Solo across the North Sea. Shetland to Bergen

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[@tommycheshire5508]

You are a remarkable young man. There are so many people who get up each morning to find out what you have done and where you are. You have been an inspiration to all of us. God speed.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

Yes.

[@philgray1023]

True words, well said. I know people his age get up, eat, play computer games, work in futureless jobs, specialise in sedentary pursuits, only have friendships online and spend their lives on the internet building their minecraft empires. They'll get old and wonder where their life went.

[@predatordrysuits]

Yes well said, you are incredible and I admire you for your gentle nature and huge fortitude.

[@IntheBlood67]

@@philgray1023Yes, "What benefit a man if He gain the whole world yet lose his soul"?

[@AndYourPointWasWhat]

Great videos, Sam. I'm watching it on the Thistle platform, one of the oil rigs that you sailed past. Wind's really picked up now 😃👍

[@ppumpkin3282]

Great that you have wifi out there. Do you have much bandwidth?

[@AndYourPointWasWhat]

@@ppumpkin3282 Aye, communication with the world is much easier than it was 20 years ago when all we has was phone cards! Bandwidth isn't great but we manage 👍

[@matthew9837]

wow that so cool ! lol God bless us all :)

[@kupus6622]

Id love to work on a rig. Thing is I'm a tree surgeon.. you think you could hook me up? I'm prepared to retrain any job except thursday night barrel boy.

[@coalfieldbeelovergerald3687]

Hmmm 🤔 what is “Heggis ? Nothing I’m familiar with mate. Looks like hash (kind of) !

[@glennevans788]

Sam I always enjoy listening to your radio communications with the Harbor Master when you enter a port. Maybe you do record it then edit it out. My suggestion is to always include your radio communications when entering a harbor.

[@MrJhchrist]

Same, it's an iconic milestone of every trip

[@jaydee7614]

Radio traffic has great following, I’m sure many short wave and radio hams would appreciate it, self included. Listen Maritime traffic ham band 14.300.0 MHZ

[@philgray1023]

@@jaydee7614 Interesting that you do that. We found the HF radio switched off in our local coast guard station. They said no one knew how to use it, and they hardly got any calls on it. I said, having it switched off will cause that. They looked at me like I had self reported fecal incontinence.

[@Must_Do_Better]

I'm stuck in my room with Covid. Thanks to you I can explore the world. I wish you safety and fulfilment on your voyages!

[@leeoldershaw956]

Any cruising boat should have a separate battery for starting the engine.

[@JP-lz3vk]

Most of the time its just a useless lump of extra weight

[@heyoadonis5117]

@@JP-lz3vk most of the time. Except when it counts.

[@JP-lz3vk]

@@heyoadonis5117 I wonder if Sam has considered having a wind power generator as solar isn't enough at high latitudes especially in winter

[@kensmith3665]

Lithium battery at that.

[@misseslillakatt]

I'm about to combine the batteries of my separate banks into one - because i do have solar panels AND alot of daylight/sun where the boat is located! It also makes for a deeper amp pool... AND i can crank start my sabb engine if batteries are flat (never happened in the 3 years i've had the boat)

[@peterhendry2154]

You could fit a separate battery for the engine that is isolated when the engine is off. All you need is a relay from the ignition side to activate it and a lead from the alternator through it and on to the battery. Much safer if you can always start the engine.

[@grahamatsea3575]

To keep an additional battery installation even simpler you could just parallel it up and use one of those isolator battery devices that fit to the battery posts.....but yeah you'd have to remember to isolate when the engine is stopped otherwise you're back to square one 😉

[@s.v.gadder1443]

@@grahamatsea3575 a simple diode would allow it to charge and not discharge..... j.s.

[@forty-one273]

a spare battery connected to the main battery via a VSR. always have a spare fully charged then. like a dual leisure battery which would do starting and also auxiliaries in emergency.

[@jfv65]

Agreed, every decent camper van uses the same setup.

[@nesdonbooth9726]

II was really surprised by this. I've never seen a boat that didn't have a battery switch to draw between a house bank and a separate engine start battery.

[@ummesalmatahir6745]

thank you for letting us live vicariously through your passages. many of us would only dream of sailing these seas.

