Nonstop 48hr solo sail through the english channel 275 nautical miles

[@sailingthingy]

Great video Sam. It was such a pleasure to meet you, have the opportunity to assist you and show you around our little corner of the world. Fair winds, friend! Marcel & JP

[@monsterhog1118]

In that?

[@sailingthingy]

@@monsterhog1118 🤣 hahahaha

[@cortical1]

Nice to hear about you and your channel. Greetings from San Diego.

[@lorenzoblum868]

Là dedans ?

[@bake162]

Hilarious

[@leastcoast5606]

Thanks! Really enjoy your videos. I am 76 living thru you. Lol. Very impressed with everything you do on the boat, smart guy. Be safe.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks so much. Cheers

[@alanluscombe8a553]

@@samholmessailingdo you still own this boat pickle? Or do you use the boat you got for free??

[@jconnor11]

He does it again! This man can’t be stopped!

[@BumblingSailor]

Awesome video! Man, those seas looked spicy. I did my first ever sail last week in the channel, solo In my little 26ft contessa. I'm hooked! Can't wait to do the big adventures! You're an inspiration.

[@solaireastora5394]

Like you vids mate, really down to earth

[@samholmessailing]

Cool. You should read maiden voyage. Tania sailed a contessa around the world in the 80s

[@BumblingSailor]

@@samholmessailing I have a copy on board, awesome book.

[@Clan501-Scotland]

​@@BumblingSailor I've been following your channel you are having good growth recently 👍

[@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568]

the wave rover from pei canada sailed a contessa 26 all over the place. i recall the bumbling sailor replying that he is familiar with his videos. i think wave rover man is now near completion of a fully homemade boat that indubitably plans to range hither and thither in. just the other day i was wondering if the bumbling sailor got out on to the sea. i think it was his very first video that i had seen.

[@grahamatsea3575]

Wow, those following sea's running down the english channel were bigger than I've seen on some people's atlantic crossings .....well done. Pickled Herring was flying across the sea on the final approaches , a good capture from land.

[@yabojabo8578]

Any sailor who says, "I don't race.", is lying! Sporty passage there Sam. Love it!

[@flaagan]

"It can't just be good, it's gotta be 'good enough'." Love it.

[@BreakingBarriers2DIY]

That sweater IS awesome. I like the neckline being unique and open.

[@daneulekowski929]

Crazy sea conditions, down below would be a puke fest. Really dug that water catcher solar setup. Have fun Sam.

[@griffedbat]

What an amazingly positive, calm person you are Sam. As a new sailor, I hope to keep as cool a head as yourself when the shite hits the fan. Fair winds, be safe, and thanks for the videos.

[@Ash-cy7yw]

@5:10 I love that jumper !! Very nice and looks so warm.

[@arnie413]

I don't sail. But I stumbled upon your videos about a week ago and I can't get enough. You seem genuine and sincere. Good luck in all your adventures!

[@spindlespringsranch3108]

Beautiful sweater, looks fantastic on you!! Such talent she has!!

[@samholmessailing]

Its my most prized possession

[@SprialClips]

The longer videos are really my favorite. Well done sam, be safe and we hope to see a new video soon.

[@neilcampion3118]

Two best channels are Sam Holmes and “The sailing Brothers”.

[@MikeSantis]

Amazing trip, video and footage Sam. Brave man I should say sailing the English channel solo nonstop for 48 hrs and against turning tides and arriving at Guersney in such a weather. Enjoyed that. Take care of your self

[@westcountry_sailing]

One of your best Sam!

