Solo adventure through the Everglades on a small sailboat

I attempt to sail my small catamaran to the Florida keys but end up going to the everglades instead.
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[@alroy43]

Why do I like Sam? I watched him sail two oceans on his own. All the while under every condition he smiles. Mental health on these voyages are everything. Sam is always smiling. It is subconscious and it make me smile. Keep on smiling Sam.

[@rhett7716]

@@lovepeaceandrespect8808 he has company - all his viewers !! 😊

[@loubonaparte5063]

BINGO... you have BINGO... the kids smile, and attitude shown on here is priceless

[@nsh1980gmail]

He has resting nice guy face

[@philgray1023]

My cousin had the same smile, he could get away with anything, just by cracking a smile.

[@harshityadavCamper]

Also he believes in learning while doing, and doesn't take tension

[@slaznum1]

As a former US Navy sailor stationed at Pearl Sam will always be legendary in my mind for single handing to Hawaii. Great video as always Sam thank you so much for this and this old sailor really appreciates your efforts great job

[@juancarlosdelasotta6375]

You are a real hardcore sailor

[@JohnSmith-jk8nv]

Cool story bro

[@dl4932]

That was the first video that got my attention about Sam, that was a hardcore trip !!

[@chuckrobinson599]

Have you watched Christian Williamson? He did it twice, both times he was over 70.

[@michaelishoj1111]

@@chuckrobinson599 - In Sam's tiny 23ft sailboat, Sam could NOT stand up inside, while avoiding the weather during his trip from LA to Hawaii...

[@DonOblivious]

I really hope the former owner is watching these videos and loving the heck out of what you're doing with his donation.

[@llgee1380]

I am sure he is … who wouldn’t love this?

[@real2gone]

From blue ocean navigation to shimmying up rivers, estuaries, everglades and creeks. You're an adventurous soul, Sam, Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@michaelishoj1111]

While following Sam, I use GOOGLE Earth Pro, (still a free download at CNET) to follow Sam on his adventures, and because he shows his locations on his iPhone, I can see where Sam first camped, then sailed into Gator Bay, in the Everglades the next day.

[@pf6797]

Sam has made a free boat, a few pieces of drift wood and some stuff from his garage into the most fun sailing content of the moment. Kudos!

[@michaelrobinson8915]

RePurpose and go sailing. Fun, adventours, brave, inteligente, resourcful, caring, loving all...blessings...m

[@davekrochenski]

This channel is awesome, it's sailing without a fake sugary coating, still, it's sweet and fresh. Great work as always Sam.

[@Lamus13]

Incredible video. This is Sam at his best.

[@factanonverba6169]

Yeah but there has been no drilling of anything??

[@davidc6510]

This was a really good video Sam. You did a great job inviting me on the sail adventure and made it seem like I was along for the ride on a Sam Holmes Sailing adventure. Thanks for sharing.

[@mattgartside7885]

Absolutely inspiring! I might have only been vicariously along for the ride but that was amazing, thanks Sam. I could sense your enjoyment as well, gliding along in silence but for the rippling water.

[@skippyone3085]

All these adventures are adding up to quite life story, Sam you are an embryonic legend developing fast!

[@timwebb8153]

Sam, you should check out the WaterTribe Everglades Challenge. 300 miles, unsupported, Ft. DeSoto to Key Largo. No motors, and you have to be able to start by pushing your boat off the beach above the high tide line. There are 3 mandatory checkpoints, at Cape Haze Marina, Chokoloskee, and Flamingo. Finish is at The Pelican in Key Largo. Start is always at sunrise on the 1st Saturday in March, must finish by the following Saturday. If you finish, you get a wooden paddle and a sticker!

[@haviland586]

Sam would definitely be a contender.

[@timwebb8153]

@@haviland586 For sure! There are many different classes, for kayaks, sailboats, solo, crewed, etc. Many challengers have finished, and even set race records, on cats just like the Mystere.

[@robertgeorge9909]

Sam would have to modify his sail plan to qualify. Should have done it before this trip also. If this first day freaked him he would be ashore most of the time during the challenge.

[@timwebb8153]

@@robertgeorge9909 Yes, one of the many, many requirements for the race is that sailboats have two reef points. There is a rigorous pre-race inspection of all boats' and challengers' equipment, and if you fail, you're DQ. Sam could easily bring that boat up to snuff though.

[@secretsquirrel6308]

Having read this comment, I am reminded of several yrs ago a solo woman transiting the 'glades was so dehydrated and skeeter bit that she punched out half through her trip I don't know if she was in this challenge but she had been said to be experienced and well prepared.

