6 days crossing the treacherous bay of Biscay on a small sailboat

[@kimberlyonseastar]

Only Sam smiles when his bed gets drenched and his food goes bad. You’ve mastered the art of letting go of what you can’t control! Bravo Sam

[@fordgalaxie3726]

Yes he´s a true stoic!

[@luvndana]

Gotta love the guy. Not by everyone's definition, but that's a real man...!

[@luvndana]

""Will the orcas bite off my rudder"" " The ' Caped Crusader ' Of True Sailing..

[@andycast_com]

If you could only bottle Sam's attitude and disposition... You could sell it for mucho profit.

[@machoneboard]

He needs a lady to break his spirit.

[@machoneboard]

& a job.

[@blacketruscan]

​@@machoneboard your wild 😂

[@cschultz1833]

Haha, he got everything he need

[@T25de]

@@machoneboard😂😂 facts

[@jaredh9098]

You all might already do this. When I worked on big ships we really appreciated it when sailboats would call on the radio in a fog. Say something like “I see you on AIS do you see me?” We would come across a lot of solo sailors that would be sleeping or not paying attention so it was really nice to not have to worry about that in a fog.

[@CaptainHook86]

Swimming with orcas? I must have missed the explanation that they are penned tamed Orcas. I know people haven't become big enough idiots to swim with wild Orcas. But,,,I am right, right? Somebody comment and tell me I am right?

[@CaptainHook86]

I was becalmed in 1984 50 miles off of Port Antonio Ja. for 4 days with 1 gallon of water, 1 can of corned beef, mustard 2 pieces of old Bahamian bread. Sleeping one night I woke up(one of those premonitions) went on deck just in time for my 21ft Columbia to be sucked against a blacked out banana boat (300ft) rubbed along the side and spit out beside a half submerged prop about 5 ft around..........4 blade..😢😅n

[@timhardman4764]

@@CaptainHook86 Orcas don't see humans as a food source. I've seen plenty of videos with swimmers or paddle boarders being followed...investigated...by Orcas but there is never an attack. I've also seen plenty of videos where Orcas are biting off chunks of rudders on sail boats off the coast of Spain and Portugal. It is unknown why they are doing this.

[@ln5747]

​@@CaptainHook86 Orcas are safe to swim with. Stop being a drama queen.

[@doughunter-p8z]

@@timhardman4764 they have been VERY badly treated by commercial fishermen

[@IntheBlood67]

Sam, YOU epitomize the Childress Quote(The difference between Adventure and Adversity is Attitude). Well Done!

[@corporalclegg914]

this was a tale of dynamic sailing conditions during one historically challenging passage: no wind, perfect wind, heavy wind, smooth seas, high seas, bubbly baby stingers, Poseidon wetting your bed, boat traffic, solitude, rudder-nabbing menacing orcas, ruined food, low on food, sleeping, not sleeping, needing a shower, etc… this is how experience is gained/forced, though Pickled Herring held up very well. there could have been many, many more challenges that I won’t mention. nice work again, Sam. thanks for taking us along

[@EricGibson-tr8rv]

😊

[@tehpanda64]

Wow! what a romantic meeting of two boats in the fog!

[@chuckvanderbildt]

Yeah that was something special!

[@TheDummytoto]

Finally a true pure sailor...no engine on when there is no wind. Thank you sir!

[@petesilvestri]

Fearless…. Man wants to see the orcas bite the rudder 😮

[@MiddayEnglishman]

He says he wants to swim with them, the new chuck norris

[@myogart]

I think is my favorite video of yours, and one of the best sailing videos from anyone. It really shows how even a “simple” sail can suck, with the chaotic waves and surprise tankers. I love your lassiez-faire disposition, out of food, sea coming in the galley… yup, all good.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks!

[@softlanding138]

Sam, you are a treasure!

[@dm1126]

Wish I was out sailing But I am working on repairs so watching you out sailing is the next best thing Take care

[@SailingAndInvesting]

Juggling on a sailboat while in rough seas has to be an incredible skill!

