Sam Holmes Sailingvideo

Solo sailing to Sicily, still no engine

23 September 2023 · 17 min · 71K views · East coast of Sardinia

What this video covers

Sam Holmes sails solo from Sardinia toward Malta, navigating a passage across the Mediterranean Sea with a damaged jib and no engine.0:02 During the transit, wind conditions fluctuate from light air to 38-knot gusts, forcing the use of a reefed jib and the removal of the mainsail to manage the boat in steep, rolling seas.5:45 The vessel experiences significant pitching and rolling, which causes water ingress and damages the electronic display on the refrigerator.11:03 Upon reaching the coast of Sicily, the intended anchorage proves untenable due to swell wrapping around the breakwater, necessitating a search for a more protected spot.12:41 After anchoring in 16 feet of water with 80 feet of line, the crew performs a wing foil session in the bay and stocks provisions for the final leg to Malta.15:18 The passage highlights the challenges of managing sail area and maintaining boat systems during high-wind transitions and heavy sea states.

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