[@boooshes]

Terrific. It's fun to contemplate all of the possible ways to improve the overnight capabilities for a tramp boat like that. A boom supported real shelter would really improve the sleeping and hunkering down times. Seems that quality dry bags are a must too. Thanks.

[@Burgeonite]

I was having fun thinking about that too. Lots of pros and cons.

[@secretsquirrel6308]

Any structure defeats the purpose of a beach cat. If you want to go that route, I suggest a Rhodes 19, ir similar.

[@VeganSurf]

@@secretsquirrel6308 My thought was more of a removable/temporary structure (i.e. basically a well designed boom tent that actually fits the boat ) although I think there's a tricky design challenge - any real waterproof tent will collect any condensation from your breath on the inside and end up wet, any non-fully-waterproof boom tent will collect waves and end up wet

[@hesedken]

One thing about Sam, his joyful disposition is awesome. More sailors need that. He's courageous too.

[@mountainmandale1587]

As a native Floridian, I'm proud to say that me and a buddy canoed from lake Okeechobee to Jacksonville and back through the ICW to beautiful Merritt Island. Home of Kennedy Space Center. It took the better part of a month, and Mom had to send us some money. We kinda liked to stop at all the little pubs and stuff along the way. Following wind and fair seas, my friend.

[@regressmenot]

@@Bafsal ☠☠SCAMMER☠☠

[@philgray1023]

That sounds excellent. I'm truly sorry that I didn't go to Lake Okeechobee when I was in Kissimmee. So short of time with two young children wanting to go to theme parks. I just missed the best places. Now I'm just 9150 miles from there.

[@alecstrickland7182]

I think I speak for all of us when I say that I wish I had your life. This man is a free spirit

[@terrylaypool]

Epic Adventures for the people who can't ever leave their Holmes.... homes. Continue the good work Sam. Play it again Sam.

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching 🎉 ^^ I truly appreciate you. send a text To win a prize☝️🎉

[@Velo1010]

Once again Sam you always impress. Your videos jump right into the content without all the canned music and useless intros. And your trip, well just better planning. That’s all. Keep up the exciting adventures.

[@seewind]

Enjoyed this video. I have been sailing the waters around Marco Island and the 10,000 Islands for about 8 years with my Hobie Tandem Island sailing kayak. Shooting those shoaling inlets at night take some big ones - glad you made it safe. I have pulled my TI up on those same sand Islands many times. I have even pulled up to the same dock in Goodland for a bit to eat! Who knows where your next adventure will take you....but if you are up for a big time adventure .... consider the Water Tribe Everglades Challenge (EC 300) that starts in Ft. DeSoto State Park Tampa Bay To Key Largo In Sea Kayaks, Canoes and Small Boats.

[@ufodude1000]

I surfed a 30ft choey Lee into that inlet once yes a incoming wind out going tide I had 6 to 8 foot waves but it was a blast. Sam would have sht himself on that boat 😂

[@dougquinton4040]

Well I thought it was tremendously successful - inspirational !

[@wurthheimer]

Tent as sleeping bag, sleeping bag as tent. Genius!

[@wmason1961]

It always amazes me how you just do it. Other channels take months to prep for a trip that you will be done with and moving on in half the time. Great job.

[@markgallagher1376]

What a cool adventure. Thanks for taking us with you!!

[@fightmilk8613]

Your patience and tolerance for things going awry is otherworldly

[@briansearles4473]

I would never had thought you could do so much and go so far in such a small sailboat? Beautiful video showing nature at it's best and fun to watch.

[@sullybiker6520]

Another great documentary of the Holmes spirit. Sometimes it looks like really hard work, Sometimes it looks a bit scary, and sometimes it doesn't look fun at all. Sam just treats it all the same.

[@Bafsal]

☝️Thanks for watching you have being selected as a winner of my Xmas present contact me now on telegram and merry Christmas ❤️👆.

[@thefarmerswifeknits6190]

Sam is the best, authentic adventurer.

[@laurie1838]

Sailing a day cat in the dark, no running lights and a buried anchor into an inlet to raft against mangroves and Sam says he's frustrated! My word would be terrified. I love his attitude and tenacity.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

he need afdd runing lights kike chef

[@FarlinBlack]

As someone who first found his love of sailing in the very waters you explored on this adventure I take my hat off to you and your indefatigable spirit Sam. The Ten Thousand Islands Region is a very wild and special place. You realy wear your joy on your salty sleeve. Thank you for the all the inspiration. This one really hit home for me.