[@uKaZdAb]

Only on Sam Holmes sailing, from middle of ocean: "Hey there, where you going? Going to France, and you? I'm going to Spain, Take care"

[@zzzsydneyhom1379]

It is a joy to watch the unflappable Sam Holmes. Even water pouring through the companionway in big seas is taken in its stride... Nice work mate!

[@Velo1010]

There are some other sailing videos on KZbin documenting their travels through storms, but they don’t compare to Sam’s videos. They all have one minute intros with some free music they downloaded. Most overdo the editing. Sam’s videos are just perfect. No intros and editing is just perfect.

[@Brad.whatthe]

Pickled Herring takes on oceans like a 28 metre boat that’s for sure 💪

[@hansvandenberg62]

Bedankt Sam, for your inspiring vids!

[@blacketruscan]

🙏

[@m1g0t0]

i love seeing container boats etc come out of the mist like 12:30 its offworldly

[@outsidethelinessailing]

Sam your hair and sweater game are on point!

[@BertieStatham]

We did it in 1974 in a 34foot catamaran from Dartmouth. The only navigation equipment I had was a seafix i.e. a compass on top of a directional radio. The wasp log fouled up on seaweed on the first night and was hardly any use at all to record distance sailed. The swell was quite bad coming from the NW most of the time and the wind was between 5 to 6. The sea fog around Finisterre was the most dangerous part as there were lots of rocks and I only had a chart of Spain and Portugal. While we were in Gibraltar a guy came in on a Wharram cat with the sails in tatters. I helped him to get moored and he told me that it had only taken him six months to build but he had been repairing it ever since. The sails were made from parachute silk and blew out on the first day. It had taken him about 10 days to get there and he ended up living on Scotts porridge oat pancakes.

[@Uwe.Michehl]

Danke für deine Videos. ❤ Es ist schön, immer wieder ein neues Video zu sehen, wo du so glücklich berichtest. Mein Boot ist im Winterlager und ich habe langsam den Winterblues. Nicht schön. Ich vermisse mein Boot und das Wasser. Viele Grüße aus Berlin.

[@TheatreKiller]

Love just seeing the world go by with you. God bless

[@captnkirk6180]

Skeptical of the orcas? Holy crap man there are loads of videos of it. Your vids always have an element of danger. Love it!

[@petosorus]

The group even sunk a sailboat last year

[@captnkirk6180]

@@petosorus I think there was another just a week ago or so.

[@wadeboggs5163]

He would be safe in the water at least

[@221b-l3t]

​@@wadeboggs5163 Yeah they never hurt the humans. But sailboats? Even insurance no longer covers "acts of whale" in certain water around Portugal and Spain.

[@view05nys]

You didn't state the name of the city that you arrived at in Spain. The name is La Coruna. The lighthouse you showed is called The Tower of Hercules. First built by the Romans and expanded over the years. I believe it is the or one of the oldest lighthouses in the world.

[@tonybarnes3858]

Thanks for this.

[@tengonadacluewhatsgutsprec1419]

You're an amazing person Chaz, I appreciate the info.

[@BubboPants]

Is La Coruna the same as A Coruña? I didn't realize he had sailed to Galicia, just north of Santiago de Compostela. I had assumed he'd landed closer to France. Thanks for letting us know.

[@alp6475]

@@BubboPants same city indeed. A Coruña is the name in “Gallego” or Galician, the local language spoken in northwest Spain.

[@Anglosaxon69]

Thank you I don’t know why he doesn’t say where he’s going. The name of the town would be so helpful.

[@professorvoluck9311]

You live a great life and I’m grateful I get to come on your adventures with you via KZbin. You really live life on your own terms and that in itself is a remarkable achievement.

[@JasonJones-db1bi]

Hey Sam I love it when you catch a fish and eat it

[@joshuapatrick682]

Just when I feel like I’m getting in a rut emotionally Sam sails in to give me perspective, thanks bro!

[@jonsup03]

Man, i love the little montage, shortfilm thingies youre putting together. This accompanied by your original tunes is just the best. Really soothing

[@clintontaylor8904]

Recently stuck out in a small craft advisory in my 26ft sailboat. 3 hours of 5ft waves crashing over and burying the bow will really test what a man is made of.lake superior regularly sinks 1000 ft freighters so dinking around on a small boat will really humble a guy Sam you have giant balls

[@JPerry-jw9ik]

You sail on superior? Brave!!

