Martha’s Vineyard, Engine trouble, Cape Cod Canal and Maine

We depart Martha’s Vineyard and head towards the Cape Cod Canal. Along the way we ran into some engine trouble. We ride the currents through the Cape Cod Canal and sail north to Maine.
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[@auricgoldfinger8478]

As a retired surgeon, I am truly amazed at your fortitude. Ulcerative Colitis is a major obstacle in a landlubbers life, but for a sailor with your accomplishments, Wow. Good luck with the colostomy take-down.

[@ianleithhead]

One of the things that makes your videos so engaging is they focus on the sailing. I thought sailing solo on a sub-30ft yacht to Hawaii was Hard Core ™. To be sailing, mostly solo, with a medical condition is even more impressive. Thank you for the inspirational role modelling

[@chronicawareness9986]

dude you watch adventured of an old sea dog? he solo sails across the world lol in a small boat

[@jhollands68]

@@chronicawareness9986 sea dog's boat is quite a bit bigger, and he has no disability

[@chronicawareness9986]

@@jhollands68 ohh i didnt read the whole comment lol

[@bravofighter]

Check out Sam’s friend Sven Yrvind, that guy is incredible.

[@silasmarner7586]

Dang Sam you are hard freakin' CORE. Best of luck with the surgery and so on. God bless you going forward.

[@benjaminwoodruff8841]

came here to say the same thing sam i’m scared your awesomeness meter has peaked and we are seeing a down fall in content jk i love you sam stay strong

[@clubracer6]

Who the heck could possibly dislike these videos!? Great content and best of luck on your surgery Sam!

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks

[@timburns1643]

I've been searching every comment and so far i have only found one hater that left a comment. Its crazy to think theres people out there that hates on this guy..I'd let my grandkids watch any of these without checking for adult content..thats how good a person he is..HATERS SUCK..KEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEOS SAM..STAY SAFE AND GOD BLESS

[@TheRattyBiker]

LOVE the lack of clickbait Sam! Good man for keeping it real! Fair winds...

[@tzrunnerau]

Much love to you Sam. My sister has/had UC. After 8+ years of trying everything possible, she had her large intestine removed. Not saying I know what you are going through, but definitely praying for a successful surgery and relief. Keep on keeping on my man.

[@jamestaylor3075]

Whoa!!! That's a cool Polynesian style trimaran at the beginning. Next time you see someone sailing a cool boat like that, ask them if you can do an interview. Cruising is not just about going to cool places that you have never seen before, it's also about discovering all of the cool people that you meet along the way. Good luck with the surgery and safe travels and fair winds!

[@curtishill6490]

I missed ya😔you were on a Mass Maritime anchor 😁I sit at different spots along the canal often. I live just to the left of the south entrance of the canal. I just found your channel in the last month and I've been binge watching. I grew up sailing on those waters to MV and Nantucket. We used to sail in the Figawi race from Hyannis to Nantucket and back. We won a couple times in our Catalina 27! Kahlua was the name ,my mom named her😁Stay safe and thanks for sharing your videos💯They're better than anything on TV as you're a great host. At 54 , I think your vids are most interesting and love the transparency 💯Thank you💯🙏

[@klausjensen9150]

Keep up the good work , fair winds always .

[@paulhardie392]

Sam hope all goes well.keep up the good work 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@zupvw71]

Sailing the Cape Cod Canal was one of my fondest memories. Thanks for posting Sam.

[@snakeeyes4424]

Great anchor line it looks very good my friend and strong too

[@beckyadams2640]

Hey Sam! My husband and I are about your age, we live in the Research Triangle near medical facilities, and we have our sailboat in Oriental. Let us know if you need a place to crash over the winter! We also have some wooded land where you could park the boat if needed.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. My family lives in Durham so I will be staying with them for a little bit. I was planning to take my boat to Oriental. Possibly using one of the yards there or if I can find a trailer maybe Hauling the boat back to Durham.

[@beckyadams2640]

@@samholmessailing oh no way! That's cool. We're in Pittsboro. Our boat is in Oriental Harbor for the winter, and our mast is at Deaton's yard while we replace standing rigging/chainplates. Let us know if we can do anything to help!

