Unexpected visitors smash into my boat at night

Solo Sailing in West Africa. 100nm trip from Senegal to Gambia. An unlit boat shows up randomly out of the darkness off the coast of Senegal.
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[@treeorbs479]

A little over a year ago you introduced me to sailing. I took classes and I have been sailing ever since. Just wanted to say thanks. ⛵ ⛵ ⛵

[@Jim-ro5sl]

Sam you're a maniac. I love this channel. Super sketchy sometimes. I hate lifestyle of the rich and famous sailors channels. You show that you don't have to have the bells and whistles of the expensive boats to sail anywhere. You are an inspiration to the average guy. I've been following your channel since you sailed a Ranger 23 to Hawaii. I was hooked.

[@johnwaters4566]

Funny. That's when I started watching sam. His little sail boat across to Hawaii. A real adventurer!

[@wealthintruth6227]

Yes ! Sam is an inspiration

[@kwaaaa]

So true, his authenticity is what drew me to his content. I live vicariously through his adventures.

[@veritas4511]

Ditto

[@jordanlineger-nd5gz]

Yup , same !!

[@wallabybob3020]

“My boat just got rammed by pirates. Anyway, what’s for dinner?” That’s why people love this channel!

[@singularityscan]

It sounds like click bait. Mrbeast's boat rammed by pirates!

[@DIYDaveT]

This is one of the main benefits of owning an old, fully depreciated boat. You don't worry about that kind of thing. Imagine if they did this to your expensive $1.5 mn lux yacht...

[@singularityscan]

@@DIYDaveT You also would have money to prepared with armed guard's, if you really needed to go there.

[@kensmith3665]

Senegalese Customs or pirates disguised as Senegalese Customs….

[@wallabybob3020]

@@kensmith3665 Same thing.

[@pmackie90]

If this has happened to ANY other sailing KZbinr, the entire episode would be about the oh so harrowing experience, full of dramatic voiceover and recounting of the nightmares they've had about the experience since. But Sam's just like, damn that got my adrenaline going, op, just got stung by something, die, time to sail.

[@Rottingboards]

Yes, this is why I like watching Sam. 😃

[@joemartino6976]

That's one the things I like about Sam. He treats his viewers with respect rather than exploit them.

[@toastedsandwich2474]

Haha I thought the same thing...That could have run over a 3 part mini series

[@eagle2032]

Right

[@1240enzo]

Don’t agree, I can’t imagine Luke/Adam from the Sailing Brothers would have made a big deal of it, nor The Old Dog. You generalise too much methinks.

[@MaxWatzz]

It soon becomes evident why the northwestern coast of Africa is not a cruising Mecca. Thanks for taking one for the team.

[@Elle-gc6fh]

The eastern side isn't either.

[@benstaubyn]

😅​@@Elle-gc6fh

[@Friedolays]

Neither is the south

[@Chez8922-kf6cy]

That entire continent seems sketchy. Ya thanks for taking one for the team.

[@WildlingSailing]

I love that, "back, back, get away from my boat" I never knew that trick worked with Douanes, I'll try it next time ;)

[@deepdivedelight]

Senegal Douanes have boats looking like any developed country. Those were 100% not Douanes.

[@IntertropicalConvergence-gf3bm]

Hardcore pirates would switch their nav lights off..

[@deepdivedelight]

@@IntertropicalConvergence-gf3bm bcs you are an expert.

[@rvaguitars]

@@IntertropicalConvergence-gf3bmnot if they’re trying to pretend to be police

[@alcapone2523]

@@IntertropicalConvergence-gf3bmsays the only thing stopping a softcore pirate from becoming a hardcore pirate is a willing mouth.

[@tm3xyz]

Appreciate the reaction to the customs boat wasnt a dramatic three part miniseries. Thanks for taking us along.

[@FamBam-z3d]

the softly spoken adventurer. You are one of the bravest people on this planet, mate. I am in awe.

[@romulovinhas5725]

It sounds like you're sailing with a lamb. That tiller pilot is so funny 😂😂

[@cortical1]

Oh, I thought the dolphins were laughing at him.

[@mr.martin9984]

Best sailing channel on KZbin by far. Brilliant guy

[@beck4218]

You were lucky! My dad was on a 45' C&C when pirates tried to board him off the coast of Guyana. He had a Winchester 1300 shotgun and exchanged fire. Pirates had a 38 revolver. He was down to two shells when the took off. Mid 80's.

[@leecowell8165]

WOW! scary! 80's? I was sailing in the 60's and we didn't have an issue with pirates back then. However this was on a 40 foot double ended steel ketch and the captain was a scary looking dude you did not wanna mess with. Nothing like mild mannered looking Sam, here.

