Storm sailing tactics with the series drogue on passage to Malta

[@charlesbird7921]

Hi Sam, I hope you are not discouraged by some of the negative comments about your appeals for funding. You have 230,000 subscribers - which must mean that you are doing something right. You sail a small boat in difficult circumstances (no functioning engine/propeller) and weather conditions, usually singlehanded and make entertaining (and educational) videos on a regular basis. Sailing and filming at the same time is hard enough, but you also give of your time in editing the videos that we (your subscribers) look forward to so much. Thank you. You deserve every penny/cent you get and I am certainly not offended, disappointed or put out in any way if you appeal for funding. Keep going! (I sail a 40ft ketch and wouldn’t do half of what you do.)

[@johanna9133]

well said....I have watched Sam since he had hardly any subscribers...I never find him complaining....in fact I watch him because he is so inspiring in managing to accomplish so much with so little funding! He makes it happen or makes it himself with very little funding....he deserves funding....always entertaining, highly creative, and how many of us actually get to fulfill dreams like this....and I imagine he cares very little about the negative comments..... I want him to succeed, have fun, and keep entertaining us....I found him during covid and would wait for his next video to break up so much boredom during shutdown. I continue to watch him because he inspires me to focus on what I want and to believe I can make it happen.....just like Sam does.....bravo Sam and thank you.

[@mafp22w]

Throwing in a little to the boat yard. Thanks for taking us for the ride.

[@ruthhollard7339]

I am so impressed by your bravery! But please wear a PSD when leaning over the back of the boat, all 232,000 of us almost had a massive collective heart attack. Keep smiling, Sam, you're such an inspiration!

[@skyearthocean5815]

"They were friendly in the way someone is friendly when they are about to take a lot of your money" Yup, know that feeling!

[@IRISH_JYPSY420]

Hello sam! I just want to say that you are by far the most inspirational person on KZbin sailing as a fellow person who feels they just don't quite belong but want a sense of adventure in my life I appreciate your teachings and I appreciate your knowledge you are a strong man and it does not matter what people think of you Don't listen to them at the end of this you will be stronger than all of them Have a blessed day and safe sails

[@delta_magoo709]

Thanks for sharing the drogue test and for the awesome footage of those following seas!

[@NomadSurvivor]

Hey Sam. On our Series Drogue test last year we found with a Series Drogue using a tightened Pulley at the Bridle V really increased stability under " surfing " conditions. And upon retrieval the line attached to one side allowed to offset the pull factor and made it far easier to get back on board. Also using it in 30-40knot conditions allowed us to put out more headsail to get us to a steady 4-5knots SOG and have a comfortable ride. Cheers Buddy

[@samholmessailing]

Awesome thanks for the tip!

[@kirenireves]

Great idea.. Also, having a bridle permanently attached to the chain plates, and just attaching a snatch block to form the V, would also solve Sam's problem of hooking it up while pitching around.

[@seanbibby3898]

It would be a good idea to make it adjustable from left to right. You could use it to steer if rudder broke.

[@johnlawrence7268]

The drouge worked well but never straddle it when deploying otherwise you may lose something very valuable.😮

[@akcarlos]

or get your foot or leg caught in it, I winced also when he did that. I would have flaked it on the cockpit floor then put the end over and kept well clear of it.

[@northsouth1316]

Was waiting for this piece of advice.

[@MrA1582000]

That was scary going between the legs.

[@maddog0870]

Ive seen enough Popeye cartoons as a kid to know what can happen there.

[@SailingSarah]

Yeah he's not in the United States anymore so his jewelry has actually gained value for something other than just child support and family court judge income. Js 🤷

[@bobwest8848]

Robin Knox-Johnston single handed around the globe in his 32 foot William Atkins design ketch in 1968. He used a drogue in the roaring 40's with his motor having failed around Australia. He credits the drogue for keeping his small wooden boat from pitch poling and recommended the technique to others.... who ignored his advise and lost their vessels. He survived when others did not.

[@leecowell8165]

Remember reading about that. Moitessier was sailing Joshua then but never used a drogue. However this was a double ender that was very slow to respond to a following sea while rounding the horn. He'd run bare poled and let the sea "push" him. Not me!

[@lindabeaman5889]

Oh, dear, how grandmother’s get gray! Love you, Sammo! Be cautious! From Grams!

[@periculummus]

Love this!! This comment needs more likes :)

[@Svdm6713]

Epic!