[@pejoly2]

@@beckyadams2640 I have never been there, but I love watching Roy Underhill, and his crew of woodworkers in Pittsboro. Maybe someday I'll get the chance to visit that area. Happy sailing Becky, and I applaud your generosity.

[@AndreBandarra1]

This is awesome news on all fronts dude! More sailing videos, more project videos, better health and fingers crossed an atlantic passage next year! woohoo!!

[@samholmessailing]

Heck yeah. You can bet I’m bringing a Paraglider too!

[@stephenrichie4646]

Kedging off. Memories 🤣 Also remember that canal and those bridges. Memorable trip.

[@solosailingboatlife7203]

Love how you actuality concentrate on the actual sailing and maintenance issues on a boat. As to your leaking raw water pump it just needs rebuilt not replaced. Get the full impeller and seal kit which will have both of the shaft seals.

[@mguirdy8685]

Had some colon stuff myself buddy. Diet is key. Love your adventures. Keep it up. One bit of comment......so much better when you sail with a companion. Get Zoe back. Sharing these epic journeys together is great to watch. Good Luck

[@williamhenry9608]

It’s possible to rebuild that raw water pump. You’ll need replacement seals and possibly new bearings. The salt water seeping past the seals can corrode the bearings. You’ll need a bearing puller and a corkscrew. Use the corkscrew to extract the old seals.

[@davidc6510]

Wow Sam. All this positive attitude out on the water having a great time and for the last two years you have been dealing with a colostomy's bag for your ulcerative colitis! I salute your sir for your tenacity can-do spirit and positive attitude... much respect. Looking forward to seeing you back on the water next year without the "baggage".

[@mhub3576]

Always enjoy your videos, Sam. You are a real inspiration.

[@Amicaner]

Oh wow. All the best!

[@sacredboswellia1443]

Found this channel by accident and haven't been able to stop watching. I don't sail, but am always near the water. Definitely recognized some hometown areas while you passed Boston along what's called the Northshore. Public beaches from MA to NH and ME can sometimes be dicey if there are swimmers and I'm sure the lifeguards were doing a typical New England greeting(😕) instead of kindly letting you know. Would love to see some videos of you exploring the Boston Harbor Islands like George's Island. Nice old forts. Also, say you were in the Azores in some of your videos. If you haven't been, you should check out Madeira. It's where my wife is from and from what I understand, those islands pale in comparrison(only stopped at the airports in the Azores). I've been to Madeira a lot, and it's nickname is the "Hawaii of the Atlantic". Definitely worth checking out. All the best on your journeys! You're living a life the rest of us can only dream about!!

[@trishatistream7894]

Just came across your channel. Great videos. Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@edwardhewer8530]

Did this very same trip when I was 15 in my dads boat. ...in 1986... Good luck with your health too. You are a champion for not letting it get in the way of what you want to do.

[@paulmclaughlin8862]

Stay healthy Sam.

[@robm7543]

I really enjoy your videos and the sharing your life. I hate to just call it entertainment, it's more than that.... good stuff! Good luck with the trailer for your winter work.

[@samholmessailing]

You bet. Thanks for the support

[@sailingtrilleen]

Hey. Thanks for being open about sailing with continence and stoma issues. I’m just getting back into sailing in keelboats and am trying to get some surgery organised too. Let nothing stop you.

[@billsagues6884]

Good luck and good health Sam!

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks

[@brenosuethsailing297]

All the positive vibrations to you, may God take care of you! The best of luck! I’m one of your fans out in the Bay Area, CA. You’re such a great sailor with an Amazing humor! My praises for your speedy recovery after the surgery! Good winds from SV Beatriz!

[@ginabeltran8107]

Sam the man! I’ve never been sailing but watching you and videos is such fun beautiful and relaxing to me.. You’re always so positive and you have a smile on your face.. Good luck with surgery and take care.. 👍🙏

[@lmcbdc14]

By far THE BEST sailing channel. Best of luck Sam. Truly inspired and looking forward to more videos! Hope to have my own boat one day.

[@DooleyEdwardJ]

Just watched this episode. Wow! Your anchorage outside of Boston is within eyesight of my house. And I missed it! Bummer. Safe travels.

[@dougalexander2962]

I had a Volvo water pump drip and purchased a rebuild kit. I'm sure the problem were the 2 internal seals but also replaced 2 bearings, one seal each for water supply and return, seal for cover plate and finally seal to engine. I'm no mechanic but it tested yesterday with no drip. Good luck!

