Sailing to Bahamas on a 16ft boat

We sailed our hobie 16 from Miami to the Bahamas on our third attempt. It took 13 hours to sail 85 nautical miles. It was really crazy. the hulls filled up with so much water we almost sank and the starboard rudder broke off 25 miles from our destination.
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[@marklanders630]

Down to one rudder, sinking, lost the cargo net, join us next week as we sail around the Bahamas! By far the best sailing adventure channel on KZbin.

[@BoxadorusRex]

Until they lose both rudders and the videos suddenly stop.

[@MrSullyO]

Courage!

[@BoxadorusRex]

It's one of those channels where you message them asking why they haven't posted next week's video yet and nobody ever replies. :)

[@Aaron.deRuiter]

Hey Sam, loving the cat videos mate! Thought you might be interested in a 20ft catamaran I'm building near Sydney Australia... kzbin.info/www/bejne/onmseqZ3npiGnJI Cheers, Aaron

[@outtheblue9470]

hey guys do you know what maps he used for the current?

[@websherp]

Yikes. Sketchy mast, hulls, rudder and cargo storage. Good thing you have a pool toy for a life raft. Glad you made it and love the optimism, but those are some pretty thin margins.

[@antonioverga3232]

😅

[@Sail2Learn]

LOL - I imagine (I'm hopeful!) that these experiences are solid reality checks for Sam. He and Zoe are definitely gutsy.

[@AB-kg6rk]

Should have brought a bigger boat!

[@dingojones]

*blue pool toy

[@ksm1985]

Damn son I was getting sweaty palms, risky biscuits for sure.

[@JoyElectric567]

That laugh saying the boat almost sunk because it had so much water in it's hulls really cracked me up. Sam is an absolute madlad lunatic. The chick seems to be the perfect match because she doesn't seem to give a shit either. Just don't die doing that stuff.

[@judithschneider7000]

Neither have any sense of safety or common sense. He is negligent in doing the trip. Idiots.

[@kchididdy]

Always a good idea to have a bilge pump. $15 item can save your life.

[@Enfelis]

Your videos legit got me into sailing. This video felt like one of those ones you find on a gopro washed up on shore ten years later lol. Be safe my man.

[@johnt372]

As a former H16 owner I've got to say you folks have guts! That was a heck of a risk. The 16 just isn't made to carry any cargo weight, and water in the hulls is bad news in waves. Glad you made it.

[@leecowell8165]

Yep been there. These boats are NOT meant for off shore! They're just too easy to pitch pole which can be dangerous even fatal.

[@Saoco325]

Sam just proved you wrong 😂😂😂

[@jarodstrain8905]

There's a fine line between having an adventure and toying with death. I'm not even sure which side of the line this was on. Glad you made it.

[@dave1082]

How did they make it back to Florida with1 rudder and leaky hulls?

[@chriskelly6559]

Showed this to a friend who, after watching, said, "That dude crazy!" I told him it's adventure crazy, not mental crazy. Sailor Sam is the man!

[@TomHodder]

"adventure crazy, not mental crazy" :-)

[@desmacmahon7582]

Nah sorry, that’s mental crazy and just plain lucky.

[@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

@@desmacmahon7582 it would be luck if someone like myself made that passage safely. That was more than luck. Best wishes. 🙏

[@desmacmahon7582]

@@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures You and me both. Not doubting his skill but luck was smiling on him too.

[@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

@@desmacmahon7582 agreed 100%.Have a nice day. 😉

[@mtadams2009]

I love your channel and you Sam seem like a nice person. That said I am happy Zoe is not my daughter. You are pushing things just a bit to much and I have done my share of reckless stuff. Please stay safe and take good care of Zoe she is someone’s daughter. Being a parent can be very stressful. This is coming from someone who traveled the West living in his tent rock climbing. Yeah I too am lucky to be alive. Take care Update, I just got back from eight days in Saint Lucia where I took a sailing lesson and sailed a 14 foot Hobbie and fell in love with sailing this small craft. This all said I now realize more than ever that was crazy what you two did. I am very happy it all worked out. These boats are very fun to sail but so easy to tip over. Good job.

[@leecowell8165]

On my 16' hobie I had a shroud extension on both sides because I often sailed single handed and was ALWAYS dumping it over. But without that extension no way was this thing gonna be righted by one person and especially with a mesh trampoline (to assist). Those were the days.

[@simmonscarl1]

I would add some lights somewhere and maybe a radar reflector. Looks like the hull has a max range of 75 miles. Keep the videos coming because when they stop we will worry.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

wróñ sailiñg uñíte ñó,mótór

[@adventuresofsailorpauli1543]

This is a great video for illustrating why a daysailer is not a good choice to cross the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas from Miami, which is what new sailors often ask! Glad you made it!

[@BrockAngelo]

Man that night departure had me feeling very nervous. Glad you guys made it safely!