[@samholmessailing]

Tusen takk

[@rickyspecs]

Thanks, I already commented but yeah, well worth a contribution for the drogue episode!

[@janetkrulock1971]

Sam, those waves, I would be freaking out! You’re always so calm in all kinds of weather, would feel so safe sailing with you

[@stevenlarratt3638]

The swell is always ok, the waves on top of the swell is what causes the issues, if sams bot sides are 6 feet then the waves on top of the swell need to be bigger than that to get over, then the boat drains itself to carry on floating by itself. 😁

[@stevenholton438]

Excellent! Storm sailing is the best for us retired sailors following you vicariously!

[@derekec]

I often think now how we watch these vids and TV docs and it all feels so entertaining, so adventurous...yet safe because he's obviously survived and we're all here together sharing, even interacting. But he's all alone in reality. All that ocean, all that weather. All that darkness at night. I've just bought an ocean capable boat and really doubting my ability to do it, especially that I'm well into 65 now and no longer feeling like superman. Still, stop dreaming and might as well pack it in.

[@BabbittdaWabbitt]

Good for you ! Just don’t start with the trans-Atlantic trip. All the best.

[@derekec]

@@BabbittdaWabbitt No, I'll be lucky to just leave the bathtub. Maybe Chesapeake to visit friends as a first real trip and not until very comfortable.

[@leecowell8165]

My concern ever since I was a kid is climbing the mast as I'm dreadfully scared of heights. And once you get over about 55 years or so things start going downhill even if you were capable of much greater things when younger. At 65 even if in great shape for that age its a fact you ain't a kid any longer, sir. Thus your mast climbing days are over and so should your single-handed days it is what it is. The time to be adventurous are the days of Sam... mid 30's. The best thing for us is to sit in our rockers and read or watch or both.

[@markaldridge7802]

A beer from me 🍻

[@kimberlyonseastar]

You and the wind hippie are my favorite channels. Minimalists! I remember reading about drouges in our Chatmans book. It convinced me to be brave enough to sail. So cool to see your demo. Thanks Sam! Fair winds

[@samholmessailing]

Right on, thanks!

[@finbarrmurphy701]

I think that boatyard staff appreciate a real sailor when they see one not like the other yards you experienced. Great video Sam.

[@Heathaze813]

Always amazes me that even seasoned sailors like Sam get sea sick.

[@SailingSarah]

Dramamine is essential.

[@tohuwabohu195]

I sailed from Denia, Spain to Corfú in the summer of 2020, running away from Covid lockdown, on a 42 ft boat with a 74-year old Englishman and his 82-year old lady friend. We stopped in Malta for a few days. Great memories of a really cool place, full of friendly people. People always ask why I don't sail to other seas and oceans, but the Med has all I need and care about--nice weather, stunning scenery, amazing food, fascinating culture, best lifestyle in the world. I hope you are digging my homesea, Sam.

[@virginiai.3632]

I want to hear more! You sound amazing

[@leecowell8165]

I think the reason Sam sails there is because of Ann's presence. She's absolutely adorable & like him... classy & earthy. Its also safe waters (no piracy). I don't blame him one bit.

[@davidgoodman8730]

As always, thank you Sam .informative, entertaining, and rejuvenating from the mainland grind. Truly a blessing to my life . God's speed brother.

[@campbellthomson1323]

Thanks!

[@aaronjacks7217]

Fix that boat!

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

Sun and waves ❤

[@buddydog1956]

Been watching you since the Hawaii passage - became a Patreon with this vid ~ You're in-line for a Hollywood contract :)

[@ende421]

Thanks! Tiny contribution to the Maltese boat yard bill.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks so much!

[@Sail-Ride-Walk-Repeat]

Really appreciated seeing the drogue deployed, so much voodoo about drogues, great to see it go so well. Thanks.

[@brianjohnson1346]

🍁🤠 was thinking about that yeoweling autopilot🤔….? You know those things called “pool noodles” ? Plumbers use a similar product to wrap and insulate bigger pipes. A 4” piece of that a foot or so long might hush that ally cat of an autopilot up. Super easy off and on too.

[@gordonlongsworth196]

Thank you for your reply! I've been learning so much from watching you. You have such a pleasant demeanor and you clearly love being in the water. If you ever head to Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island Maine please drop me a note. Best wishes Gordon

[@periculummus]

Haha that's literally where some of my family lives that I never see because they're a bunch of Maniacs! (Sorry couldn't help myself but they do live there)

[@blacklycan434]

Thanks

[@dogmeat6108]

Have never seen a drogue in action but was curious. Thanks!