[@EB-xz1nq]

No offense been there done that. Bugs, Humidity, Brown water, lots of stuff that wants to eat you. Mile after mile of mangroves and smelly water. Once you hit the keys though it is fun sailing.

[@rjtdog180]

Yessssss!!! Its a great day when sam lets us embark with him on his travels!

[@gpk7683]

KZbinr’s come and go. But Sam Holmes is a classic that I’ll be watching until my grave. He’s doing what many of us wish we had done.

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching you have being selected as a winner of my Xmas present contact me now on telegram and merry Christmas ❤️👆

[@crustycobs2669]

Sam, you're the most amazing adventurer/sailor on KZbin

[@MrEmiosk]

A tip for the future, a wool blanket with a larger weatherproof tarp makes a good comfy bivy. You lay on it diagonally, fold the end over foot, then take the shorter corner fold and tuck under the opposite leg, pin if need be, fold and tuck the bigger corner. The tarp should be bigger so when you fold and tuck you have fabric to spare, do the exact same with the tarp as you did the blanket. From there its just to wrap yourself up, and if need be throw the last of the tarp over your head and you have a bivy that will take all but the most extreme weather and temperatures. Both blanket and tarp can do double duty for whatever else one might need of said stuff. Spares space since they can also act as storage devices while on the move.

[@CC-kt2hm]

Such a cool video! You are doing the exact same thing I did when I was your age. I had two large red waterproof bags with all my gear strapped to the front of the trampoline, there’s so much I could tell you I think the key to my success was my dome tent it fit the trampoline perfect and was a warm dry safe haven with its waterproof bottom. You are a very brave sailor and I hope to meet you someday please stay safe hopefully you’re wearing your life jacket.

[@comeandtravel1]

Sam, you do so much with so little it's amazing...taking us all on your thrifty, fun adventures! Thanks, Bro super cool!

[@hajosmulders]

This is not meant as a gripe, but more as something I would tell my sons. When you cruise like this on a cat, you really need to put at least two reefpoints and slab reefing in your mainsail. Watertribe would not allow your boat. And while that is not the end all of common sense, it's a good start. LOVE your videos BTW. You have one of the best if not the best sailing channel on youtube.

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching you have being selected as a winner of my Xmas present contact me now on telegram and merry Christmas ❤️👆.

[@kevinhildum9186]

Your videos are so enjoyable I don't miss a single one of them and always look forward to the next. You're one courageous human being.

[@steveporter3929]

Thank you for taking us along on your adventures. I just love your videos. You are one of very few sailing channels that actually show sailing. Most just show them working on their boats in port .

[@FrankLadd]

It is great seeing you work out modifications to turn a racing cat into a cruiser. For narrow kayaks we use a lot of really small nylon dry bags and link them together with a line so you can still pull out the ones that get shoved far from the hatch.

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching 🎉 ^^ I truly appreciate you. send a text To win a prize☝️🎉

[@MrCalifornia1234]

Awesome. Try to right it by yourself to make sure you can and then let it really fly in the high winds.

[@TheMickybutler]

I really prefer the long-form adventure video. Appreciate it must take an age to compile, so thanks, Sam. Looking forward to your next adventure.

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching 🎉 ^^ I truly appreciate you. send a text To win a prize☝️🎉.

[@russmarkham2197]

Sam, your adventure is brilliant. The speed of the Cat and your ingenuity, preparation and skill are the plusses - battling the elements, the flimsy rudder, the wet boat, no engine, risk of a capsize etc.

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching 🎉 ^^ I truly appreciate you. send a text To win a prize☝️🎉.

[@janisspalvins677]

Thanks for great video. Cat doing amazing acceleration and great speed.

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching you have being selected as a winner of my Xmas present contact me now on telegram and merry Christmas ❤️👆

[@jfv65]

That bungy anchor is a smart idea. I like it.

[@Bafsal]

☝️Thanks for watching you have being selected as a winner of my Xmas present contact me now on telegram and merry Christmas ❤️👆

[@toddmiller8216]

Understand and appreciate what you are doing, but I would get some radar reflectors on that mast, and possibly add some lights if you're out in dusk/dark conditions.

[@nh-ss5pw]

This reminds of of a book I read once “ the biggest boat I could afford” by Lee Hughes. About sailing the Atlantic intra-coastal highway. Love the channel and your adventures Sam, all the best. Nick.

[@JakeSpeed1000]

Tip. Put you cushions in garbage bags and zip tie them closed when you aren't using them.