[@bertski60]

man you have a good channel. it's unique. pretty down to earth and ordinary. nothing fancy. not a lot of bells and whistles. i love it. thanks.

[@philgray1023]

You had a great crossing Sam. I crossed one February many years ago. One of the oil platforms recorded a wave of 72 feet when we were there. It wasn't pretty. When we arrived in Denmark there was 2 feet of snow on the dock and the river froze over in Aalborg. We needed an ice breaker to get out. Lucky we weren't there in the middle of winter.

[@thomastaylor6991]

His batteries will not charge in the rain, Yet that will not cause him any pain, He is on a Sailboat after all, Lack of modernity will not let his spirits fall. Sam he am. Public transport might be iffy, But he can change directions in a jiffy.Sam he am. If you don't believe these words of lore, Just watch him sail to a further shore. Smiling Sam he am.

[@adkmcmahon]

I just watched the detailed video on your health issues and I have to say, I am impressed with your attitude and the way you adapt and overcome challenges and squeeze adventure out of every day. Keep on keeping on.

[@shauldwosh7724]

“I’m very disappointed in the slipperyness of that slide!” Lol

[@JP-lz3vk]

And that's why cool kids bring garbage bags to the slide...

[@GavinMorris1]

Your North Sea travels were unbelievably blessed. I've been weightless/crushed/weightless/crushed on freighters on that crossing more often than not.

[@martinosborne2842]

Me to, used to work on coasters when I was (a lot) younger, before I was married, great memories though👍👍

[@TheGoodShepherdsSheep]

I suppose when you are on the clock you cross regardless of weather but I have seen some videos on freight ships getting absolutely hammered in the North Sea. Super impressive to see how those vessels move.

[@petethecatable]

I realize that you don't want to run your engine, but it will shorten the life the life of your batteries a lot by running them down so far before charging them. You really do not want to do much more than 50% discharge before recharging. You could end up killing a cell and have a battery so screwed up that you cannot recharge it. FWIW. I really can't do what you do--sit for a day or two slatting waiting for wind. I guess I respect your fortitude.

[@svlamancha9877]

Great episode Sam. Get yourself a jump starter pack. Small light weight. Holds its charge for ages. Get one with USB outputs and it can charge your phone. I’ve got one I always chuck in my bag when heading to Lamancha. 👍

[@SteifWood]

Several other channels now promote Jackery portable power stations on sale until 10th Dec.

[@ryanvandewater3380]

Did I remember that you have a cordless drill on board? You could probably start the engine with that, using the right size socket on an accessory pulley. Worth a try.

[@JustinLong1977]

Just be reaaaaaally careful when the engine starts or you'll have a spinning drill of death followed by a flying drill of death. And maybe a broken wrist. 😬

[@keninvic2627]

you could never start an engine with a cordless drill

[@ryanvandewater3380]

@@keninvic2627 done it, champ.

[@alonzovillarreal4666]

Love the vids Sam, been following since you sailed from LA to Hawaii. Awesome!!

[@The1Mustache3]

Me too

[@danieloliver20]

@@The1Mustache3 👆+1

[@rogerthat5803]

What a treat! I was just about hit the rack and your video popped up. Glad you're safe, having fun and staying healthy. Fair winds, my boy!

[@johnlawrence7268]

Being a sailor before modern tech and learning to sail in the Baltic in yachts without any engine, making landfall without power was normal procedure. However, unless you learned that way I can see why it's best avoided. Good luck Sam.

[@gpk7683]

I didn’t want this video to end. Very enjoyable except for the slide.

[@SteifWood]

His "safety pants" kept him below speed limit. Always a reason :haha

[@phillipobrien7365]

Hi Sam, For the windows on your dodger, try a product called Rain X, at least that is what it is called in Australia. Makes the water run right off.

[@WolfandCatUnite]

Rain X is the best. I have used it for years. We have it in the states.

[@philgray1023]

Does it work with salt water?

[@phillipobrien7365]

@@philgray1023 Don`t know, good question.

[@robertalexander3067]

When I hear North Sea, I get nervous but you were made fir this my friend,you have folks that you don’t know and never heard of rooting for you!!!