[@leocastro4608]

Great to see you in my neck if the woods!

[@harper5892]

A beautifully tapered splice. Respect!

[@dhmalcolm]

thank you. First time watching. I have a 31 Hunter 76. Good diesel and interior

[@danieldf3149]

Thanks Sam for your videos

[@Ash-cy7yw]

I just rebuilt my 30 y old Oberdorfer impeller pump because new ones are not currently available. It was leaking on the water side seal but changed both of course. I'd much prefer to completely replace mine bcs being that old it has other issues and keeps eating impellers. Another great video Sam and good luck with the surgery. I'm totally amazed you've been doing all this cruising while dealing with that and you've never once complained. You're an awesome dude and a good man. Eagerly awaiting more of your uploads.

[@clintonpadgett5077]

Much love for you Sam take care of yourself want to be watching new videos in 10 years

[@cjtoomey1321]

Good luck with the surgery Sam👍👍 Hope it works out well for you. Always digging the videos, always fun to watch!

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks!

[@phlanjo]

The main reason I keep returning to your videos are for the pineapple moments. SO nice to have an entire video with minimal wind sounds!! Hope you both make it to the UK in the future

[@spelunkerd]

Sam, I rebuilt a very similar pump with the same problem. You could do it even without all the fancy tools I used, you typically need a seal and two bearings. Video posted.

[@billwilliams9527]

Great respect for you Sam.

[@DesertDogJournal]

I enjoy your videos. Simple and informative.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the videos

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

I hope the surgery goes well for you. I think you can get an impeller and shaft seal kit for it to stop the leak.

[@PacificSolo]

Nothing but respect for you!

[@rikanaka]

Another great video. I lived in Hawaii on Oahu and Kauai for 40 years and now sail a CD26 around Narragansett Bay these days so I've enjoyed your exploits immensely. Also my wife had UC and required a total colectomy and, due to the extent of her disease, couldn't have the "pull-through" or reversal. So if you can, then go for it. Good luck!

[@beazleteats4031]

You're an amazing sailor mate. Doing this all with your current medical condition takes balls of steel. I wish you well for your surgery and hope you find help for your haul out. Good luck from sunny Sydney, Australia.

[@MrMichaelcurran]

Boy, That was a fast trip up the East Coast. I know as a trucker it takes my a hundred times slower. I am with you every inch of your travel. Thank you fore sharing. Just think what you can do after surgery. The world is yours!

[@samholmessailing]

Well i started back in April and average 3-4kts so not exactly blazing fast lol

[@fxpthl]

Well That was an "Ah Ha" moment finding out about your ostomy bag! To think you have traveled so far with this annoying at best condition is absolutely amazing. It speaks highly of your love of the sea no matter what. I hope you Do get the surgery and can rid yourself of that "appliance" and live a normal life without all the issues you've had to deal with.

[@samholmessailing]

Here’s hoping. There are always lots of complications with these things though.

[@ChristianSailing]

love the vids, sam. we just returned from Maine. Visited, Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Cape Elizabeth, Portland, Booth Bay Harbor and Bar Harbor. looking forward to your other vid and prayers for an easy surgery with a full and speedy recovery.

[@fsuersal]

Nice video Sam and you got good company. Breakfast looked GREAT

[@jascan1489]

Good luck to you Sam. Favorite channel buddy.

[@EnHestUdenNavn]

Looking forward to follow your boat projects over the winter and hope to see you here in Europe next year!

[@samholmessailing]

You bet. Can’t wait to take a stab at crossing the Atlantic

[@daneulekowski929]

Always look forward to your new videos Sam, good one as usual.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. Glad you’re enjoying them!

[@BoomVang]

Maine coastline mainly rocky, so the rare beaches get too crowded for casual multi use. At least the southern ones that are near population centers and not so cold. I think the towns economy normally depends on luring Canadian drivers, altho now may focus on domestic stay-cation traffic.

[@dbentley2195]

Love your channel, good luck with your reversal. Look forward to the boat upgrades ❤👍

[@DrJamez]

I love your videos. I can't wait to see the boat work and atlantic crossing!

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. I am so excited to cross the Atlantic!

[@leslielamcke7020]

You are amazing! Keep the videos coming. I hope you will remain in remission!