[@samholmessailing]

I think leaving at night was the smartest way to go because that way we knew what the conditions would be on the overnight portion on the trip

[@alonzovillarreal4666]

I thought the same thing. Sam kills it again!

[@jamessandman3708]

@@samholmessailing I have to agree. I like sailing at night with a moon. Some of my best sailing has been that way except for that time the clouds moved over the moon and I ran into an island!! 🤣😅⛵

[@bobhoran9778]

@@alonzovillarreal4666 what’s up Alonzo? Cool to see you here enjoying Sam’s adventures. Last night I met up with the couple from Rigging Doctor in Charleston. Got to see their boat, their birds and their dog. They are big fans of Sam as well. Wonder what Sam’s plans for returning are?

[@alonzovillarreal4666]

@@bobhoran9778 yeah I was hooked after the Cali to Hawaii trip he did in a 23 footer.

[@crustycobs2669]

Sam, I'm a big fan. You are somewhat mad, with trying to sail with no wind, in the dark. Best line was; ''we might be sinking, but we're halfway there, so might as well keep going!'' And then; ''WE lost half our rudder, but only 24 miles to go''. Genius!

[@jeffcalenberg4410]

You were blessed with the wind from the perfect direction, no only for your crossing of the Gulf Stream, but to shield the side of your boat with the compromised hull that was leaking so bad. Had you needed to tack any where but the final approach, it seems your would have been in over your head. You were protected by angels on that one. IF you make that passage again, perhaps you should use a Hobie that is not leaking. The remainder of the Bahamas should be comparatively simple. Abaco's , Berry's and Exuma are stellar for your simple set up. Excited to see your adventure unfold - after this miracle passage.

[@BoxadorusRex]

Maybe tether and wear life jackets too and be followed by a support vessel

[@christophernoto]

I =have= heard it said that it is better to be lucky than to be good! 😂🔥🤪🤪🤪

[@Arms2]

@@BoxadorusRex aint no adventure in that

[@professormoptop]

Its refreshing to see someone turn around and bail on a passage attempt to gather your thoughts. Then go back to the passage and be successful. Not to many channels showing this type of saling life. As a professional pilot and sailor that just completed sailing from washington to cabo, you are an inspiration Sam.

[@BrettAtherstone]

This is the most chaotic and chilled sailing video Ive ever seen.

[@Cajundaddydave]

Glad you guys made it! When I saw the dimples in the port hull I knew she was pretty compromised and would be under water most of your passage. I would have taken a hard pass on that crossing with a marginal H16 but you proved once again that sheer determination overcomes significant odds. You are a mad adventurer Sam and the world needs more like you. Nice you found a young lass to share your adventures. Cheers!

[@BoxadorusRex]

Don't cheer for people taking excessive risks. That it worked out doesn't mean it's something they should have done.

[@matthewrockall1588]

Yep. I was a marine search and rescue volunteer up here in BC on the Pacific coast, and I second this opinion! What an adventure! Glad you made it once again, Sam! Way to live right. You're only young once.... However, if you stick to risking discomfort, rather than actual drowning, while a beautiful young woman is putting her faith in you, I won't mind. And just think how much more fun you can have.

[@ciaranbyrne62]

She's a keeper. I'm surprised Sam is roughing it like this. Here in the UK you could pick up a 4 berth 26ft sailboat with sea toilet for $2500. Which would be a lot safer. In the UK for insurance purposes 26 ft and inboard engine is the minimum spec for insurance purposes to go past the 12 nautical mile coastal limit.

[@michaelcee8348]

@@BoxadorusRex yes it does, box. you are wrong.

[@michaelcee8348]

@@ciaranbyrne62 yes ci. the uk is socialistic. sorry.

[@rickhalstead8990]

I know "Sam Holmes Sailing" is all about embracing a bohemian approach to cruising. Usually I enjoy it. Your creative approach to establish systems and solving problems is remarkable. Even with your extensive offshore resume, this voyage showed a marked lapse uncharacteristic of your usual. I fear it might influence others with less experience to do the same. Those who have been in the thick of it off shore, know just how lucky you were this time. All that said, I am hoping for better presentations of responsible seamanship in the future so some who may be watching to learn from you see how to adventure using best practices that serve to establish greater margins of safety. I wish you the best in that endeavor. Cheers

[@GaIiIeoMateo]

Not going to lie Sam, I was genuinely worried with how non-nonchalantly you said you'd be sailing from Miami to the Bahamas, and I've never sailed a day in my life* (YET!) So glad to hear you two made it!!

[@akcarlos]

I'm an experienced sailor and I felt the same way , not because of the distance but the yacht and preparation

[@cnphause]

I love Sam's channel, but there was a long list of things that needed attention before that sail took place.