[@johnwaters4566]

Sam. yes I was going to say you should get a portable jump starter. mine also has a flashlight and USB charger and tire air compressor.

[@mhub3576]

Reminds me of a funny line by Mike Myers from So I Married An Axe Murderer: "Hard hearted harbinger of haggis." 😃

[@356dna5]

Another great video! I second the comments below about having a second, dedicated starter battery that's isolated from the others - my campervan has the same and it means you never get to the point that they all go flat. I also carry a NOCO Boost HD GB70 power pack (assume the boat is 12v) - it takes some charging but lasts forever and can jump start a dead system so much more easily than you would ever imagine was possible from such a small unit...

[@johnhanselman6371]

Glad to see you are still alive with a smile. Hold Fast.

[@nonparticipant4671]

Hey Sam. Thanks for posting this. Very cool videos. I was an electrician for a long time and I can say that when you are having electrical issues, look for bad, corroded, or loose terminations. The salt environment will, as you know, destroy certain metals and electrical connections. Wires don't go bad in the middle, it's always at the terminations. I have seen you use your volt meter a few times. That doesn't really tell you too much though. For example, you may have a decent voltage on a circuit that has corrosion. If it is a circuit that draws substantial power, you could have a hazard with it heating up under load. You have to look, don't rely on the volt meter to tell you the health of a particular circuit. One other thing that you may want to think about or talk to other people in the business about- my uncle used to put petroleum jelly on his battery connections to stop corrosion. It works like a charm. Again, if you are thinking of trying that, maybe start with a non critical device or battery and see how you go. I can't see any downside, but I am not a sailor either.

[@p-dubya]

That smile!!! 😁. I Love when you realize you’re on the right bus…both ways!! 👍🏻 Good job!

[@seandepagnier]

hey sam. I built a tow generator. Just used 3d printed turbine. It makes 2-3 amps and uses brushless motor for drones I rewound to increase the voltage enough. As long as I have 5-6 knots of wind and am sailing it is unlimited power with only a few pounds of drag, and cost is < $50

[@tcdavis66]

wow

[@philgray1023]

That sounds good 3d printing the turbine. I know my wind generator can be used as a tow generator but the sharks bite the towed turbine. Once you have lost $350 worth in two days you find your enthusiasm waning.

[@MarkCartret]

You can use Rain x ….spray on windshield. It will take the place of a wiper and last for many washes. The water will bead up and run off. Simply apply a few squirts ever few months and lightly wipe over. Nice product.

[@Estabanwatersaz]

Enjoying sailing ⛵️ keeping my feet 🦶 dry and warm.

[@robthetraveler1099]

I like how the last few minutes seamlessly morphed into a mini-travel vlog of Bergen.

[@professorvoluck9311]

It’s incredible to think you sailed from America to Norway by yourself on that small boat. Balls of steel Sam! Norway is beautiful. Enjoy.

[@miketcq8]

Come on Battle born batteries, you need to sponsor this guy. Enjoy your trip across the Nordics. If you coming to Finland in the Spring, looks us up in Helsinki .

[@BossDM-2]

I am so glad I found this on KZbin. Thanks Sam.

[@peterdavis2233]

That's what I was thinking--get a NOCO Boost Plus GB40 portable charger. Very compact--perfect for a sailboat like yours. I used to have one on my boat. Worked great. Holds a charge for months.

[@achosenman9376]

Sam, the battery issue is something that you need to fix at some point. Sailing in the higher latitudes will mean your solar is less effective. If cash or re-fit opportunity is not there, get a jump starter pack as an emergency back-up. It will let you start the engine to recharge your main battery bank.

[@martinparker9249]

or just carry a spare small car battery or even a cordless drill may even start the engine on the crank pulley or alternator pulley ?

[@achosenman9376]

@@martinparker9249 I like the idea of the drill…good idea. These days, a lithium jump starter/power bank is tiny and it will start a 2.5ltr diesel

[@Brandon-hk8yp]

Love your videos Sam!!

[@windonwater3895]

What a relief to see (near the end of the video) that you had gotten that long awaited shower. Great video - thanks!