[@Superminaren]

That drogue definitely made a night and day difference! Also cool that you finally reached a serious shipyard with helpful people!

[@anncrome1202]

An amazing sail and you managed to video it. We try to avoid conditions that are too challenging. Full of admiration for what you do and share.

[@MemoryCollective]

Bravo fratello, you are an exceptional sailor, creative thinker, and one of the best KZbin presenters. I have enjoyed your adventures for many years. I wish you continued safe travel. BTW, wondering if the lovely woman who sometimes shares time on your boat is a significant partner (little is said). Glad the services in Malta have resolved many issues and your new sail is a joy. Caio!

[@stevezelen4651]

“Friendly in the way”…..wow, how many times in our lives have we experienced that feeling. Great way to put that in words. Thanks, Keep up the videos!!

[@samsails9820]

Nice to see the jordan series drogue in action. Thanks for sharing

[@Karma-fp7ho]

I’m so glad you have found a helpful boat yard.

[@MusicMeanderings]

I have never been sailing, but you make it seem so interesting, it's still fun to watch. Great job on the videos!

[@wallyklw5]

Dang that deployment looked dangerous. This video shows why I'll always dream of sailing oceans--and also why I'll never do it!

[@bowdezaufa2609]

I thought the same one loop around his wrist could have been the end

[@stevenreichertart]

Your photography is incredible. I really feel like I’m on the boat. You’ve come a long way!

[@caractacus22]

The British navy used drones in the 1750.s but you were just so skilful in your use of what you had onboard that it made me proud. I’m so glad you made it to Malta, because I watch the weather reports which are horrible right now, so I hope you are sheltering in Malta and enjoying the onshore life . I would sail with you anywhere, and I have sailed with others I never should, so all hail Sam Holmes the bast sailor I have seen.

[@antnewbon2673]

Wtf what drones boss

[@caractacus22]

Drogues

[@djinthemixxX]

I am guessing he is somewhere in greece now

[@ontheruntonowhere]

@@antnewbon2673 U dense bro?

[@ottisthedog3544]

stumbled onto some SailGP racing as of late and WOW. so then i looked up the "mechanics" of how the stuff on the boat works WOW

[@davecisneros5285]

Very cool to see this working. Appreciate your efforts to bring us along!

[@claverton]

Good job! You've put in really nice super beefy chainplates for the drogue to attach to ... super important part of the series drogue, the attachment points!

[@davelunaskitchen8355]

Sam, you ever buckle in when it gets that crazy? When you were bent over the stern attaching the lines; one wave could’ve sent you over…

[@samholmessailing]

If it gets crazy enough out there i will clip in with a harness

[@don66776]

I was on a 43' Beneteau in 2014 that we sailed from Corsica to Malta to winter the boat over there. We took 10 weeks travelling via Sardinia then across to Italy and explored the entire coast and islands from Naples to Sicily and eventually to Malta. It was a fantastic place to visit. The people are very friendly and professional in all things as you say. I'd love to go back. Good luck with the repair, I'm sure you'll continue to be looked after well. Hope you've witnessed the almost nightly fireworks extravaganza, with each church parish putting on a display that rivals the best. Have fun. 🙂

[@AngusJohnson-ei1kk]

Sam ,I would be interested in hearing more on how you manufactured your drouge,materials etc. This was a very helpful video. Angus

[@mitchkahle314]

Thanks for doing all this sailing for us, Sam.

[@ilkeravni4247]

Im a big fan of yours, i have watched all your sailing videos , you went to Malta, Greek Islands but you missed visiting my homeland the Island of Cyprus 🇨🇾 in the Mediterranean.

[@ChristianBraden-d1t]

Coincidentally been reading “Empires of the Sea: The Siege of Malta” while watching your journey to Malta. Highly recommend the book. Fun to see the forts from the harbor in your videos. Thanks for the always great content!

[@marycohen3187]

We have been watching you now for almost a year on TV so I decided to go on my phone so I could subscribe. W like your adventures.

[@markbailey6051]

A boat fender on a long line and attached to the cockpit winch works wonders to slow down. A snatch block for a fairlead will be necessary.

[@dan711g]

God bless you Sam ❗ Thank you for sharing

[@romantiachristiana5147]

Well done, Sam, for getting the boat out of the water and finding nice boatyard guys in Malta. You were very brave in those huge waves and the violent rolling. They say the Mediterranean is a bitch of a sea. I can believe it! I look forward to seeing your new sails.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. Id agree with you about the Mediterranean its been a challenge

[@leecowell8165]

Nope. The bitch of the seas on this rock are the shallow ones.. Bering, North.