[@blackmax222]

I've been watching a long time. There's two things we can't live without. One is fire, and the other is water.... and both will kill you. I talk from experience. Stop pushing your luck

[@johnslayton20]

It was a crazy adventure but Sam I feel like one of these days things will catch up to you and you won’t be so lucky. If you keep upping the ante and trying more difficult things eventually it won’t pay off. You still rock tho

[@Eddie-jr6bs]

I sailed my first boat to an island 25 miles out through a Chanel that I know now gets wicked. You got lucky. I liked your 24’ Hawaii trip; this one broke too many rules for someone with your level of experience.

[@robm5091]

Agreed. Unnecessary risk taking for content creation. I really enjoy the sailing on this channel. I really enjoy the projects on the channel. I've questioned some of the stuff in the past but it always seems to work out. This kid is wicked lucky. I hope it doesn't run out ☮️

[@eliasghosn6754]

Yeah this one was stupid. No navigation lights sailing over night? Harnesses? C'mon

[@hayabusa8184]

@@eliasghosn6754 i noticed the nav lights too!

[@tristan640]

Yeah I hope he had an EPIRB, flares, and a VHF. Plus I would wear a lifejacket the whole trip, it's not easy to recover a MOB under sail.

[@joefrancis759]

decided to buy a real compass the day before...I'm a big fan of sam's but there is just so much doing it wrong here

[@afj4ojfa340]

This video without a doubt had me on the edge of my chair just like your first californa to hawaii video did! Bravo Sam and Zoe!

[@oooodles3]

haha... same.

[@robertmellis4064]

No. Sorry. Let’s call it beyond risky and reckless. I’ve sailed that passage and it is relatively easy. But there’s all manner of crap in the Gulf Stream, not to mention ships, tugs and other flotsam. A Hobbie just is not designed to weather the conditions, the sea state. Evidence is all over the video. I say it’s reckless and I gave you more credit than you deserve. You were VERY lucky. But foolhardy.

[@oooodles3]

@@robertmellis4064 Uhhh... this is the Sam Holmes Sailing channel, no other explanation needed.

[@sailingbrewer]

Totally different. Moore 24 is a very common single hand transpac boat. So a ranger 23 not very different. A leaky Hobbie 16 without safety gear and zip tie extensions. Crazy 1 in 10 will make it he failed within recoverable range 3 times and barely made it. I'd take the ferry home and call Hobbie One a donation to the local kids

[@j.roberthard7146]

That was adventurous for sure. A 16' Hobie eh? Please Sam, your a good sailor and full of know-how but don't temp fate. Be safe my friend.

[@JoeHainey]

I think it is a 14-foot hobie. The 16-foot has a jib.

[@islandboy50]

Sam, after watching both you and Zoe attempted this passage to the Bahamas which I thought was just not possible, it is my hopes that Hobie will sponsor your ventures around the Bahamas. My prayers are with the both of you and Be Safe. God Bless!

[@joew717]

send them some adventure island trimaran kayaks LOL

[@garychiang2568]

Agreed! This is an epic trip! Really enjoyed this along with your initial sail to Hawaii many moons ago. This is such a refreshing twist from the current sailing channels aiming for giant luxurious boats. This was inspirational.

[@scottysscandinavia5793]

I suspect Hobie will be staying as far away as possible from this. The boat fell to pieces, and I don't think their lawyers would want them to be seen to be encouraging this kind of 'skin-of-the-teeth' sailing.

[@rustysailor4672]

@@scottysscandinavia5793 I second that opinion. I always thought, that my first dislike of Sams videos would be because of bad sound. But this was unsafe, reckless and irresponsible against the crew and possible rescue forces.

[@indydawson]

@@scottysscandinavia5793 Agreed

[@ellemdee276]

This was, like you said, not one of your better decisions. I only watched because I figured you had to have survived to post the video here. I did the very same trip from Miami to West End in a 45'-er & we had to wait three days for a decent weather window yet even then crossing the gulf stream was seriously rough. Yikes. Sell the Hobie in Freeport & take a plane back.

[@sailingsomeday5975]

Or the ferry ⛴

[@neilquigley1030]

@@sailingsomeday5975 I'm inclined to agree on the sell-the-Hobie after cruising. Maybe you'll be offered a delivery job to somewhere - maybe a series of deliveries along your path back.

[@jasonmcadam1405]

I have never seen a guy with such a positive vibe. Half glass full kind of guy despite losing a rudder and almost sinking. You’re a legend bud. Keep up the videos. 👏🏽

[@samholmessailing]

I appreciate that!