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching 🎉 ^^ I truly appreciate you. send a text To win a prize☝️🎉

[@jmaresq7756]

Always a smile, a touch Davey Crockett!

[@uprightbanana]

Sam, Love to see you enjoying your trips and staying true to yourself. congrats for all the channel growth and look forward to more adventures

[@The_Oracle_of_time]

We're all living our lives vicariously through you Sam.

[@lancepearson62]

Sam, you are one crazy dude! You tackle things most of us never would. Stay safe.....

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching 🎉 ^^ I truly appreciate you. send a text To win a prize☝️🎉.

[@christianjansson6806]

What a cool trip, but I seriously don't understand how you dared going into the gator hangouts in such a tiny boat! I also love how the content changes over seasons. It's an absolute joy to follow you around the world. Keep it up!

[@Bafsal]

☝️Thanks for watching you have being selected as a winner of my Xmas present contact me now on telegram and merry Christmas ❤️👆

[@roadboat9216]

Here you’ve sail across oceans alone and look at adventure you can have in your back yard. Fantastic!! Hey, a Wharram 24. Cool boats. Love em.

[@vincentanderson1834]

Great video as usual. I think these small boat adventures are my favourite. I can recommend a rollerfurler jib and one large reef option on the mainsail for heavy weather sailing. I have seen these on 16 foot cats before:). Can’t wait for the next adventure.

[@jesperwall839]

20 knots of wind is perfect catamaran weather! But I wouldn’t have anything loose on the trampoline 😂

[@UncleMike1]

Thanks for taking us along ! When you were working your way through to gator bay, it reminded me of the movie “The African Queen” when they were trying to get to the lake. Great vid Sam.

[@uncleansanchez]

Just starting this video and I'm giddy with anticipation. I have a Hobie Getaway and have been contemplating this same trip for a while now. Great to see you pioneering it on a similar rig! Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@dmc9492]

Heart rending to think of all that damage have friends & family down there, thanks for taking us on another awesome adventure!

[@SailingFrolic]

Hey, Sam! Wolfden is in the water and I’m sailing around the Gulf! Thank you for being a huge inspiration and the reason I wanted to get into sailing. Seeing chill, cool people like you get into it is what drew me to it initially. Thank you for taking us on your journeys

[@JstJacko]

"Not quite successful trip." Hey, that looked pretty successful! Enjoyed going along with you. -gratitude.

[@samholmessailing]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@FIL357]

Enjoyed your adventure, thank you. Good to see parts I am unlikely to visit. Appreciate your openness on things you learned on the catamaran trip. Phil Suffolk U.K. 🇬🇧

[@mattwinkler8169]

Thanks for taking me along in your adventure Sam. I had an awesome time! I recommend keeping the main sheet in your hand when you are in the trap seat so you can quickly depower the main if you start to tip over.

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching you have being selected as a winner of my Xmas present contact me now on telegram and merry Christmas ❤️👆

[@TurnOffYourTV]

Lost it all in FMB. Building back right now, Sam, you are a Monster inspiration.

[@HeidiandFranny]

That was really fun Sam! I always wanted to do that :) I grew up in Naples and sailed my little Sunfish up and down the beaches. I really wanted to make it to the Pier from Clam Pass, but never had enough wind to make it even half way. Love your adventures! Maybe some day we'll see you out there :) Franny

[@laurieolson830]

I was fortunate to sail in a Cat in Honolulu bay in "1976" we celebrated our Countries "200th" anniversary Eating & Dancing on it. An experience you never forget. Thanks for taking me back to remembering the Fun of that moment. KEEP YOUR SAILS AND SPIRIT HIGH SAM. ⛵

[@kennypool]

I'm in cape coral lost 2 cars and a lot of drywall. But my Honda's live on, motorcycles

[@macsorfi5815]

Gosh…. have a lot of fun with this adventure…. well done…. lot of fun… great

[@JamesRiner-rv1mv]

I hope you have a safe and fun trip my brother.GodBless you.

[@MrDbeatty52003]

Great journey and video Sam! Thanks

[@laurieolson830]

That " CAT " Just purrs on that everglades water....love the sound! 😻

[@paulsccna2964]

Sam. It is amazing how much adventure you get out of so little. Great video. Thanks!

[@Bafsal]

☝️Thanks for watching you have being selected as a winner of my Xmas present contact me now on telegram and merry Christmas ❤️👆

[@briankromerdmy936]

Sam thanks for your videos. Makes -14 degrees in Alaska bearable!

