Sam Holmes Sailingvideo

Martha’s Vineyard, Engine trouble, Cape Cod Canal and Maine

October 15, 2020 · 13 min · 53K views · Cape Cod Canal

What this video covers

A sailor transits from Martha’s Vineyard to Maine, managing a leaking saltwater pump and navigating the Cape Cod Canal. While motor-sailing toward the canal, the engine’s water pump leaks, requiring an impeller replacement and seal maintenance.1:09 The vessel enters the Cape Cod Canal with a 3.5-knot following current, reaching speeds of 9 knots.4:08 To resolve a recurring anchor-rode jam at the chain-to-rope splice, the splice is cut and replaced with a direct braid-to-chain connection to ensure a smooth transition through the windlass.4:51 After bypassing Boston due to heavy lobster pot density and unfavorable wind, the boat anchors off York Beach, Maine.9:25 The crew encounters restricted dinghy access at the beach and experiences significant tidal range, leaving the boat near the shore at low tide.11:16 Future plans include hauling the boat for winter storage, performing structural upgrades like a hard dodger and solar arch, and undergoing surgery to remove an ostomy bag.12:13 Replacing a worn impeller and re-splicing the anchor rode directly to the chain prevents mechanical and ground tackle failures during coastal passages.

Watch on YouTube

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 IndonesiaSep 2026Orca sighting! we repair one daggerboard only to break another oneSep 2026Sailing to Maratua, a rarely visited Indonesian island Sep 2026

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

Report an issue