[@rucksackcircus4328]

Absolutely! I love your stoke for life

[@airgunner8462]

Wow! Congratulations on your crossing, and Zoe is one in a million. I planned this trip back in 2010 in a 19' cabin boat, but the right weather window never appeared. Doing it at night, without lights, on HobieCat without wearing life jackets is nuts. But, you accomplished what so many others have only dreamed.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

1⁹ fôt çañ çrúser veter

[@sharonbraselton4302]

çabín çruser beter

[@alectrondorfman1057]

Having made this passage many times in sailing vessels i can tell you that crossing the Gulf Stream is no joke. It can be a treacherous body of water. A white squall can sneak up on you bringing 40 knot winds and huge waves in minutes. I have heard of others making that passage in razors and hobies over the years. The protocol is to leave at night from a southerly point. Many sail down to Fowey rock or Triumph light before pointing on a south easterly heading. The stream depending on its speed will sweep you north as you sail all night. At dawn Bimini will be on the horizon. Do not take the Gulf Stream for granted since you have made the passage safely. It can bite you!

[@samholmessailing]

Indeed. I’ve been caught in a several squalls in this area myself. can get properly nasty fast.

[@ralfnorenberg3130]

i am from germany.and i want to cross to bimini from key biscayne with a hobie adventure island in january or february 2023.in good weather how many hours could that take ???THX,greetings from berlin

[@alectrondorfman1057]

@@ralfnorenberg3130 with good wind and favorable current in a hobie it is about a 45 mile trip. 6 to 8 hours at hobie speeds? But because sam did it, that does not make it advisable.

[@ralfnorenberg3130]

@@alectrondorfman1057 thanks for your respond,that was helpful.

[@davidc6510]

Another great episode of Sam Holmes Sailing and special guest Zoe!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an adventure for sure!. Well done on the safe arrival to the Bahamas. Thanks for sharing.

[@Troggination]

jfc dood, this is more of a "getting away with it" situation than "completing it neatly" kind of thing.

[@sdcofer52]

You are crazy. I sailed a 30 foot wooden boat from Hawaii to San Francisco in the 70's and I still think you are crazy.

[@Spoon279]

Tune in next week as Sam tries for the North Pole on a sled pulled by 20 fluffy hamsters.

[@wkylehamilton]

Reminds me of the time in your hawaii video when you were talking to some other people about the crossing and they were talking about their 30+ foot boats and you said you did it in a Hunter 23. Their faces were priceless.

[@Dennis-rr4ye]

Ranger 23

[@TwoHeadsBrewing]

So funny that people associate a seaworth boat with the length of the vessel. Met a very interesting German man at St. Christopher's in San Francisco who was on his second circumnavigation in a Catalina 25.

[@adamtedder1012]

@@TwoHeadsBrewing dude on KZbin did around the world in a open sailing dinghy 15ft.

[@wyrdo1501]

@@TwoHeadsBrewing they are right tho, a 40ft boat can handle bigger seas more comfortably and safely than a 20ft boat. i think little boats can be safe tho if its a good sailor that knows how to deal with rough seas and getting thrown around trying to reef the sails. from years of watching people make these "crazy" trips and crossings i think 30ft would be the perfect middle of the road boat that would be comfortable and still really exciting to go about anywhere. a little catamaran would be really scary tho lol, you could strap yourself in and ride out some pretty crazy seas in a small mono hull that is built to be unsinkable. just like a bobber at that point floating in the pond.

[@wkylehamilton]

@@Dennis-rr4ye lol when I first wrote this out I called it the Swedish Fish 23 but I knew that was wrong, thanks for the correction

[@doug1219]

that was awesome!! you're making some of the best content on youtube, my friend. just please don't kill yourself. that was a pretty sketchy situation.

[@christopherbriden8403]

Wow. Nerves of steel. In about twenty years you will think about that trip and say, Wow.

[@michaelfrankel8082]

Let’s hope so. ❤️

[@armytwin2]

Hobies get a bit unstable when a hull is full of water glad you made it safe. We found a crack in our hull that let in a lot of water over an hour and it almost caused us to tip over backwards.

[@MrLeventdelamort]

Sam, I love your approach to life. You live as if this will be your last day on this earth. You may never see your 40th birthday, but you will have lived a more fulfilling life than the vast majority of us meek sheep. And Zoe (Zoey) exhibits an admirable spirit for adventure as well. Kudos to both of you.

[@blackthornhealing]

That was my thoughts. He is living not existing. Maybe he will reach 80 years old and prove to everyone how we can grab life by the horns.

[@scottysscandinavia5793]

You realise you can do all of this with a little more preparation and increase your chances of reaching 40 significantly?

[@bkinstler]

Holy shit, Sam, you are WAY too comfortable with a (nearly) rudderless sinking ship!

[@Seafariireland]

After you left, I suddenly thought of all the holes you drilled in the hulls and thought an emergency bilge pump might be a good idea! Too late, that was a good lesson!

[@michaelhano8701]

Wow! You have nerves of steel! And Zoey is fearless with complete trust in her Captain. Sail on Sam Holmes and crew!