[@1984nighthawk450]

To resolve your power issues build a couple wind generators out of alternators and then make one with a water wheel and troll that behind the boat so your motion and the current along with the wind and solar will keep everything charged no matter what.

[@timberglund1504]

I was thinking a portable jump starter. We always kept one on our plane and on snowmobiles.

[@daneulekowski929]

Time for a designated starter battery, separate from the house bank.

[@AcceleratingUniverse]

it's cool that our ancestors probably sailed this exact route and wrote sagas about their journeys

[@jeffaugustine8800]

The best! Thanks for the Sunday night upload.

[@davidsmart8594]

So glad to see you've taken a liking to haggis! Keep frying it and you'll soon have Scotland's worst affliction... Steam it, boy. Steam it!

[@markgallagher1376]

Have you ever thought about getting a wind generator or tow generator for those cloudy stretches?

[@hmspain52]

Helicopter = shift change on the oil rig LOL

[@WillN2Go1]

Cool Sam, you did the Shetland Bus route that commandos took during WWII. Love to do this someday.

[@SteifWood]

He's kinda of a Sam "Larsen" Holmes :D

[@jeffw.6821]

For your batteries, maybe you should consider adding a couple of wind turbines and possibly a propeller-thingy that you can insert into the water off your stern to generate electricity.

[@orangekayak]

It seems that since Sam actually sails his boat, this would be a great idea. Especially in the dreary parts of the world.

[@dimml0r]

especially when you sail this far north this late in the year

[@philgray1023]

The propeller thingy, well you should check out the price, only $7,000 plus fitting. Wind generators start at around $1,500 for useless ones, then you need mounting masts at about $250-300 each. You also need a special regulator with over current spilling devices. Basically any of those options are almost what this boat is worth. However another battery and perhaps a small petrol generator would cost around $800. If Sam calls into Queensland I will gladly donate a 110volt Honda one and a top quality 110volt charger. Neither of which are worth more than $10 in a world that runs on 220-240 volts.

[@leahrliporada5818]

Take care Sir Sam, God bless watching from Philippines

[@mattrichards3870]

Sam you should carry a separate agm battery you keep disconnected for emergencies

[@bravofighter]

Sam, you might add a wind generator. My brother made one using a small car alternator, but he had to change out the stator. I think he used one off of a Ford festiva, if memory serves. You can also make one that rides in the sea and turns while you’re sailing. When there’s wind in the northern parts of the globe, there’s very little sun, and the angle sucks, so we have to use the apparent wind and sea.

[@kjb21161]

I just started watching your videos, I want to go sailing now. It's always kind of been a dream of mine to sail across the ocean. Really because I don't like water I can't see to the bottom of. I feel like it would help get me over my fear jumping into the middle of the ocean thats thousands of feet deep...

[@an-cx1ho]

it doesnt sound like youre a natural born sailor like this guy

[@221b-l3t]

@@an-cx1ho You get over your fears. That's the point of doing stuff that makes you uncomfortable.

[@markradcliffe5881]

That helicopter could well have been me - I remember seeing some crazy guy on a yacht near the Brent Oil field a few months ago?!

[@ralfhedstrom]

Great video! To bad You arrived to Bergen in a time when it was raining. The city is otherwise very beautiful on that one day per year that the sky is clear and the sun is shining ;)

[@DoRC]

I'm not sure if you left the charged battery connected when you got done starting your motor but be careful because the alternator doesn't understand one battery being charged and another one being discharged. It will only see the average of the two batteries which means that if you connect a charged battery to a discharged battery and then run the alternator you risk the possibility of overcharging the already charged battery.

[@edwardbug68]

My vehicle has two batteries. Previously one battery started going bad, so one battery would take and hold a full charge but the other would not. If you slave one battery to the other doesn't this solve the problem you describe?

[@DoRC]

@@edwardbug68 sometimes. If you have two batteries that are always connected together they are generally going to be held at the same voltage because they are in parallel. If you take two batteries that are at extremely different voltages and connect them together and then start charging almost immediately this is not necessarily the case.

[@riccardoarati]

nice going Sam you are one of the best channels...

[@LITTLEEXPERIMENTCHANNEL1]

You need lifepo4 batteries if you want to cycle them batteries that low. Lead acid batteries cannot be over discharged too many times like this. Lifepo4 give exact figures with no bath affect. Higher energy density/absorption will greatly improve your sailing.