[@cosmodog4845]

Nothing deters you Sam, great content.

[@tomriley5790]

Great video Sam! Really nice to see the drouge in use. Plus sailing into Valetta is one to tick off for the books! Impressed with the boat yard there too, super efficient, just what you want when you've got a problem like that - the prop looked pretty mangled! Good luck getting it fixed and on your way again!

[@markthomasson5077]

Running a series drogue with all those ships around….hmmm! Perhaps attach a float to the end, so if you had to ditch it in a hurry you might have a chance of retrieving it.

[@Early8Q]

Kudos on your series drogue test! KZbin needed that one for the archives to help the rest of us! Fair winds and following seas

[@seanmintoff158]

welcome i am maltese been following you for a while

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks

[@tofuComputer]

Sam, please consider wearing a life jacket. 8:05 is a very good reason.

[@sailingbrewer]

Never been in a situation where I needed to heave to or deploy a drogue. But I have heaved to for comfort and it's insane how quick it is to clam things down and back going. I have heaved to in similar conditions 27 knots and my Islander 30 (Fin Keel) rolled less than what it seemed like you where, and I didn't get water in my cockpit. But it's hard to tell memories lie and cameras don't really show what it was really Like. You can also deploy a drogue off the bow in worse conditions. I really liked it when I was done unF-ing things I just let the jib sheet go and pulled it in on the other side and sailed off. Give it a shot you might like it more. Number one reason I don't like drogues your boat is designed to take waves from the front and side but not so much from the rear. Cause you are typically are going near the speed of the waves. Also tiller getting hit from the side and hitting you, crew, or equipment and break. Then your with a shortened tiller and possible injury

[@Hawkeye188]

Sam, you are truly amazing. Btw - the long hair and scruff beard suits you. I wish I could pull off that look! 😊

[@griffith500tvr]

I love the deep blue colour of the Mediterranean sea

[@ivanslyvnyi7714]

Thanks! Good Job Captain!!!!

[@rezawaheed8879]

glad you got to a boatyard , good luck with the repairs

[@ChadShadel]

Wish you would have filmed the retrieval of the series drogue was very interesting to see it deployed seemed a little dangerous lol.

[@eleanorchapple8772]

So glad to hear from you. That was a beautiful ride. Using the drogue was interesting. The only other time I’ve heard people use it was on the GGR on the Deep South Pacific Ocean during really strong winds and massive swells. I am relieved to hear you are safe and your boat is being taken care of. The traveller has tales to tell.

[@markthomasson5077]

Roger Taylor, MingMing

[@bowdezaufa2609]

Definitely need to find a safer way to deploy. One loop around your wrist and you would have been possibly overboard. Good work though! That's why it's best to test!

[@mikejelinek1413]

Sam, that was a brilliant drought line you made. I have learned a lot watching your channel, enjoy Malta!

[@stevennieman9837]

Great video, especially the drone part, very interesting!👍

[@michaelishoj1111]

Thanks for sharing Sam, I enjoyed learning about the drogue behind your boat. Stay safe.

[@larswetterstrom7209]

Finally a nice reception for you when coming to a harbor! You looked so relieved.

[@thosoz3431]

Super cool video Sam. Any series drogue action is an important document for the sailing community. Testing systems before having to use them in anger is the mark of the serious sailor.

[@221b-l3t]

Good idea! "Grabs flare gun"

[@thosoz3431]

@@221b-l3t yeh, no: ) Let off my first flare at an instruction day at the club. When you see it continue to burn fiercely underwater you get an idea of it's danger. 1 Don't have the flare to windward, light it facing down wind. 2 Hold it facing down so embers don't burn you. 3 Don't drop it into the boat : )

[@221b-l3t]

@@thosoz3431 Ah I'm still a landlubber anyway, though I own a few functional small cannons :) Hoping to scrape together wnough dough for a 30 footer in need of my sandpaper skills and questionable electrical schematics :) no safety equipment yet but I've been gathering tools and books on maintenance, I got gifted a box full of them by an RV guy who used boat books because it's often 12 V too, though some go for 24V which he did.

[@jamesgordon2289]

This was so interesting. Great to see how much difference the drogue makes. Thanks for sharing

[@boooshes]

For the drogue I might consider an always-attached bridle that you just clip into when needed. Also some intermediate sections with no cones and a clip so you can use a chosen number of sections and make it adjustable. Thank you.