[@robm7543]

I'm glad you made it! I have to admit that from my comfortable seat taking a Hobie across the open ocean is nuts but you made it, you're both alive and had a great video/story to tell! We're looking forward to your exploring the Bahamas stories. FWIW I like having Zoe on the videos with you.

[@IntheBlood67]

This guy has to be an Albino South Sea Islander!

[@lrmorrison999]

As a private pilot I always found flying small aircraft at night was always a calm pleasant adventure. Sailing at night is likewise much calmer as long as there is some wind.

[@lazyanarchist1146]

I love this guy, he shows all the time you dont have to be some rich a hole on a 400k boat to sail. And enjoy an adventure

[@getonlygotonly]

we used to go from haulover to Bimini in 16 and 18' skiffs back 40+ years ago

[@bobcornwell403]

Looks like Neptune winked. Good to see you had the courage to try. But I think you should consider three suggestions: 1.) Add reef points to your mainsail. Multihulls can easily fail structurally before capsizing. Reefing the main is a way to reduce loads on the cross-beams. 2.) Add pump-out ports to both hulls. Have a fill-pipe extend from each deck to just below the trampoline. This is where you can insert the pump hose. This way, you have a means to get water out of the hulls while at sea. 3.) Consider getting a kayak or decked over canoe. You can place the heaviest items of your gear in it, and tow it with The Hobie Cat. It can also be used as a dinghy and, if worse comes to worse, as a life boat.

[@funkyalfonso]

Bob Cornwall Yes.

[@johnenry]

You guys are something else. Who else would have come up with such a crazy scheme. Awesome!!!

[@GulfCoastTim]

Replace those rudders with something more sturdy. You do not, i repeat do NOT ever want to lose steering on a sailing vessel of any type especially in rough conditions far offshore. I had it happen twice, once my rudder broke in half on my ODay 22, then again i lost steering on my Hunter 33 too, the cables came off, talk about hell trying to fix it offshore in bad conditions. That said...you are Sam Holmes so when things get bad, im very confident you can handle it.😎 Stay safe.

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Elephant BALLS for sure! Wow, GLAD you guys made it safely, that is a tough sail on a damn 21 footer and you did it on a Hobie 16 footer! Epic guys.

[@seantaylor4107]

Dude you and the first mate are legends in my book. Glad your safe. Cheers.

[@knievelhotmail]

The must improbable part of this is having found a girl willing to get on that boat again after having had to turn back twice.

[@wmcbarker4155]

wonder if she is a angel!

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

@@wmcbarker4155 think yer right 😇

[@scomo532]

Some people are just plain frickin crazy. You sailed through Miami hbr at night with no running lights, then offshore. You’re incredibly lucky that you made it without coming to grief! You fight wear a PFD, you bought a compass, but didn’t use it. Whoa! You have one amazing guaridian angel, but I think you’ve used up most of your chits. Might want to go to a bigger boat, maybe a monohull with a keel.

[@samholmessailing]

Good point. Check out my other videos if you’re interested im seeing some solo ocean crossings on a bigger full keel boat.

[@leecowell8165]

Did almost the same thing from the Ft Pierce inlet to just offshore of West End. Did this in August when the water was toasty but we had on wet suits. Sketchy wasn't even the word as the Wind was coming directly out of the SE exactly where we wanted to go. So what we did was to follow the coast down to the Palm beach inlet (just offshore to stay out of the stream). That was about 50 miles. Got something to eat there as we pulled into a Marina. Now this is mind you under sail going in and out of these inlets! We actually had to tack OUT of the Palm Beach inlet. Dicey wasn't even the word but we made it. From there we did another 65 miles to West End but fortunately did not have to tack on that run either. Took us two days. But we sailed directly back to Ft Pierce about a 100 mile run on a 3rd day (our wives boated over to West End and met us there). The trip back we had the wind almost behind us so we were running. You gotta be real careful on the Hobie 16 when winging it because the hulls wanted to bury themselves. In those days you didn't need a passport. We were 20 somethings but would NEVER do that again because we really didn't know exactly where we were! However my friends Dad had a real nice power boat and stayed the course on the way atta Palm Beach. We also notified the Coast Guard and reported into them upon arrival. We didn't have any problems with the boat or the crossings but it was definitely wet! We stayed off the traps but were connected as safety lines.

[@davidsimpson9884]

Great stuff. I had a Hobie once and ended up putting foot straps near the back of the tramp frame so you could hang out on trapeze and keep weight as far aft as possible. It helped avoid burying the leeward hull (and consequently pitchpoling).

[@Inamorata.367]

Sam Holmes,you are off the chain!

[@danielhaglund244]

I feel obliged to donate just to keep you alive! This was exiting but obviously insane! No radar deflector or lantern that I could se. No PFD on, no drysuit, no manual bilge pump and a boat that is clearly not fit for this sort of adventure. Apart form that, great!!!