[@harpoon_bakery162]

Holy crap, you sail on Lake Superior? Balls of granite.

[@davidotoole9328]

I've no idea in particular why this should be the case, but it's always soothing watching you Sam. Bon Voyage.

[@kenmcmanamy6809]

Thanks for ur videos very entertaining. You’re entertaining a foody area. Pls add some food that ur eating at the ports in the videos. Thanks

[@chrisstratton987]

Sam, So awesome!!!! I loved that you bumped into your friend in the bay of Biscay!!! (His boat looks incredible.) Good job evading the orcas too!!!

[@rexcovington3467]

Thanks for augmenting my life with your videos! I hope some day to take a Windjammer small sailing cruise with my wife.

[@richhocker209]

Thanks for posting. Nice to see some of the other shades of sailing.

[@221b-l3t]

"Going backwards at 2 knots" had me cracking up.

[@carloscornejo8988]

Greetings Sam, I liked the video, I came across your Channel by chance, Congratulations greetings from Chile .- I subscribed to your channel

[@birdinthebush]

Welcome to Spain. Enjoy the food (Galicia is famous for its shellfish) the wine, friendly and approachable Galicians. The town of Baiona was the first to know of the existance of “The New World" (América). Baiona also has two wonderful marinas to choose from. And don't forget to go into the rias (guess you may call them fiords). Best wishes.

[@blackpig52]

Camarinas is my go to Port when crossing biscay,quiet,cheap and beautiful

[@luxuryvagrant6496]

This man is nuts, doolaly; and that's great !!!

[@njbaskipper]

I've been watching you since you did the spare part to your little boat, just one word EXCELLENT, I congratulate you 👍🏆🥇

[@nanddis]

Wellcome to Spain, you got a friend in Alicante if you are coming to the mediterranean or you need some help.

[@OrcasPurpose]

La CORUNAAAAA! Fair winds and following seas my friend! Tower of Hercules! Always a cool sight! MARIOOOOOOOOO!

[@ubtravels7646]

Yo, yo. Bill here the Key West guy that looked at sail boat for sale. Say rock those locks of love!! I could not want to wear a hat with those locks in JUNE!

[@dougsmith7580]

Thanks for the memories. My vicarious voyage with the unflappable Sam Holmes continues.

[@ricpoulin5603]

Love being back with you! Thanks!

[@SaltyReflections]

Great video, man. It looked spooky while you were in that thick fog with the big ships close by. Spain looks beautiful.

[@samholmessailing]

It was!

[@elenaneustadt4837]

I think Sam was born smiling! Seriously fabulous person. Thank you for bringing us along and Sam I hope you know that we stress with you🤗

[@mammaholmes]

Believe it or not he was actually born very serious. He quietly studied and took in everything around him. He was under def 6 months when his wizened pediatrician told me these serious ones always turn out to be really intelligent.

[@joecraven2034]

You can't sail like Sam and be frivolous. I bet you're proud of him. @@mammaholmes

[@scrumpymanjack]

I love how you dont get fazed by anything. Im sure its down to your knowledge and experience on the water but it's great to "hamg out" with someone so positive and relaxed. Great channel.

[@vidadepuerto]

Sam that aluminium boat I think it could be from Amyr Klink, a brasilian saylor with loooot of achievements and a beatiful philosophy of life!

[@DrWonderbaum]

Man you've got life figured out. You look happy. Good for you man.

[@tonysmario817]

nothing i love more than the iron genoa! saves time, comfort, nerves, stores, and instead of working and chafing all my expensive parts, my boat is more comfortably and safely maneuvered for nothing but the cost of diesel.... there’s never been a more functional invention for the sailboat than the AUXILIARY POWER... i recommend using it.

[@fezig83]

Very artsy cinematography near the end. Great trip thanks for sharing!

[@hmspain52]

I swear I can smell the sea water watching your videos! Nice editing!