[@chadsutphen9401]

Thanks for taking us…..really great adventures you are doing Some of the best videos out there man.

[@TheRedDevil_NC]

His happy personality makes all the difference. Thanks for sharing these fun videos. Total jealousy for how you live life. All the best to you

[@dan001427]

Really enjoying your videos, Sam. You should get yourself an army issue bivi bag, They are cheap, lightweight, durable and will keep your sleeping bag dry.

[@SailingFrolic]

So nice to hear your laugh, Sam! It’s my 25th birthday today, and I’m glad I get to spend it watching your adventures! I wanted to launch Wolfden today but I’m having a bit of problems borrowing a vehicle from someone to trailer it with on short notice. Thank you for letting me go sailing with you through videos! Hope to meet you someday, man. Fair winds and following seas!

[@Bafsal]

Thanks for watching 🎉 ^^ I truly appreciate you. send a text To win a prize☝️🎉.

[@matthewcronin4727]

Happy Bday

[@SailingFrolic]

@@matthewcronin4727 thanks!

[@staxter6]

Thx for taking us along for the ride Sam, good decision making all round.

[@davietronic]

I really appreciate your approach to your content. As a learning sailor, your transparency and willingness to show struggles really help me.

[@berntout3697]

Very cool adventure. Thanks!

[@peterrahill9263]

35:21 - your Humphrey Bogart pose/moment... "The Gator Hunter". LOL - 39:15 - the toe-jam cleat... you saw it here first. "Cats, n birds, n Gators - OH MY!!" XLNT episode.

[@OnTheFlipSide]

Simplicity. Love your energy for adventure.

[@ianjones1118]

So it was -39 celcius when I went to work this morning. I needed this. Keep taking us Sam.

[@ClemsonJohnson]

You never fail to inspire. I never miss a video. I am in Cape Coral for a week and think this latest adventure is pretty amazing .

[@craiggilchrist3739]

Thanks Sam Full of great content. Looking forward to the next trip. 👍

[@gigantesfan]

Love your content this was really different and fun those cats can really fly with not much wind, i liked the shot of you at the end hiked out that was cool thanks.

[@funiguy8779]

Fabulous...just fabulous. Great adventure, thx Sam !

[@eddieseachord4985]

So cool! I love your adventures! You the man. ⛵️

[@woodskid4ever]

Great vid! “We” loved it! Thanks for posting!

[@edwardanthonyferris5389]

These videos are my positive vibes content for the day a lot more than I care to admit. Excellent video as always. Btw your beard is on point

[@stevendurrance7094]

Awesome use of the tent and sleeping bag. Smart play on moving too calmer waters. Keep up the journey and clear winds.

[@xmarksthespot5188]

A self inflatable air mattress would be ideal for that adventure as it's comfortable , water proof and rolls up tightly . Great explore !

[@mistermoonJB]

Gordon Pass is no joke. A few years ago during a race from St. Pete to Key Largo a friend lost his boat there. I nearly crashed and burned about midnight one night coming into Caxambas Pass at the southern end of Marco in 20 knots plus gusts. Like you I had to spend a more or less sleepless night just inside the pass because it was too dark, too windy and I had no idea where to go. The tide where I was anchored was ripping at 2+ knots so it didn’t help my ability to sleep much either. Too bad you didn’t make it much past Goodland. It’s a lot nicer as you head down Gullivan Bay.

[@julianavalos143]

😂😂😂 When you clipped to sundown and said you forgot daylight savings time. 😂😂oh brother. Comedy.

[@huntsail3727]

Enjoyed all the sailing footage, thanks.

[@rickharris5485]

That was cool. I love that part of Florida. It's still somewhat wild.

[@KM-po5uv]

Right on, sam. Living life and loving your passion is what its about.

[@milevo1]

Great video Sam. I had a Mystère cat up in Canada a lifetime ago and seeing you glide along the shore reminded me of my own sailing, along the shore of wild Canadian lakes and rivers. Thanks!

[@robertsmith8704]

Thanks for the video Sam. I admire your adventurous spirit.

[@Bafsal]

☝️Thanks for watching you have being selected as a winner of my Xmas present contact me now on telegram and merry Christmas ❤️👆

[@2WheelsGood]

Fun adventure and thanks for letting us tag along, Sam.

[@chrissywissythewishwishfairy]

Incredible. The adventure!

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

Another idea would be to strap a large rigid solar panel or two in the front and have juice for a beer/ water cooler and a spot light for night sailing hung on the mast. Maybe integrated with a mast head float... With a lithium battery bank and mppt charge controller in a water tight case.