[@beck4218]

@@leecowell8165 Yeah, 1980-81 IIRC. I was born in '84.

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

Times have changed human life is devolving.

[@jacobuszwanenburg1629]

Serious stuff. On Grenada heard a tale of a group of pirates boarded a sailboat near Trinidad and shot the owner in the face for refusing to cooperate ! .. true or not it gets ya thinking wow

[@bullbutter9699]

pain in the ARSE world wide LOL

[@Daletoledo]

Exciting adventure. Thx for sharing.

[@chetcreates]

Amazing video, Sam! Your channel has, by far, the best Sailing Adventures.

[@stoerenungeheuer543]

so happy you made it. there is still a lot of holes to be drilled

[@dougallen4675]

Thanks!

[@koalamullet]

Every time you have autopilot engaged Sam, for a few seconds I think you have a cormorant hitching a ride! Then I remember it's the autopilot. Thanks for the awesome content as always

[@DIYDaveT]

There are many ways a person can spend their youth. Buying an old but sound sailboat and sailing around for a few years is one very interesting way to go IF you are that kind of person. It's not all rainbows and sunshine but it is rewarding in ways most people will never know. That said, thanks for the videos of Gambia. I will add that dump to the list of places I never want to visit.

[@nickeshelby6664]

Thanks

[@rr7firefly]

I thought I'd seen it all. And then I discovered Sam's videos. I am in awe of this human. Stays calm, smiles a lot, knows what he's doing. Setting a fine example for the rest of us. Thanks, Mister Holmes.

[@davidhemstreet3026]

Looking forward to the ramming pirates musical piece. Sketchy boats all up in those waters !

[@vokeswaagin]

I get so giddy when I see a new Sam Holmes vid pop up!! Hahah Love it!

[@InterstateVet]

You’re so brave stopping there!

[@juttaweise]

when one takes part in an adventure like this, one should familiarize a bit about countries which one might have the need to visit. Senegal and Gambia are safe places as far as the locals are concerned. Those on that Douane Boot did neither speak french nor english, as far as I could hear. Maybe chineses in disguise.

[@Jim-jg3wf]

Awesome! Sam..I have been subbed to you YT channel since shortly after your solo trip to Hawaii. Thank you for taking us along with you to places I will never be able to visit.

[@babelboy-akababz2889]

That constant trance-like smile. It's infectious.

[@rdc2724]

Sam is going upriver in his boat, maybe he will find Kurtz ....

[@brianredman9347]

I love the smell of Gambia in the morning. 😂

[@susanhawkes2519]

The horror.

[@koalamullet]

Charlie don't surf!

[@MaxWatzz]

@@koalamullet… but Sam does

[@Jim-ro5sl]

@@rdc2724 that's funny 😁

[@rickhunt4487]

Hey Sam ! Great episode . Those visitors where scary ! Happy all is good ❤

[@SAILINGDIRTYBIRD]

You are quite the character buddy....stay safe.You are truly living the Dream...I have Envy....but am Happy for your Success 🎉

[@XukanyaXt]

Man just smile to everything, even the pirate 😮😮

[@JakeyBaby0]

So crazy you got rammed, but the second they started cruising so close to you, I'd have been shouting to gtf away. Gesturing at the boat, to the best of my ability, that they might do damage. Being friendly first doesn't hurt but there is 100% a boundary of space they crossed and you asked "what do you need?" So glad to see they didn't actually pirate your ship or use weapons.

[@cameronstoneadams1183]

get the fu@k away. NOW.

[@juttaweise]

there are no pirats around Senegal or Gambia. Those locals are some of the nicest people in Africa. They did not speak french, or english like the gambians do, so they might well have been chineses in customs disguise!

[@heyodi3092]

@@juttaweiseSorry but it’s not nice to come up that close to someone with no lights on and ram their boat

[@livereatingjohnson8231]

@@juttaweise Those weren't Chinese LOL, they were black with no reason at all to be approaching a vessel especially in that manner at night.

[@johannesboot]

You keep it cool, continue that! Great adventure Sam!!!

[@WishIwasFishiN]

Keep the content coming. Love this channel

[@robertpatterson641]

Glad you are save . Love your adventures .and your good as gone again . Not a lost sailor

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

The stories you’re gonna have to tell for the rest of your life. Awesome.

[@robballering3908]

Thank's Sam that you take us to all those places !!

[@KhafidIbrahim]

An adventure is a positive euphemism of words Sam. Keep doing what you’re doing! 💯👍

[@SOLDOZER]

They were just fans and were trying to help you put holes in your boat.

