Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

A solo sailor on a 140-mile passage from Sicily to Malta deploys a DIY series drogue to manage 30-knot winds and 10-foot following seas.6:13 The drogue, constructed from 150 cones on a Dyneema line, successfully stabilizes the vessel’s motion and reduces speed to approximately 2.5 knots, preventing the boat from surfing dangerously down wave faces.7:07 The sailor attaches the drogue’s bridle to existing chain plates on the stern, noting that the process is difficult in heavy weather and requires future modifications for cockpit-accessible deployment.12:07 After the wind subsides to 19 knots, the crew retrieves the gear using a winch.17:14 The passage concludes with a arrival at Manoel Island, where the boat is hauled out at a boatyard for propeller repairs and sail replacement.18:48 The experience confirms that a series drogue effectively manages boat speed and motion in heavy following seas, though retrieval and attachment points require careful planning for solo operation.

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