Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

A solo sailor navigates a 30-mile passage through unstable, thunderstorm-driven winds while dealing with a seized winch and a failing autopilot. During the transit, wind speeds fluctuate between calm and 30-knot gusts, forcing constant sail adjustments and repeated tacking. The new, thicker sail material complicates reefing, requiring a more organized system of blocks and tackles to maintain proper tension. Upon reaching an anchorage at 1:30 a.m., the boat remains in the bay for a week due to persistent gales gusting up to 40 knots. During this weather delay, the sailor attempts to wing foil but finds the conditions too extreme for a 6-meter wing, opting for island hikes instead. The passage concludes with plans to depart for the Cyclades and eventually Turkey once the gale-force winds subside. Mastering sail handling and reefing systems remains a priority for managing the boat's performance in high-wind conditions.

More from Sam Holmes Sailing

Hundreds of miles of rough sailing only to be turned away from our dream destinationOct 2026Making big miles offshore sailing through IndonesiaSept 2026Orca sighting! we repair one daggerboard only to break another oneSept 2026Sailing to Maratua, a rarely visited Indonesian island Sept 2026

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