[@pierreretief]

Excellent as always Sam. On your "heave to" question, I asked chatgpt the question just as you stated it. I would be curious to hear from you and the experienced sailors here what you think about it's answer: -------------- "Heaving to" is a sailing maneuver used to stop a sailboat and hold it in a stationary position relative to the wind and waves. It involves positioning the sails and rudder in a way that balances the forces acting on the boat, effectively stopping it from moving forward. With only a headsail, heaving to can be more challenging because it requires a bit more precision to balance the boat's forces. Here are the general steps to heave to with only a headsail: Turn the boat upwind so that the headsail is backed (i.e., the wind is hitting the backside of the sail). Lock the tiller in a position so that the boat stays in the wind. Adjust the headsail so that it is only partially unfurled, allowing it to act as a sort of drogue to slow down the boat's forward motion. Adjust the angle of the headsail to balance the boat's forces so that it remains stationary relative to the wind and waves. It's important to note that heaving to with only a headsail is not always possible or recommended, depending on the wind and sea conditions and the specific characteristics of the boat. It's always a good idea to consult with an experienced sailor or consult your boat's manual before attempting any unfamiliar maneuvers. -------------- Safe travels!

[@samholmessailing]

That’s pretty accurate

[@MarcelLENORMAND]

“Consult you boat’s manual”. LOL

[@catwednesday]

That sweater is something else! Oh, and great video. 😀

[@DavidoftheDesert]

Sam, This is a classis episode of your small 29 foot boat crossing the English Channel which is not easy! Great drama and please film at night more as it's cool to see night sailing and how tired you are..........

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. I will try to

[@davidoflaherty6849]

I have been watching your videos (and other sailing channels) for years and it's the first time that I felt a little scared for the capitain. Those waves looked troubling. Glad you made it safely.

[@adventure_photo]

Just an FYI, you can record backup audio with the DJI mic in case you lose transmission which is recorded internally on the actual mic units. Easy to transfer and sync in post. I highly recommend using that feature. You can set it to automatically start up when the units power up. Always enjoyable watching your videos!

[@mammaholmes]

Woah. That was great. I loved seeing Guernsey and the swell people you met!

[@joekavanagh5708]

Hi Ann, have a word with Sam to convince him to wear a lifejacker with Eirpb. And when he's hanging out over the stern going downwind to wear a harness. Sam Holmes Sailing wouldn't be the same without Sam.

[@AlexJames123]

keep the great vids coming. looks like you're out there living your dreams.

[@Mroctober58]

Back to the videos I like. Love this channel !! Even bought a tee shirt off you online merch store. Safe sailing.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks!

[@christip20]

So much to see there & so much History. This is one of my favorites, the characters you meet add so much to life!

[@disco90sherpa]

Frank Dye's book 'Ocean Crossing Wayfarer' is an essential read. He was considered by some borderline suicidal at the time but was an excellent sailor and meticulous planner. Frank and his wife sailed his wayfarer 'Wanderer' all over the world. An inspiring man.

[@MarcelLENORMAND]

Frank and Margaret clocked up over 40,000 miles in their plywood Wayfarer, even up into the arctic!

[@mattholley3642]

Shane Acton’s ‘Shrimpy’ and David Pyle’s ‘Australia the Hard Way’ are two more great reads about small boat cruising. The Brits are nuts with their small boats. Love it!

[@disco90sherpa]

@@mattholley3642 On that score have a look at 'Big C Atlantic Challenge' on KZbin. An attempt to smash the record for the smallest 'boat' to cross the Atlantic.

[@mattholley3642]

@@disco90sherpa Big C is another good one. That little ‘boat’ is probably a bit small for me 😂 Speaking of ocean crossings, Yann Quenet sailing Baluchon is another impressive one

[@IrregularPineapples]

I just yesterday did a similar passage (Visby, Gotland Sweden - Hanko, Finland) -- I had max reef in main but the autopilot over-corrected with big waves from behind and I crash gybed in ~20-25 kts of wind -- took the main down after that and only had a handkerchief unfurled and then it much safer and easier (very rolly though) -- a bit of damage but not too bad, I think a bolt sheered off haven't done full inspection yet -- next day strong winds from the side it wasn't rolly at all -- I got seasick and vomited all over the cockpit the next day but felt much better after that and could eat and drink some. going over 7 kts feel scary to me, mine is only a 30 ft I think similar to your size -- that's very speedy~ thanks for sharing

[@ClanGunnBushcraft]

Oooh, I'm in Poole Harbour UK, waiting for the right winds to sail to the channel islands on my way to the Med... I'll keep a look out for you're stars and stripes

[@JamesAnderson-zq7re]

I like how your enthusiasm gets you through every problem that comes your way! Great stuff, I’m looking forward to Jersey episode now.

