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
VICTORIA FALLS: THE EMPTY WONDER
Zambia (2021) - A rare record of Victoria Falls during a period of near-total tourism collapse. One of Africa's greatest natural wonders experienced in near solitude.
MOZAMBIQUE: TIDES OF FREEDOM
Mozambique (2021) - Pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and remote fishing communities along an empty stretch of paradise rarely witnessed by modern travelers. Unexpected hospitality, and the rhythms of everyday life along the Indian Ocean.
THE FORGOTTEN SPIRITS OF ESWATINI
Eswatini (2021) - A search for ancient San rock art hidden within one of Africa’s least-visited kingdoms. Camping inside empty national parks, moving through vast wilderness, and encountering local biker communities along the way.
JOURNEY TO THE HIMBA
Namibia (2022) - An expedition into remote northwestern Namibia in search of authentic Himba communities beyond established tourism routes.
THE GODLIKE SONG OF THE RED OCHRE PEOPLE
Namibia (2022) - A rare cultural record documenting life, traditions, and daily realities inside a remote Himba settlement.
UNMAPPED AND UNMASKED: ANGOLA
Angola (2022) - Deserts, tribal territories, and the prehistoric rock art of Chitundo-Hulo. Jorney through some of the country's most isolated landscapes.
JOURNEY TO THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND
Apollo 11 Cave, Namibia (2022) An expedition to one of the oldest known artistic sites on Earth and a reflection on humanity's enduring desire to create.
KALASHNIKOV'S LULLABY
Ethiopia (2022) Elena Levon’s solo journey by public transport into Ethiopia's remote tribal frontier near the South Sudan border. (war zone)
Gifts:
OPIUM DEN - Art Film
Sicily, Italy (2020) - Lamu, Kenya (2021) - A sensual exploration of memory, movement, and passion — and the words left unspoken between them.YOUTHFUL FOOLS - Podcast Episode
“Choose to collect memories instead of things” - Elena Levon (Unique card download)
Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives and Q&A’s from 2018
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
A private access link and unique password will be sent to the email you provided. Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.
A documentary shot on six continents, capturing a 10-year journey. With no crew, no corporate sponsors, and zero staging, this independent film offers an unvarnished look at human connection, solo adventure, and extreme exploration.
Discover the answers to the biggest questions we all ask, regardless of skin color, religion, or birthplace. From documenting Yanomami funerary rituals in the Amazon, living in the Darién Gap, and interviewing rebels in Mali, to traversing the Sahara and surviving Category 5 Cyclone Winston in Fiji—this film unites, uplifts, and restores faith that no matter how different we seem, we all share the same soul, pain, and joy.
This 10-year journey will make you laugh, cry, and inspire you to follow your dreams, no matter what obstacles you face at the present moment.
Runtime: 60 Minutes
Year: 2023
100% Ad-Free
By purchasing this film, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
FILM REVIEW:
"This is such an amazing testimony to life and living. The smiles, beauty, wonder & wisdom in your film simply stun me. I stand in awe of how you were able to experience all these moments and somehow at the same time capture them to be shared. This is truly a gift to the world -- thank you! I look forward to following your continuing adventures over the next ten years and more...Namaste." - USA
Gifts:
OPIUM DEN - Art Film
Sicily, Italy (2020) - Lamu, Kenya (2021) - A sensual exploration of memory, movement, and passion — and the words left unspoken between them.YOUTHFUL FOOLS - Podcast Episode
“Choose to collect memories instead of things” - Elena Levon (Unique card download)
Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives and Q&A’s from 2018
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
A private access link and unique password will be sent to the email you provided. Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.