[@blacktootherson]

Lmaooo

[@ckeilah]

😆

[@Saltinhisveins]

Too funny

[@AhoyCaptainslog]

😂

[@bjad179]

Douanes is French for Customs. That was a Senegalese Customs boat that was trying to stop you. Kinda got lucky on that one... "Get away from my boat!" doesntly normally work. Ha ha, no international incidents today.

[@z1z2z3z]

Not sure the was the real "Douannes" though, being as they rolled up with their lights off, then just gave up and left.

[@papounet4842]

@@z1z2z3z The real name is"DOUANES SENEGALAISES" yet the boat has only "SENEGALA" written ont its hull. Four letters missing, might be a fake custom boat...

[@intrax2tv]

Probably right i.e. pirates !

[@TheGrobe]

They rolled up with their lights off, in full face paint, in a shitty old boat with their own agency name misspelled on the side! The guy on the spotlight was not in a uniform, he was wearing overalls. No rank or Signia on anyone. Those were pirates. I don’t honestly know how this guy is still alive, the way he reacts to stuff!

[@Elle-gc6fh]

​@TheGrobe Did Sam say the pirates came to him right after he turned that fluorescent thing on 5:00?

[@Objectified]

Chinese fishing fleets bullying others, including locals, often hiding identifying marks, and fishing waters to exhaustion has become common around Asia and Africa, and increasingly around the South American continent.

[@koalamullet]

The Chinese catch and eat anything and everything. No regard for sustainable fishing

[@henkvandekamp8357]

The locals in Senegal & Mauretanie lost there fishing grounds an now no work at the chinese fishmeal industry to feed the pigs an chikens in china maybe the Sardinella won't migrate at this time an the fishing trawlers are anchoring

[@chrisgundersen1117]

I remember watching a solo sailor female who is 80 I think she was from Canada. She was able to have somebody put pepper spray in her fire extinguisher, and it just looked like a fire extinguisher :-) Might be good to have around when people want to bump into your boat or our suspicious!

[@Vyrus_101]

Looking forward to the next episode. Glad you’re ok after the pirate incident! Stay safe.

[@MachTuck]

True sailor!! you rock Sam Holmes!

[@JohnNeill-v1j]

Excellent video, Sam!

[@Troggination]

yay! I'm glad your spinnaker is fixed and the hoist went okay this time.

[@dannfish]

That was crazy, you have some stones rolling in those waters. Thanks for posting.

[@allanmason3201]

Every time I visit this channel, I'm reminded that survival marks the line between YOLO bravery and foolhardy idiocy.

[@gorillagoldhunters]

Just getting into sailing, watched a lot of different sailors sail lol but you Sam are the guy I listen too, your videos are packed full of good information. Appreciate ya!

[@trulululow9089]

Sam nos encanta tus aventuras genial……lo acertado y calmado siempre sonriendo a las situaciones complicadas , inspirador Gracias

[@ranchosinnombreannjimmy8427]

Sam es lo Mejor

[@ckeilah]

Mas cervezas y tequila por favor!

[@Gk-ss5mo]

Sam- be careful out there brah. Been following you for a few years now. First time I’ve been concerned for your safety. Rooting for ya.

[@AirborneAnt]

Another cool video Sam!!!! Thank ya brah!!!!!

[@victoriawestphal2489]

Wow!! So sorry they crashed your boat, but glad you are safe!!

[@MarkDManning]

Great film Sam- what an incredible adventure!

[@IamtheDill]

You are hilariously optimistic. Got messed with by pirates and then immediately stung by some bug and he kept a smile.

[@gstoddard1325]

Christian Williams has some good pacific crossing videos. Hes a cool old cat IMHO.

[@downtothesea676]

You dodged a mighty big bullet! Stay safe out there!

[@goodcitizen17]

Love you dude. Great videos. Be safe.

[@StudioBeast7575]

Inspirational as always video, thanks Sam!

[@JeanSchlemaan]

next level, dogg. im solo traveling/living around usa in a 40' motorcoach. i bow to you.

[@Jimbobmoonshiner]

Keep safe Sam!

[@matthewnuit]

Not sure if it too late Sam but if you are still upriver then try find Eddie Yoyo (Dende Sound System) little rasta coloured plywood sailboat 😊

[@robininvdoc1261]

Hey Sam you just passed us in the anchorage heading out West, fair winds and safe travels 👍👍⛵️

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks! Enjoy Mindelo

[@RobM-e3y]

Cheap thrills with your visitors... looking forward to your river trip!

[@jerrycooke6511]

Very interesting to watch. You always are.