[@lensmith1870]

I don't do cold weather very well doesn't look like any fun for me I enjoy watching you do it

[@joefrancis759]

'little portable jumpstarter', I'm a bit stunned you didn't have one of these, mine has saved my bacon a few times and been a major convenience more times than I can count

[@novocain13]

I think you should consider getting yourself a wind generator in addition to the solar. Thanks for the lovely video. I hope you will return to sail in our Norwegian waters again some day.

[@TR4zest]

Sam, it might be worth carrying one of this compact car jumper packs for flat bartery situations. They are about the size of a paperback, plus leads. Oh you just mentioned that at the end. Good idea.

[@lifelong5425]

The North sea gave u a free ride, thank heavens. To see you do this much was not what I expected....X the Atlantic, yes, but this much travel is beyond a trip. you are well away from Bergen by now I imagine, but was having my morning coffee here in Vancouver and decided to see what that crossing was like...You are a fine laddie...Haggis..... bloody great stuff if you get the good stuff. You are indeed a remarkable man, and truly an inspiration to many. Stay safe, and may the winds favour you.

[@ananda_miaoyin]

I had an old Volvo MD engine in my boat. Loud and slow but I could hand crank it when the batteries were down. This really came in handy when the terminal board caught on fire and we had no power at all. Crazy how you can just pull up to a foreign country and walk around, mosey on over to the airport for customs entry. Try that shit in America even as an American and you will get jacked up.

[@hallbergrassy352]

Sam, a late but warm welcome to Scandinavia! So cool to follow your voyage, all the way across the Atlantic, and north to Scotland and Norway! I suspect you will also visit Sweden (my home country) since you interviewed Sven Yrvind recently 😀. Enjoy and hope you will not be disappointed!

[@russmarkham2197]

Love your videos Sam. We used to hand crank our (Stewart Turner) engine on a 30 ft yacht many years ago. Once, the crank handle got stuck on the shaft and whizzed around as the engine fired up. Just had to stop the engine and crank again. Maybe though a lower compression ratio, easier to turn over.

[@SteifWood]

Decades ago my uncle was about to fire up my grandparents 15" sjark (snekke) with an old Sabb diesel engine. He crabbed the crank, the engine backfired, the crank came flying and my uncle's nose literally exploded with a crush. Still remember my grandma's screams and all the blood. My uncle had a crooked nose for the rest of his life.

[@ADVzac]

your doing some really cool stuff. I'm thankful that you get to share your videos with us and yeah. thanks.

[@staalefosse2649]

My town! 😃the coastline here is amazing.

[@ianmac86]

Thanks Sam. Just watched your last two posts and really enjoyed them. You are probably sick of talking or hearing about COVID but a brief mention of OS conditions may be worthwhile considering. Have a merry and safe Christmas sailor.

[@ianmac86]

Apologies Sam as I didn’t mean to increase your workload here so perhaps i should have said “occasionally based on simple observations etc” Reason is to get reality check against what Bullshit we are possibly being fed by the authorities/media. Cheers

[@MrMichaelcurran]

The next sunny in Norway is do 06-04-2022, don’t miss it!

[@runbikeswim0411]

Bergen is such an amazing place.

[@DalarionLol]

man idk if you'll read this but i admire your guts to go out there all by yourself and i am striving to do the same, crossing the atlantic and the seas, even tho i have no practical experience or any idea how to do that whatsoever. you're huge inspiration thank you so much for your content. big love rouven

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks, Best of luck!

[@dougney3026]

Hello Sam 😊 Hello from Doug from Virginia 👍 watching you 🇺🇸

[@Joannesyoga]

Great video. Us on our sofas like to see slightly rough, misty sailing drama.

[@s.v.gadder1443]

If you keep a start battery and a house bank you can run a smaller wire from the alternator to that battery with a diode in line and it would allow the battery to be charged but not discharged on that wire. Thus allowing you to always have at least 1 charged battery on hand.

