Sam Holmes Sailingvideo
Forced to solo sail out of Thailand for a 200nm Visa Run
12 September 2025 · 29 min · 141K views · Thailand
What this video covers
A solo sailor navigates a 200-nautical-mile visa run from Thailand to Langkawi, Malaysia, aboard a home-built catamaran. The transit involves light-wind sailing using a parasailor and a screecher, with boat speeds ranging from 1.5 to 8 knots depending on wind conditions and squalls. The sailor encounters significant navigational hazards, including erratic fishing boats and unmarked floating debris that threatens the propellers.4:52 Mooring maneuvers are performed solo using a Mantis snap shackle hook to secure lines to buoys.16:47 During the trip, the sailor attempts to test a full-face scuba mask for snorkeling but abandons the effort due to unexpectedly strong currents near island anchorages.7:54 Upon arrival in Langkawi, the sailor clears customs and sources marine supplies, including Sikaflex and 100 meters of 10mm Dyneema, at a local warehouse.27:00 Maintenance tasks during the voyage include removing a fixed glass window to improve cockpit ventilation and cleaning the anchor after it buried three feet deep in mud.1:14
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