[@richarddolamore5382]

really interesting African experiences - thanks for sharing

[@johnm9285]

Resident of TZ in East Africa here. It’s been very interesting to see video of Dakar and Gambia, places I’ve never been. But I was surprised to see that they’re so, erm, run down. For some reason I always thought west Africa was much further along than we are in east Africa. Then I realized that it’s probably the port areas which are almost universally junky across Africa. I bet there’s some lovely spots in downtown Dakar

[@russmarkham2197]

i have travelled extensively in East and West Africa. I find East Africa is more developed and more comfortable to travel in, including TZ. But West Africa has spectacular beautiful rain forest (Gabon / Cameroon) and wildlife in some countries. Gambia has great beaches, quite a lot of tourists. I did not go up the river.

[@chubbypuff6644]

Dude, you're my hero; really enjoy it

[@tesa642]

You should consider installing an under deck autopilot driver to replace your tiller steerer. Quiet operation and very reliable. I installed one on my tiller steered Olson 30.

[@oOCentralSunOo]

Really cool videos, thanks for sharing!

[@CalebLeverett]

You’re the man, Sam. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself and certainly the best and most unique sailing channel, but thank you for the reminder that I never want to travel to that filthy place. lol! Be safe, man.

[@robertking5701]

When i was in the Navy we would have sand storms 50 or 60 miles out to sea in the Persian Gulf. It was so bad we had to set low vis watch. After 10 or 15 hours of this there would be little sand dune areas on the ship. Amazing some of the stuff you witness while out to sea.

[@ashley-tm1uk]

i thought it was a clickbait video…i should have known better…stoicism at its finest…smiling in the face of danger…gotta love sam…

[@doninhawaii4433]

Always fun to watch your videos Sam!!! 🙏👍💯🤙😎

[@picxozakt4962]

I'm glad you are safe, mate Live the dream of your life and don't be the slave of this world...

[@rea8755]

Just found you again! I watched you sail from California to Hawaii❤ Peace

[@samholmessailing]

Welcome back!

[@timallen6025]

Wonderful real sailing sir

[@DarioSplit2012]

Thanks for the great video and confirmation of my belief that I really can't figure out what you're doing there.

[@Gardureth]

Great cliffhanger Sam :) can't wait!

[@joephillips7612]

Tuned in for inspiration as I deal with a minor internal health issue tomorrow. Watching you continue to cruise the world while dealing with pirates and difficult check ins did the trick. Thanks Sam. 👍🤘

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. Best up luck on your procedure and a speedy recovery.

[@jonathanport5002]

Me too😂😂😂

[@avikingman]

The dust is called Calima / Kalima. Sand dust from Sahara. I am living in Gran Canaria and we had some wind from Sahara as well.

[@charlie6751]

Fishermen had rammed into my sailboat in north Borneo at anchor while I was on shore what a bloody mess they made only last week still repairing the damage the joys of boat ownership

[@eddieseachord4985]

Thanks Sam! ❤

[@kennethpaladino4948]

Sam, U r 1 tough sailor! I woulda tossed that tiller pilot by now! I’ve got an older tillerpilot 2000 on my campac 23! Very rarely use it because it sounds like a tortured cat! Emergency use only! Thanx 4 the years of vids! 👍❤️

[@russmarkham2197]

Sam you are so adventurous going to Senegal and Gambia. The risks of insects, dirty water, and difficult local officials multiply. I have been to both capitals, Dakar and Banjul, but would never think of sailing there. But so cool to go way up the river in Gambia. Looking forward to your next video

[@SlowlySailing-lc1cs]

Quite the "official greeting"...but at least it was overwith quickly- who knows how bad it would have been if they had succeeded in boarding!

[@JR-kk6ce]

You have the smile and shifty eyes of someone who has faced a lot of unknown dangers, especially from other people. Best of all is the glow that you have, the glow of adventure and triumphs of the spirit yet to come. God can only be experienced. God can not be rationalized or explained. You may not realize it, but that is what drives you, to experience God.

[@TheGrobe]

I cannot imagine rolling around like that without at least a rifle. Those were 100% pirates on that boat you encountered. So incredibly lucky they decided that one loan guy was not worth their trouble, even though they totally got the drop on you. Best of luck and stay safe my friend.

[@piperjohn_3]

The boat said "Customs." They wanted to extort a little money out of him as he left he country. This is standard practice in west Africa. He played dumb and didn't give them "un petit cadeau" so they damaged his boat and effed off. Would been better to just flip them $20. They were pretty much operating as pirates though, just not the dangerous kind.

