Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

Sam Holmes and Arlene sail a 20-to-30-mile coastal passage from Montpellier, France, toward an anchorage near wild horses.0:06 The boat cruises at five knots in 15 knots of wind.0:21 During the transit, the crew tests an electric autopilot setup that steers the wind vane’s servo pendulum to move the tiller.3:27 This configuration allows the boat to maintain a magnetic course while reducing the noise of the steering mechanism.3:36 The system performs well in light winds, though its effectiveness while motoring remains untested due to potential interference from the propeller wash.4:31 Upon arrival, the crew anchors off the beach to avoid marina fees, which cost 36 euros per night in the region.5:58 The trip includes a stop to photograph flamingos and search for wild horses.6:25 Technical issues persist with a Varla electric scooter, which suffers from repeated flat tires that are difficult to repair due to the motor's design.6:55 The vessel later experiences a minor collision with another boat attempting a Mediterranean mooring.7:51

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

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.