[@Johnny-tt8zc]

Ah, the Bourne bridge,know it well from my travels to Woods Hole,Ma. Stay strong,stay safe and be careful out there.

[@kennethmiller1654]

Good luck with your surgery Sam

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks!

[@radiohfandsw4907]

Great to see you both , Sam we look forward to greeting you on the west coast of ireland next year , stay safe both of you .

[@adude4405]

Been keeping up to date with your vids for the past quarantine -- dating back from Hawaii, then to the Florida Keys, and to now -- and your vids are not only entertaining for me but inspiring as well. Your breathtaking cinematography, narrative captions, and illustrious charisma serves as an escapism and an even bigger reason to pursue sailing on my own thanks to your well crafted virtual journey. Thanks!

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks for the kind comment. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the videos.

[@mammaholmes]

What a nice comment. Thanks, Aiden.

[@soggybottom3463]

Great stuff Skipper as always, many thanks. Wishing you a safe and successful operation and a swift recovery also,with many thanks again.

[@hwh888]

Hey Sam, good luck with your surgery. You’ll do just fine. Watching your videos brings back memories with my Cape Dory 22’ hull #8, banging around the Caribbean with her. A fine boat and built like a brick ship house.

[@samholmessailing]

Right on!

[@paytonelizabeth6033]

Grab a fid at the marine store for a few bucks and it will make your splices so much easier and neater! I couldn’t live without mine!!

[@Zepparen2]

I looking so much forward for these build videos!!!

[@heavyglassglass]

I'll be praying for your good health, and I look forward to your safe passage across the Atlantic next year!

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks

[@IanHn56]

Cheers Sam!

[@Landman1]

I hope your surgery goes well!!! Love the content man! Great channel 👍👍👍👍

[@ivok496]

Wishing you all the best Sam with your upcoming surgery and recovery! I will be following you closely whilst prepping the boat for the Atlantic crossing! Fair winds and following seas!

[@googleaccount6761]

Cool... thanks the update Sam..good luck man

[@choochoodebut3059]

For safe anchoring skip Boston harbor and try Glouster harbor, Portland is not so bad, Yarmouth is a bit further up after that. Top notch resupply port is in Rockland, has everything. North haven/Vinalhaven thoroughfare is very nice and has light traffic this year. Swan island and winter harbor are pretty cool too.

[@samholmessailing]

Cool I ended up anchoring in Boston on my way back down. The anchoring situation was pretty lousy there though. Definitely enjoyed Vinalhaven and Portland while I was in Maine.

[@rmccarrillo1759]

Sam!!!! You won the race. Hope you fix that water issue. Ok, you convinced me. CD40 will be my new home. Hope to see you out and about after winter.

[@kz4506]

Get a swivel link and splice into that or do it into a shackle and double roll each core to make a strong tie

[@papawinters]

Best wishes for your procedure.

[@1pottercounty]

You impress me as a brave young man who meets his problems head on. I wish more people had your outlook and passion. Best of luck with your surgery and upcoming projects. I look forward to the balance of your videos and, the Atlantic crossing...

[@PaulDve]

I hope the surgery goes well. I had mine reversed about 7 years ago. 👍

[@pickleforknwiggles634]

Get well brother.

[@seansteele9493]

The lighthouse in York Maine is Nubble Light. I grew up around there. Great memories and a pretty lighthouse.

[@samholmessailing]

Cool. Lots of neat lighthouse is up in Maine

[@FCBENI]

Thank you for the great video. Keep up the good work/play? Stay safe!

[@samholmessailing]

You bet! Will do!

[@petercarley9260]

Love your channel Sam. You’re an inspiration. Good luck with the medical stuff. Thanks for all the content!

[@wesleybrooks3490]

Oh my god I have the same engine and could never identify the source of its leak. I was always rechecking the hoses, but it's got to be the dang pump! Great video, thanks and keep up the good work!

[@samholmessailing]

Yeah honestly it was pretty difficult to tell where the leak was coming from. Changing the pump fixed the problem for me though.

[@adriankendall5707]

@@samholmessailing Saw you sanded the surfaces flat but still weird to me that there was no gasket between the pump and cover.