[@PreacherwithoutaPulpit]

"They didn't cheap out and used a carbon fiber background to save weight", that made me chuckle. Great sailing and I have to say that sea state was definitely something to watch. Have you ever thought about using a drogue to settle her a bit when she's surfing like that? Thank you for allowing this land locked old man to enjoy a bit of sailing via your videos. Fair winds, following seas, safe travels and God Bless...

[@samholmessailing]

I have thought about it. I will try it one day

[@skyearthocean5815]

I was like "The don't make no sense at all!" Hilarious!

[@jmth1974]

Thanks for the video, awesome stuff.

[@triggerfish999]

The seas look pretty big, so they must've looked massive in real life. That's a great little boat you got there.

[@JohnDrummondVA]

Exceptional even for a Sam vid. Wonderful!

[@sailingmivida1259]

hy Sam nice to see you in my home country of belgium and my sailgrounds indeed the english channel is a hard place to sail with lots of currents and sandbars and ships and tides tidel ports and almost no ancorages in front of belgium and north france. but you are a total pro . well done

[@jesusbeiro6113]

Great sail Sam .. a bit rough !!! I'm amazed of the ideas and gadgets you have in your boat ... Looking forward for your next video ... let me know if you sail into Muros !! .... Cheers !!!

[@howardhalter3032]

Yeah I just started following you tonight you blow me away your great sailor, and as my father-in-law told me I must have the balls of brass to take a 32-foot ketch-rigged out the ocean with a 12in draft but I did I sound that all up and down the East Coast

[@hughburgess4168]

Very interesting modifications on Guernsey. Great 48 hour voyage from Belgium. Thank you Sam. ⛵️

[@NasierOmran]

I have seen a couple take turns during night to sail non stop. I wouldnt be able sleep alone while th boat is sailing..

[@thesailingdonkey]

Hi Sam, I've only just discovered your channel and completely gutted that I missed you passing through Guernsey 2 months ago! Great content and nice to see someone else working on and modifying an old boat to keep her going :) Subbed!

[@chrisclarke4775]

Great Video. Loved seeing your set-up at the top of the mast. Have to agree, I too appreciate the weight savings of a carbon fiber App background. 😄

[@WolfieVenturi]

Literally the same Guernsey slip i used last summer, herm is awesome btw, shell beach is great

[@SimonFlax]

Good video thanks

[@sailorman2617]

It’s times like that I’m glad I have diesel engine instead of an electric motor. Great job Sam!

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

Sam has the best sheet eating grin. No mater when things go difficult or a day off blessings. Something to strive for in life thanks for showing and sharing it can be done.

[@masterblaster2626]

At around 15:00 in the video, those waves were impressive ... even on the camera. Better to go with them than against them, I suppose! Thanks for posting, Sam!

[@cowsjohnson2306]

Hi Sam this is one of your better videos, I really enjoyed it . Hats off to you . Angus

[@fezig83]

15:06 That moment puts the seas into perspective. What a ride, thank you for bringing us along.

[@MaShcode]

Sam, keep an eye out for waves. I hear they can be quite wavy.

[@rodrigosenra2693]

Love you man, fair winds! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.

[@Jaantoenen]

Costal sailing can be gut wrenching, especially with more water than air currents and turbulence to navigate. Good sailing Sam. I wish i was on my way to the Azores right now, yet i am still land bound and wheel locked locked in California. Wish you glass seas and fairwinds.

[@rbm2017]

That'll do for now. Thanks Sam.