[@CoreRopeMemory]

Great vid, can't wait to see you meet up with Eric, I love his channel

[@highcountryadv9828]

Definitely invest in a NOCO jump starter, saved me many times. also charges your phones and stuff super fast and doubles as a flashlight and flasher.

[@mrjonnen]

Hi Sam. I've been following you a while now and I remember you saying something about going to Sweden next year. I also saw the Swedish flag in this video. If /when you go to Sweden, please tell me if you're going to the high coast area. I'll show you around. I'll take you disc golfing too.

[@tcdavis66]

disc-golf

[@pizzagate_]

Fair winds Sam, really enjoying following your epic journey

[@YTbobo4u]

I expect to see a cute, blond Norwegian girl showing you the sights in your next vid. Don't forget you have a reputation to maintain.

[@tcdavis66]

oh ya that's why I'm looking through the comment's

[@budchestnut9303]

Get a compact lithium battery booster. For around $US 150 or less it will crank that diesel several time in a a jam. I use the NOCO Boos HD. Works a charm every time and it will power all our other stuff too.

[@kathryndrew5618]

21:04 had me in hysterics! "very disappointed in the slipperiness of that slide"

[@shortwidgets]

Last time I was in Bergan was Oct 92'. Backpacking trip around Europe. The city has changed a lot.

[@scandaloustoothpaste_vods915]

Wow your editing just keeps getting better!

[@dennismyersrosario3385]

Been watching your videos,and Erik Aanderaa too. Great to see that you will both meet.

[@sculptingus]

Love your show! your really amazing. I have a suggestion of a book for you. titled Dove by Graham. About a younger person who took his 25 ft sloop around the world in 1968. Im a sculptor and a sailer. thanks for sharing your travels.

[@bobtookyt]

love your attitude in the midst of a landfall in a new country and no motor

[@rykehuss3435]

North Sea in the winter.. And its so calm, very unusual.

[@theeaskey]

Your a brave man crossing the north sea in winter eating haggas. All in a small boat.

[@theeaskey]

I spen the first 20 years of my life on the north atlantic.it is a dangerous and unforgiving stretch of water, 40 years on I still have nightmares, what made it more dangerous no one on board could swim ,you talk about stupid crazy, we were both,. You have my admiration and respect young man, and old Irish blessed to see u on your voyage .Go n-éirí an bóthar leat. Slan.

[@MrCalifornia1234]

I have a small battery jumper on my boat. Piece of mind and I’ve jumped my truck and others multiple times with it.

[@vegature2906]

thanks for another inspiring video, well done

[@bauderk]

Try rainx on your dodger window. Amazing stuff. No wiper needed

[@VisionaryGardener]

Hahahaha! The disappointing slide cracked me up. Haven't we all encountered a slide like that when we were kids? I would totally have tried that slide, too. It's very inspiring watching you travel to all these places that I want to go. I keep thinking how amazing it is to have one's home be so portable. It's like having an RV ( but far more romantic). What a crazy idea to essentially be able to drive from North America to anywhere in the world without ever leaving your house. It's, obviously not as simple as that, and not without its challenges and expenses, but it's still an amazing concept to be able to bring your home with you nearly anywhere in the world, knowing that the next time you step out of your house, you'll have to get your passport stamped! 🤯😆💕

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

RainX or even some oil based furniture polish would help with the rain on the windshield. Obviously test a small area for awhile if you use the polish.

[@ericcase9758]

I have seen guys take a regular vehicle alternator and fit a plastic fan blade to it and have it on a swivel. So as long as the wind is blowing it will turn the alternator and charge batteries. Might could help you out of a tight spot.

[@forty-one273]

i spotted some cordless drills there, you can jumpstart engine using drill battery for extra boost.

[@IntheBlood67]

Great local shots! Thanks, you do satisfy ones travel cravings!

[@okcantbelieveit294]

Get a decent sized heavy duty alternator and a couple of decent sized batteries . I always used a basic home made preheat system with my engine. Black welding wire wrapped around a piece of cotton dipped in diesel and lit by the engine air intake. Never failed!

[@Boatyarddog]

Sam how about a small generator, for emergencys. Charging, 110, 12, quiet and sips fuel. Honda 1000i

[@ianwass605]

I don’t know how you do it! Brilliant 👍