[@stereolababy]

@@adriankendall5707 there's an o-ring

[@matthewfitch2102]

So awesome that you’re out there cruising with your health issue and not letting it hold you back. We’re planning on starting to live aboard starting next summer. Maybe we’ll see you out there!

[@samholmessailing]

Right on. See you out there!

[@fisherdigital]

I can't wait to see all the new adventures you get on

[@GacLaurent]

wow you are a strong and inspiring sailor. I wish you the best for health and to coming soon with new adventures , if you might come to France (south of brittany near glenan islands) I would be pleased to share my mooring (and beers) with you guys

[@nearlynormal]

Am really enjoying your videos Sam. Great cruise up the east coast. Thanks. Good to hear about the upcoming dodger. They are such a nice addition to a cruising boat. Great job with the anchor rode splice too. I still haven't seen that bean bag in use in your vids. On my boat and other boats I've been on, folks sure did enjoy using them. The one I sent seems pretty floppy, but I found that amount of beans worked well. You can get really comfortable sitting in the cockpit, or anywhere else, plus when you're heeled over it makes a nice cushion between you and the lee cloth or backrest of the bunk.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. Ill have to feature that bean bag in a video soon. my grams was loving it on her boat so let her borrow it for a while. I should have more room for it on my boat once i offload the folding bike.

[@aleembruggen]

Hey Sam, love your channel and glad to be following your adventure. I recently bought a Top Hat 25 here in NSW, Austrlian and have been refitting her for similar voyages. Really inspired by your perseverance, good luck with the surgery. Will pray for you. God bless.

[@samholmessailing]

Cool. Congrats on the new boat.

[@jasonspecht6772]

Hey Sam! I sail in and around the Neuse frequently. Give me a shout if you need a hand on the boat or need crew for a day! Love your videos!

[@Munkeez]

Yo Sam love the videos man. Looking forward to your project videos, those are some of my favorite type of sailing-related videos. Best of luck with the surgery and keep doing what you’re doing

[@dustinlittle1765]

good luck on your operation! I have ulcerative colitis and you're an inspiration to me Sam. keep living the dream, while i sail on my 16 foot day sailor

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. you bet. I hope you’re able to keep it under control. It can be pretty rough sometimes.

[@clayfarnet970]

60 k subs, not bad Sam. 👍👍👍

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. Things have got kind of stagnant around 59,000. I used to get 1000 subscribers every time I posted a video and now I only get around a hundred or so. Not sure what I need to do to keep growing the channel. maybe some of the top ten tip list type videos ... idk.

[@clayfarnet970]

@@samholmessailing Don’t try a bikini :) I’ll make 2 suggestions. Try live KZbin live chat once a month...super chat. It’s current and subscribers feel more involved. Plus, I think many people want to donate but prefer doing one time donation instead of Patreon. Also, if you meet other sailer with interesting boats, try doing a boat tour with the owner. Viewer love that. I do. :) Good luck! 👍👍

[@joshcarlisle6792]

Hi Sam, best of luck with your procedure! I’m actually In Raleigh, NC (well specifically Clayton). Probably getting my first boat in the spring, looking to keep it around Oriental/Washington. I’m fairly new to sailing but I’m handy enough, if you need some help while your boat is on the hard happy to help let me know. I’ve also been known to trade beers and food for good stories as well :)

[@jimmybritt9537]

Hey Sam , there is a rebuild kit for that water pump . It has seals and bearings . Good luck with the surgery man 👍👍🇺🇸

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. I’ll be picking one of those up so I can use this pump as a spare now that I have a new one installed

[@jaredh9098]

I have UC as well. You’re an inspiration man!

[@tommypetraglia4688]

Been to York myself... it a high dolla town $$. They really look down on us riff raff.

[@doninhawaii4433]

Thanks for sharing Sam. Love to see more drone shots. 👍✊🤙

[@samholmessailing]

You bet. I got some good ones in Maine!

[@karlmadsen3179]

I had a buddy who needed a colostomy for a time and then successfully reversed after healing from the first operation. Do it!....and heal up fast!

[@ppumpkin3282]

Looks like you didn't put a new gasket on the water pump when you put it back. I always carried a few extra. After I cut the strands on the splice, I melt the ends with a lighter.

[@Chedring]

Welcome to Maine! Fort Gorges is really cool and I hope you check that one out.

[@fsuersal]

And good health to you