[@siflaxman5049]

Great sailing sam🎉🎉

[@uranomichiaruki1]

Loved the new perspective of the land-based shots on your harbor arrival 🥒

[@adkmcmahon]

I like your new buddy from Guernsey, He is awesome!

[@joekavanagh5708]

Marcel from ZzTop?

[@MarcelLENORMAND]

@@joekavanagh5708 You’re spot on there Joe! Over the umpteen years I’ve had this long beard I’ve only had a few people comment about ZZ TOP. However, on our ‘French excursion’ we LOST COUNT of how many people would stop me and shout “ZZ TOP!” at me. It was hilarious!! One woman even held up a load of traffic as we crossed a zebra crossing in front of us whilst she hooted and shouted nice things about my beard!! LOL

[@drew2276]

Happy sailing !

[@Smylzncries]

Wish I understood more about sailing and wind vane steering it looked like a unique system he created… what was the black pulley wheel pinned to the helm for? Just some advice the wind sensor bracket rotate it a bit to port for better aerodynamics and give camera antenna room,Thanks nice work. See you in Jersey sir

[@jmburbach]

Lines from the wind vane are led to, and around the black pulley to turn the wheel & steer the boat. The pin allows to engage/disengage the self steering without having to remove the lines.

[@McTickles777]

Best one in a long time!!! Which is saying a lot!! I wish I learned more about how the Bayfield sailed, but it seems to be how I sail mine. All forsail seemed to be fine. Lol

[@redwood1957]

Could you pass on the information on the mast camera as well as the wind monitor? Thank you

[@sailingthingy]

Wind meter by Calypso.

[@GeorgeGeo]

Wow.. Guernsey is an awesome looking place

[@CharlieMetcalf]

I dont think I have seen you sail through such large waves. Very cool!

[@samholmessailing]

I think the ones sailing to Hawaii were a little bigger but these were pretty big too

[@hmspain52]

Made my stomach do a little WTF LOL.

[@petel9242]

Hey Sam, loved the video, looking forward to your Jersey one too. One thing I have to ask - why no life jacket? One thing we always recommend is a life jacket at all times, and ideally a PLB in the jacket. If you fall in with a life jacket and activate your PLB, the cavalry will come running. Without one, you are likely a goner. Ask me how I know. Your friend from Jersey, Pete

[@robbristow]

Hey Sam, If you need to hove-to perhaps you need to carry a suitable sea anchor? Just an idea for you to consider. Really enjoy your videos.

[@samholmessailing]

I have a series drogue i made

[@777rogerf]

Great video! Nitty-gritty sailing in bright sunlight is a treat, especially when the waves and wind are just rough enough to make it fun, yet you can continue filming and commenting.

[@sullybiker6520]

Truly interesting episode, Sam. Seems just a moment ago I was freezing in PA watching your adventures in Florida! Glad you're enjoying yourself and happy to see the 'Herring ride again!

[@ianriley5817]

Hi Sam where in Spain are you planning. I live in Calpe in the med side around one hour north of Alicante. If your around I’ll get the BBQ on

[@patrickfitzoot]

Good point on the carbon fiber app background. Idk why more apps don't do this. Maybe it's a flammability issue, seems ridiculous though, boat fires are hardly serious.

[@brockallentaylor]

Best episode yet IMO.

[@BreakingBarriers2DIY]

Wow! Excellent capture of the wave size at 13;30. That’s when it gets fun!

[@RutherfordTony]

Interesting video. Very enjoyable. Stay safe!

[@Alsatiagent]

Wayfarer is a popular day-sailor. Used to see many of them in Georgian Bay.

[@joekavanagh5708]

Georgian Bay, Canada. Where I learned to sail in a Sunfish.

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

Loved the shots of pickle surfing down waves in this one. Looked exciting.

[@isickofit]

Mont St Michel is beautiful, and mirrored by St Michaels Mount in Cornwall..