[@leftybass5860]

Knowing how much those hulls leak, I had my doubts about you guys making it. Congratulations !

[@vernoneasterday9838]

Glad you made it Be safe ok!

[@sailingsomeday5975]

Sam - This takes sailing around the world in questionable boats to a whole new level!Please, when you have the time it might be worth making a video about all the preparations and knowledge you needed to make this trip. Weather window, experience, safety gear on board, ect. This was fun to watch but It was dangerous even with all the prep an experienced sailor like you must have put into it. I can picture some inexperienced 16 year old deciding to head off into the sunrise because they saw you do it. I can see in my mind the devastated family - Not to mention all the lives/resources that will be at risk/spent trying to rescue them.

[@Jaantoenen]

Ah shash... Life is... Haha!

[@jamessandman3708]

good point

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

The Mer and the man started out sailing to Australian islands and beaches on one ... He even punctured his one hull and had to plug it up before he could get back with his girlfriend... He graduated to a Wharram later that he still has.

[@garrettsadventure]

Look up Robin Lee Graham, there is nothing wrong with a 16 year old doing this.

[@sailingsomeday5975]

@@garrettsadventure there are certainly 16year olds with the experience to pull this off. There are also those that have never gone out further than they can swim back. My post was about the latter!

[@nathanleaming]

Balls, 100% balls! I love your guys sense of adventure and the fact you had a couple different cracks at it and then changed your strategy. It shows a good amount of experience and measure, the right way to go about pushing the limits. The Hawaii trip was what made me start watching this channel and now I know that wasn't a fluke. Sketchy just comes with the territory, but you beat the odds because underneath the 'take it as it comes attitude' is a person who clearly knows what they're capable of and who knows the sea well. A true couple of salty dogs. Mad respect! I'm inspired. All the best for the rest.

[@carlvandenberg140]

It was so calculated in such a cool way .Shackleton and Moitessier would have liked this.

[@noillusion]

Jut love how you are so comfortable on water. Your sailing skills are so cool. I feel you are on of gth best sailors in the world And so lucky to have Zoe as you companion. She is so complimentary to you. You are so one with wind , water and nature. very good !!

[@daneulekowski929]

Definitely another chapter in the Life and Times of Adventurer Sam Holmes. Not gonna lie, My blood pressure was probably on the high side watching.

[@itsmedaveh5516]

MAD RESPECT to you two. You and Zoe are both amazing. Congratulations!

[@BoxadorusRex]

The guy could have easily have killed Zoe. When you captain a boat, ANY BOAT, you are responsible and this was a stupid act. They are lucky to be alive.

[@itswhatido1404]

I’m an inland guy, but you have inspired me to be more ambitious with my San Juan monohull! I have never stayed over night with it in my lakes and I want to do a weekend now! Great video! Glad you made it safe!

[@jaymugenpower]

This video made me so nervous. Can't believe you made it. Cheers to you and to Hobie! What a trek.

[@ilovezephyrhills5064]

WOW Sam and Zoe! Congratulations! You chose one of the stongest, most durable, diy friendly beachcats in the world IMHO. I grew up sailing a Hobie 16 in the Gulf Coast where my father was a yachtbroker and I even had a Hobie 16 in Atlanta on Lake Lanier which I would sail at night due to a demanding corporate work schedule. Yet at no time did I consider oceanic voyages on my Hobie. Stay safe and stay strong Sam and Zoe because I can't wait for some more very interesting KZbin content. Cheers to broad reaches in the future on high speed multihulls!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

çhíef had bugeß sàíngbyaht lak lañdr suze çurse shipß

[@TwoHeadsBrewing]

Congrats and thanks for sharing the adventure! My first boat was a Hobie 16, and I had a lot of fun ripping that thing around (and flipping it!). Glad you guys made it safely across, and long live Hobie Wan Kenobi.

[@russ01539]

Sam Holmes, the only man to be seen wearing shades and a head torch at the same time, whilst drilling holes into your boat. Love it, youre a legend, its official.

[@chrisc9611]

You have a Hobie. Pull it up on the beach! Do not let it bounce on the rocks…also drain the hulls to keep an eye on any water getting in. Hard to carry anything on a Hobie, cuz they just aren’t made for that. The net rig up front is an excellent idea. Beef it up and put most of that crap up there, and pack lighter! Bring something to fish with.

[@Jaantoenen]

Suggestion: A spring-still leaf or sheet in thz core of the rudder. Also, fill the hulls with foam. Sprayed or otherwise. And cut two compartments dry sealed smooth flashed with top surface closing on the hulls midship a bit to stern. Weave the cargo net through center holes in the poles, but one over and one under alternatively. Improve the poles attachment manner. Epic voyage Sam. I'm thrilled. Get a survival surcase raft for backup... lol.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks for the feedback

[@georgepeat5269iearth]

A very amazing passage, one day you will be doing the Nor’west Passage! Zoe has a wonderful spirit to match yours. Good health on your Bahamas tripping.