[@dudeleboski2692]

@@piperjohn_3these f ers come to Spain wanting to do the same

[@isuckatguitar6252]

Great episode! Watch out for hippos, crocs & maybe even bull sharks in the river...

[@BubbleLandia]

The dolphins were saying "You in danger gorl!" Glad it all worked out in the end, a can do attitude seems to be quite helpful for long distance travel.

[@oceanbnd]

I've read about the desert sands going across the atlantic to the West. I believe that's what you were tasting.

[@DavidoftheDesert]

Hi Sam. Good for you to sail in West Africa which can be tricky and a little dangerous. A like you are going to few places people on boats will dare to go. Keep up the good work! Night shots are appreciated and food is always welcome. Food taste so so good on a boat at sea and I know you will agree. DOD here in Palm Springs, CA

[@PeterPanbe]

Love your new graphics layout and colours for the thumbnail. I follow the Wynns and they have a very recognisable style (and colours) as well, which catches the eye when you upload a vid.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks. Thats exactly what I was hoping for. I keep hearing people aren’t seeing my videos so I wanted to make them more recognizable from the thumbnail.

[@PeterPanbe]

@@samholmessailing the colour scheme is nice too. Does Ann have something to do with that :-) - if yes she did a good job!

[@PeterPanbe]

@@samholmessailing Just don't "overdo" it. I would make it a bit more subtle (using the same colour scheme) (Marketing Manager talking here :-))

[@markettrader911]

@@PeterPanbemarketing manager? Im a OG SHS cultist, I don’t give a rats ass what kind of thumbnail style he uses.

[@guydepoorter]

Hi there, they call it `le genois belge `, it's a fine rope knotted like the form of a genua that you hoist in the foresail triangle to prevent the spinnaker wrapping on the forestay. Cheers from Belgium.

[@ronaldschenkel2164]

Your humour is incredible. I would have panicked if I had an encounter with the Senegalese douaniers. Lucky you they turned away.

[@susanhawkes2519]

I had an encounter with a Senagalese seamstress. She was not to be trifled with!

[@edwardwojtecki1534]

We encountered pirates in the Gulf Stream 70 miles off Miami. A call on ch 16 to Us coast guard as to what was unfolding spooked them plus we pulled a rifle on the helmsman and told him if the his forward hatch opened he was going to die. They left in haste. 1986 delivery job on a 40’ New Zealand sailboat

[@foobazabar]

Errr, uh, yeah. Curious what you were delivering in 1986 in a yacht off the coast of Miami. For no reason at all I'm gonna put on "can't you hear me knocking"

[@edwardwojtecki1534]

@ we were delivering the yacht to Canada. The smoke boat as we called them back then was a 38’ twin engine fast boat with blacked out chrome and named Midnight Snow. I will leave it up to your imagination what they might be using that boat for. Rifle we had was an old Enfield. Cheers

[@foobazabar]

@@edwardwojtecki1534 Very cool. I once worked for an old-hat coast guard vet and the stories he t old us, man you seafaring folk are made of different stuff than I. And yeah that name, "please intercept us, coastguard" would have been less on-the-nose.

[@Chez8922-kf6cy]

Sailing Takes me away to where I've always heard it could be...

[@summer101]

The spin repair looks good. New viewer here....have done a few deliveries between Newport RI and BVI. Good content. Thx for sharing.

[@leecowell8165]

Could never tell it was ripped to shreds did a helluva job of repairing it. I could never get those things to set right Sam makes it look easy.

[@sheadford]

Lol, Douanes means Customs. You're a braver man that I yelling at them to go away, haha.

[@notaseriousbeaver]

Priceless 😂

[@remuso287]

You are welcome in Africa!

[@jloiterer]

Smooth sailing brother.

[@petersoakell6950]

great as usual. cheers)

[@rainfinger]

Great video! That is a horrible coast for small boats, probably sailing west to Cabo Verde, altering your plans, heading S to Brazil would be a possible alternative.

[@Luigi_Vaz]

Seeing how you jump to the water with no rope attached was even worse than the Customs boat.

[@mammaholmes]

Thank you!

[@ranchosinnombreannjimmy8427]

sails were down , boat lightly drifting. im sure he was dragging a rope behind that he could grab if a gust came up. Right Sam?

[@allanmason3201]

@@ranchosinnombreannjimmy8427 What you suggest here would indeed be sensible. Do you honestly believe that's Sam's style?

[@zatoichi1]

"Customs"

[@Luigi_Vaz]

@@zatoichi1 they were actual Customs. I googled pictures of douanes senegal and I saw smaller boats like the one on the video. Plus... if they were pirates carrying firearms, some yelling wouldn't be that effective at sea in the middle of the night.