[@burnsnight1]

Sam, have you experimented with sheet to tiller systems, instead of that dodgy tiller pilot?

[@samholmessailing]

Yes. The tiller pilot is much more reliable than sheet to tiller

[@TameTom]

Jerseyman here, gutted you did not swing by man we have beautiful castles beaches and cliffs lots to see dude ….but Guernsey will do 😉

[@lionzion86]

Been watching for a year and a bit now, glad to see you enjoying yourself on the seven major and all the minor seas of the world - inspirational. Fair sailing to you

[@bowdezaufa2609]

Watching you sail other boats is neat...but there's just something about when you take the pickle out on passages that just hits different.

[@tollebol]

Great video of some nice sailing along the Belgian coast, pity that we couldn’t catch up as I wouldn’t mind sharing experiences and getting your feedback on the layout of my boat. Just a quick question, what is the make of the windmeter?

[@MarcelLENORMAND]

Calypso?

[@sleepindragon179]

Some great footage of shipping and various types of vessels. Thanx Sam 👍💯

[@grunwode]

Wish you had a headcam for all the two handed operations.

[@romantiachristiana5147]

The Raz Blanchard is a bastard! I don't know what your tidal coefficient was. You are one brave guy!

[@johnchisolm4033]

Since you're in the area, go to Mont St Michele. I was there last month.

[@JosephChalue]

Dude I am an American (Native American) Cumbria Whitehaven area in the Irish sea. I would love to take mine out with yea and head to iom and a few other nice spots. There's also the trip to Loch Ness. Yea would also be sailing with my wife (8th great granddaughter of William Penn the founder of Pennsylvania 😉.)

[@jamespollock994]

Love your channel Sam. So unique and cerebral.

[@f109ged]

Love the sweater ❤

[@BreezyRider66]

Super video Sam, very impressive how you manage yourself, the boat, the filming, the editing and what interesting characters you meet. Fair winds...

[@Brenner.Morgan]

really enjoying your new microphone! what a great addition. its much better quality audio. even tho it was a bummer that it stop working for you. im sure you will get the hang of it. tech can be frustrating, but im glad you are always trying new things, its very inspirational. thank you for sharing!

[@Jj-ff9vq]

Thats some sailing fella well done

[@nicholasmcdowell2585]

You rock!

[@TheFossilFiend]

you may be getting frustrated learning the best use of your wireless mic, but trust me, it has made your audio 1000xs better! It has been very frustrating in the past to constantly strain to hear you, and then you turn the phone and you get super loud.

[@vincentswerkes8637]

maybe if you put proper navigation lights on instead of something that has nothing to do with marine lighting, they would last longer . The other positive to propper navigation lights is that other boats are able to tell what direction you are going.

[@cherylsibson2529]

Hi, I'm sure those huge waves were mesmerizing as well as huge, so glad you enjoy your way!

[@caractacus22]

Welcome to the English Channel! Do t rely in the electronic stuff. Use you eyes and ears. And the tide tables! If you can sail here, you can sail anywhere! Having said that, you’re one intrepid bastard, and I love you for it…….also a great photo story with good shots….

[@tylerherriman5243]

Awesome video, Sam! I especially loved those shots of you approaching the harbor. You were flying!

[@jamesgow8018]

Great Video Sam. Curious as to what brand solar wind sensor you have and installed on your masthead? Cheers

[@MarcelLENORMAND]

Calypso?

[@jfv65]

That water catcher dodger roof is smart idea!

[@youbangitube]

Very good video sir. You seem to have good luck

[@the_smithcrew]

Great channel. Love your adventures. Never tried heaving too under foresail only, but if reduced to small enough size and tiller to lee, then should stop.

[@VibezXBT]

great video as always sam

[@777rogerf]

Thanks!

[@marcderveeuw]

Thanks for sharing. I left the RBSC yesterday for Nieuwpoort. When exactly did you sail? With the same wind we dropped the main also. Cheers Sam