[@harryadams5651]

It's been done

[@georgepeat5269iearth]

@@harryadams5651 Yes, Just think Sam would enjoy a very different passage that few see. thou it is just getting busier. Release the lines.....

[@scottduthie2912]

I sail a Hobie 16. This looks like a fun voyage. I would definitely take a VHF radio, have a solid, well sealed boat with fresh standing rigging, 800 lbs of human and gear max, a Jib sail, and would tether my gear in case of capsizing. Should be able to do that trip in 8 hours with decent wind.

[@charliesimeon]

"Not one of my best ideas" 😂The sheer lunacy of it one can't but love it !

[@samholmessailing]

cheers! :)

[@trailsandsails2722]

Amazing courage Sam and Zoey and a good lesson in patience for all of us watching as you awaited for the right time to go for it. My 1974 Hobbie 16 leaks too and I did pitch pole when we hit a wave when buoyancy was low so great job handling your situation. So happy to see West End in good shape again! Looking forward to seeing more of your Bahamas trip! Dean

[@regisandrews4495]

you're HUGE Sam the man ! Whew , glad you made it ! Now fix everything that broke BEFORE you head home

[@katherineriggs6586]

Sam, Eagles Music in the background.. James Dean

[@petethegeek6750]

Love this guy. Always smiling and so positive. Wishing much luck and success

[@georgelansing5979]

Oh my! What an adventuresome twosome! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@bigchief4044]

Norrington: You are without a doubt the worst pirate I’ve ever heard of. Sam: But you have heard of me.

[@larrycater-tx613]

This was nerve racking. Good job!

[@refugiopoint]

Good God, I've had some pretty bad ideas before, but Sam beat me this time........lots of love, take care!

[@keithsturcken1716]

Hobie 16 is a fast boat and stable for its size but not really good for open ocean and heavy seas. Really glad you made it safe.

[@wrduckclub]

Get this man a sponsor. This was fabulous!!!

[@lrmorrison999]

Captain Bligh of the HMS Bounty and 8-10 men made a 2,000 mile open ocean voyage on a light row/sail boat in the 1700’s with little in the way of provisions.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Awesome !!! Finally some seat of the pants sailing. I've been searching for a video of someone sailing a small vessel over to the Bahamas and this did not disappoint. Congratulations on that successful adventure. These videos also make for some great reading in the comments section...LOL.

[@jeffmariajenson9751]

"It was all hands on deck" Great stuff. I'm amazed Zoe is willing to go.

[@discoverst.george3738]

I was so nervous watching this and I loved it! You both rock!!

[@cjg6364]

Sailing at night across busy shipping lanes without running lights or AIS, VHF, and not even wearing life jackets. I can't imagine what the Coast Guard's response would be seeing you out in the gulf stream in the middle of the night. Regrettably, unlike most of your videos, this was not a good example to set for others. You took way too many risks without really thinking through the consequences and likelihood you'd be the subject of an intense search and rescue operation. Up to now, you've demonstrated a good approach to weighing and mitigating risk in a thoughtful, rational way. This adventure was simply over the top in terms of the risk of serious injury/death and the lack of safeguards/preparation. While I'm relieved you made it through ok, I'm deeply disappointed in your apparent lack of sound judgment.

[@joebein8860]

No one cares about your hypotheticals. This was a huge victory. Sam is experienced enough to understand the significance of this pass. He nailed it.

[@wyrdo1501]

lol how will Sam ever live now that he has disappointed somebody on the internet? just read your comment and try to realize how you sound, Sam is a grown ass man not your 15 year old son lol trying to scold him like he is some kinda child. agree with what he did or not thats not the point, Its your lack of respect and thinking your opinion out weighs his that makes you seem like a bit of a self centered control freak. a normal person would have just said its not a trip they would be making and that been it, you talk like what he does is somehow your business.

[@willemnieuwkerk2830]

Spoken like a true sailor who has likely seen good conditions deteriorate quickly. I agree with your assessment. I’ve sailed in good and bad conditions at sea and close to shore, and knowing how easy it is to pitchpole a h16 or capsize it, I would never have considered it - especially an overloaded boat. Sam made it, and he’s damn lucky to tell the tale. All of you who are cheering him on, don’t understand how unforgiving the ocean is, and really….you’re encouraging him to take ever increasing risks that you wouldn’t the ultimate price for. Good news is that he an outstanding sailor, and from what I saw, I think he realized he made a poor decision. He’s human and not alone- We’ve all kicked ourselves for our own dumb decisions

[@wyrdo1501]

@@willemnieuwkerk2830 nobody encouraged Sam to do anything ,this was a trip that he wanted to take and spent plenty of time getting ready for taking small trips and shakedown runs till he felt it he was ready as he was going to be. if Sam had asked my opinion on going or not i would have instantly said not to do it, but thinking its ok to tell an adult how to live their life and being disrespectful when you dont even know that person is wrong. the trip is over they made it and plan on having fun cruising around the bahamas, its like all the naysayers are butthurt that they made it. like i said i wouldnt have done it, but i am happy they made it safe and was praying for them thats about all anyone can do, i can respect that he didnt let fear get in the way of living life and doing something he will remember forever.