[@rexcovington3467]

Thanks for taking me to Spain. What an adventurous ride. This may be the only time I get to see this in my lifetime. Thank you for videoing and the great narration and sunset and sunrise shots. God bless you!

[@plasmaDave]

Went through the Bay Of Biscay on a cruise ship once, very interesting gale force 8 to 10, had 20 foot waves in the pool! Must say I slept brilliantly but many left the ship after we hit land lol. Another time we went through at it was glassy smooth.

[@HR_sailor66]

Funny coincident you meeting Bushpoint. Recently found their channel and seem like really cool and chill people. And that boat is just awesome.

[@robhatcher5195]

You are the most upbeat, positive guy I’ve seen doing what you do. Always a smile!

[@MrBluoct]

Just a great channel Never dull and always informative

[@IntheBlood67]

Amen to that!

[@kevinhildum9186]

I got the notification almost 4 minutes ago and I was like oh yeah another Sam Holmes sailing video!

[@johnnyjohnie]

Sailing a 28 metre monohull solo, that would be something, eh? Great video. My father always said the Biscay was as tough as it was unpredictable. But you got there in the end before the scurvey set in. He said likewise off Cape St. Vincent too.

[@dhouse-d5l]

Is that a Waitrose Bag? haha...love it. U sir are a real sailor, small boat, single handed....My dad was the same..but I get sick so no go...Keep them coming.

[@therealtoddy7441]

That was a nuts passage! I saw a video by a British couple who got attacked by orcas going to Gibraltar 🇬🇮 they took a chunk outa their rudder!

[@therealtoddy7441]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGWylYWFjcl6iq8

[@sailinggizmo]

Such a great smile and disposition. Thanks for Making Sailing Great Again Sam! ❤😊

[@loribadgero1035]

Nice job capturing the big seas. Pretty scary stuff! 🌊

[@MattAdcock]

I was interested to see you have a reaction to current events and orca's sinking several boats in Spain... so your reaction is to: laugh / shrug it off and said you wanted to see them. more power to you for goin for it amigo !

[@southamptonman2]

Thanks

[@nomadzatara]

Nice long video and enjoyable content. Keep up the good work!

[@joedotN]

Sam I love your videos but this one had me a little worried. Those two ships you passed in the fog were way to close! I work on yachts and have done many miles at sea and from my experience that was way too close for those conditions.

[@coalfieldbeelovergerald3687]

Orcas are over here in Puget Sound Mate .. I’ve enjoyed your challenging voyage !

[@X2UKeith]

Your camera work is excellent, great perspective on the size of the seas!

[@MrShankwheat]

Thanks for another great adventure. Still hoping I run into you someday to get a SHS sticker

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. I’ll have one ready for you

[@MrShankwheat]

@@samholmessailing If you're looking for a great seafaring book to read on your travels, check out The Wager by David Grann.

[@AlbertoA15]

Orcas are a big issue here in Galicia but mostly during late summer. During this period the group that is attacking sailboats is usually located in the Atlantic Ocean near the strait of Gibraltar. Nice to see La Coruña in your videos :)

[@ПанФилософ]

(20:00 -20:07) Boy, I've watched a lot of your videos, and I sincerely admire your skill and courage. But let's get it over with, don't push your luck... You're a good person, I'm worried about you. Good luck to you, and seven feet under the keel!

[@neilrush659]

congrats Sam on crossing probably one of THE most treacherous pieces of ocean on the planet and you had a very smooth smooth passage, nice one bro....enjoy the weather.....thanks for the superb videos as always.

[@anncrome1202]

What an amazing trip. We're currently sailing off the west coast of Ireland and getting our first experience of the Atlantic swell!!!

[@peterlarkin762]

Congrats on timing... been the longest period of sunshine in the West of Ireland since 1995.

[@beserkermode6698]

Did you survive?

[@DavidoftheDesert]

Awesome Sam and this is a major Atlantic Ocean crossing. Big rough waves and I would be sick sick for sure. Way to stick with it! Love the night shots and food. Very Challenging crossing for sure. But Spain awaits!!