[@gordonramsey8339]

Excellent video - learned a lot. Thank you

[@happy75555]

Thank you ! first time seeing that !

[@jayy9390]

Wow that was impressive sailing Sam! Con cojones 💪 with those conditions and waves!! Very inspiring to see pickle deal with it with ease for wanabe sailors like myself! If you arrange sailing courses I'd def sign up!

[@milesokal6698]

Looking good Sam, please consider wearing a harness and tether

[@samholmessailing]

Good point. I always were a harness and life jacket when the conditions merit it

[@JohnnyRoget]

Very interesting seeing the drogue test. Really surprised you don't wear a life jacket or harness though - one unexpected wave, etc. and you'd be over the side and..................!

[@Sp3ktral22]

Mate, you are a legend for using the series drogue and explaining about the periodicy of the waves. Cheers!

[@Hobby.Turner]

Kiitos!

[@christophercarroll9556]

Interesting subject and experiment. I can’t help thinking it could have caught you around the leg and pulled you overboard. Maybe clip in when you’re doing something out of the ordinary?

[@samholmessailing]

Definitely. That could end disastrously

[@Useless_Knowledge07]

Sam the Man! It's awesome you finally found good people willing to work with you easily to haul out your boat and fix it!

[@timhennigan4294]

Highly entertaining Sam Holmes!!!

[@doneddy2204]

Thanks for the lesson. The comment were very enlightening to

[@samholmessailing]

Glad to hear it!

[@rickhalstead8990]

Another great video!! Thanks. Cheers.

[@markweiss6222]

That drogue looks like a must have

[@SAILINGDIRTYBIRD]

My boy ..we miss you in Oriental.... Godspeed my friend...now your Famous 😂

[@lacfilms8345]

Whole different type of marina experience for you Sam, considering your recent past experiences with marinas lately. The drogue experiment went well- good on you for testing it out. Better to know now- then guess how it will work at 40 knots plus later. The Pickle needs some TLC right about now. Just a slight pause for a minor refit. New sails, new prop & some rudder repair. Anodes. Check the rigging over. The bottom looks good though. After all the miles you have done- the Pickle is holding up well. I hope it doesn't take too long or cost you too much either for this refit. Friendly at first until.. they take a whole bunch of money from you later.... that Sam quote should be on T-shirt. It was needed for Pickle, and you get some land time after all those waves. Refit. Reprovision. Reset. Back to the adventures of Sam the Man in the Med.

[@samholmessailing]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching

[@timwebb8153]

Very interesting vid Sam. I kinda knew about drogues, and had actually built one for my boat, but never actually tested it. You're right though: all equipment should be tested. Great info about wave set length vs. drogue length - thanks!

[@edl617]

Looks like a ferry vessel. I saw a lot of those in the Mediterranean back in the 70’s and 80’s. Close the doors to the cabin!!! Rock and Roll. Once did a ten day crossing on a warship from Cadiz to Virginia. We roll and pitch back and forth no less than a 10 degree roll and sometimes as much as 20 degrees. Everyone was swearing the Admiral was insane. Well done on deploying that drogue. Very seamanship like.

[@Pozer714]

SWEET! You be da man homboi! This has always been my dream!

[@billywhizz6483]

Really interesting to see the drogue test, I'd be tempted to have a pair of heavy gloves on when deploying in really heavy conditions to save risk of rope burn.

[@samholmessailing]

Good idea

[@SharonFoulston]

Oh wow that was an epic episode, the waves look scary but beautiful. You are an inspiration for me. I followed your Scandinavian adventures they helped me when I was sailing there. I really enjoy your videos especially when I’m stuck at home in the winter. I can only dream that i will be as calm as you in those seas……😮

[@yulmp2]

The deployment was sketchy. You need a way to not be exposed to the line coming out. That thing catches your wrist and you’re overboard. It works great though!!!

[@samholmessailing]

Definitely. That could end disastrously

[@johntchb]

Some amazing film from ww2 from Malta,if you like history that place is jam packed with it.l think the island was given the vc for its amazing tenacity.its sad that its often wars that show man's incredible capabilities.take care, your entrance was smooth as.your a real one Sam.

[@KRoc]

Hopefully the repairs don't cost you too much! Love your videos.

[@wilfredogonzalez883]

Brother you are the best

[@SailingAndInvesting]

The bottom looks very clean. The hull shield must be working!