Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

Sam Holmes departs San Juan, Puerto Rico, solo, attempting a second passage to the Virgin Islands. The transit covers approximately 60 nautical miles, requiring an upwind beat that necessitates a single tack to reach the destination. During the passage, the boat maintains speeds between two and four knots, hampered by significant marine growth on the hull that accumulated during a month-long stay in Puerto Rico. To manage the heel while sleeping, the crew utilizes a canteen pipe berth. Navigation involves monitoring the route toward Tortola, British Virgin Islands, before adjusting the course to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, to avoid international customs procedures. The boat uses a geofence alarm and a timer for safety during overnight watches. Upon arrival at St. John, the boat secures a mooring ball. The crew plans to address the hull fouling, which is identified as a primary cause for the reduced sailing speed.

More from Sam Holmes Sailing

We hit a log sailing by strange Indonesian sea platformsAug 2026Replacing a window while sailing through pirate waters and wildlife of BorneoAug 2026Sandakan and Wildlife of BorneoAug 2026Kota Kinabalu Bound: Sailing, Survivor Island, Squalls, and Bugs, 3d printingJul 2026

From Sam Holmes Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.