[@snakemain]

It's crazy to see how hard ocean life is on things. The rate that your wiring and electronics corrode and fail is astounding. It's given me a new insight on what it takes to own and sail a boat. It's crazy that you US flag is almost in tatters just from sailing speeds and normal wind. Hopefully you can get a new one soon!

[@BabbittdaWabbitt]

Your vids are great, man. Some of the comments are off the hook.

[@RalphDaca]

Sam Holmes is the greatest American sailor

[@johnbrooks1188]

Love your videos, boat and voyages! Alberg 30 sailor here. Why no lifelines alongside the cockpit?! It freaks me out when I see that!

[@James-cr5qx]

Reminds me of a story a solo sailor told me. He said he never wore a life jacket on passages because if he fell off the boat it would just prolong the agony and cause himself a slow death

[@spindlespringsranch3108]

Love your long hair! Oh, and of course all of your content too!

[@qaweeorltuys]

12:20 love your sweater!

[@juleslondon]

Well done man, looks tricky waters..

[@georgebetar923]

Great video. Liking the longer hair too.

[@jeffmercier1974]

I’ve recently bought a trailer sailer, a project, videos like yours have certainly helped create a growing addiction ✌️

[@Lovo678]

Really enjoying your sailing vlogs and spreading the word..safe travels.

[@robod007]

Hey. You bought a Guitar , long time watcher ,thanks Sam. Ps when i get sum spare coinage, i will

[@MBdrummer3288]

You are the man Sam! Love what ya do my dude!

[@brownnoise357]

Not a bad Biscay Crossing at all Sam, well done (tbh I avoid it like the plague even after one ok ish crossing )I ❤ Spain, particularly the Northwest, after working there for a while)Have a great time there. Safe Travels and Fair Winds and Seas. Bob in Wales. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿⛵️🌟🌟🌟

[@MarkMcelligottPeaches]

Great videos Sam. You are living my dream. I plan to stay in good shape for another couple of years and acquire my sailing vessel to do sail the west coast of North American from Vancouver Island to Central America. You teach me quite a lot. Thank you. Sent SATs in appreciation.

[@chrisbrowning550]

The bay is fun, but not much sleep as I remember. Safe travels!

[@ianb4801]

The wind is far more reliable if you head straight west from Brest until you are well out side the direct line outboard of the TSS at Finisterre; that also keeps you away from shipping. You could also then head straight in to A Corunna but that means sailing later around Finisterre where the orcas have been active. My preference is Vigo or Porto and sailing straight west to get in with least risk of those orcas. One issue that you nearly got drawn into with Biscay is that, if you are drawn west into the region of La Rochelle, it's damned difficult sail back out west again.

[@Newyorkeden]

I made this trip in 2001, I remember when we arrived in La Coruña, which is I believe where you arrived, I got a hotel room, and I woke up and thought the whole hotel was going to crumble because I was still moving with those waves😅

[@terrygrady7683]

Excellent vid...one of your real good ones. Thanks

[@CalebLeverett]

Bro, I’ve been following your journey since you went epically to Hawaii. I sold my 29’ full keel last year, but after watching this video, I have to admit. You’re giving me the sailing itch again. ⛵️

[@lpaone01]

Find a good boat, Caleb!

[@davidlawrence8800]

Nice job!!! Good on you.!! I prefer the sailing videos that feature real sailing. That can be a god-awful stretch of water. I especially like you demonstrating that one doesn’t need a million dollar boat to get in some good sailing. Well done!!

[@pabloyvieng]

love your travel and sail channel...

[@Alsatiagent]

This passage will be good practice if Sam ever hits the doldrums, which straddle the equator. They seem to have found Pickled Herring which is currently North of Toronto, Canada in latitude. Collect that rainwater, Mr. Holmes, if only for the practice!

[@joephillips7612]

Yeah, Sam. Good one man.

[@TheElectronMan]

Great video your editing was top notch...

[@billburkart8527]

I enjoyed the video Sam, thank you. 👍👍

[@oatlion3924]

it was very pleasant to watch thank you!

[@fraserconnell21]

Yeah we'd heard about the orcas smashing off yachts rudders. It seems quite a regular thing. Just started watching your film so we hope you get across biscay without an orca attack 😀 🙏👍