[@willemnieuwkerk2830]

@@wyrdo1501 Agree with what you said, except for characterizing my view that I would tell him to live his life - I wouldn't presume to do so. He's free to do what he wants I would however opine that its a bad idea for many of the reasons that I've read. In the end though, its his choice.

[@rickyspecs]

Your videos just keep getting better (don’t take that as a challenge to up the ante!) Most of all how you show honestly the trials and tribulations of your mad adventures. Makes me feel ok about the plans I make to do a passage and end up going for another day, again, and again! That’s life.

[@dbentley2195]

Wow just wow you guys pulled that off becareful out there will be waiting for the next video. ⛵❤️💯👍

[@imus1500]

Sam, you are an absolute madlad!! Congrats to you and Zoe on the successful journey!!!

[@duncanthomson5564]

Holy shit! I admire your adventurous spirit, but you guys are the definition of “ignorance is bliss”! One thing: where’s your jib? What you might not have realized is that on a Hobie 16 the jib halyard is what pulls the mast forward and tensions the shrouds (those wires on the sides that hold the mast up). It’s part of the integrity of the entire rig. And especially with an effed-up mast base, you need the rig tensioned. But what the hell, you did it, so kudos to you both.

[@britskaradiometeorograph8108]

They had it tensioned off the tip of the triangular netting they initially had rigged up, and it looked to me like they had backup stays running to the bows of the hulls so I think they were fine, if slightly underpowered due to being slightly under tensioned

[@duncanthomson5564]

@@britskaradiometeorograph8108 Well, no, not really. The H16 has a forestay, which connects to the bows in a sort of upside-down "Y" configuration, and I think that's what you are seeing. Or maybe you are looking at the trapeze wires. On these boats the forestay is designed to be slack when you are sailing, and the tension is created with the jib halyard. But anyway, their rig stayed up and they didn't drown, so it's all moot at this point.

[@duncanthomson5564]

I saw in one of their other videos Sam used to own a Hobie 14, so that's probably why he's happy with no jib, since Hobie 14 has none. The H14 is a fantastic boat for single handing, by the way, but not too many of them still on the water. The Hobie 17 succeeded the 14, and that's the best Hobiecat ever, in my opinion, but they are also hard to find in good condition.

[@matthewwells9107]

Thanks!

[@chuckprichard3691]

I'd suggest you build hand pumps into the hulls. Glass them in so all you have to do is pump. Brilliant adventure.

[@brunsonr]

Like others have said, I admire your adventurous spirit. I've had my ass handed to me while doing this crossing, and that was on a seaworthy boat. As you mentioned, it would have been better to spend more time preparing and testing the hobie before taking on the gulf stream. I would have liked to see you taking some basic safety precautions including wearing pfd's, showing nav lights at night, and having a plan to do repairs (rudder) and fix leaky hulls. These don't take away from the adventure, they just increase the odds that you will be around to have more adventures in the future. I'm incredibly relieved that you both made it to the other side. Now get out there and enjoy the Bahamas. Sail-on!

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks.

[@robertbenjamin7728]

Having worked in the Miami Operations center for three years, I can't begin to tell you how asinine this was. First of all, neither of you are wearing life jacket or attacked to a lifeline. Secondly, you decided to buy a compass as an afterthought? and thirdly, sailing a hobie cat across the gulf stream is beyond tricky. Next time, try to put safety first. I dealt with two many families of idiots who were lost.

[@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

Informative safety information: 7/10 Positive Vibe: 4/10 Delivery: 1/10

[@michaelfrankel8082]

@@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures He needs to hear it.

[@kjc9trader491]

..."TOO many families"... Not "TWO"...lol...

[@lisalisalisa7721]

You are why tigers eat their young.

[@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

@@lisalisalisa7721 BAHAHAHAHA!!! 👏👏👏

[@BGS002]

"a little concerned we're sinking". man you two are wild.

[@williamallen3715]

Unbelievable Sam and Zoe. What a great adventure. Thank you both.

[@gregcostanzo4724]

16:10 “help me hobie one kenobi, you’re my only hope”

[@BostonFishstix]

Super impressive!

[@BadassVideos]

your sailing show is the only one that makes me NERVOUS

[@vsGoliath96]

Ho boy, you have some kind of guardian angel watching your crazy passages, Sam! Flew real close to the sun on this one...