Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

Departing Maddalena on Pico Island, the vessel transits to Velas Harbor on São Jorge in the Azores.2:10 The five-hour passage begins with light downwind conditions under jib alone, requiring the use of a wind paddle self-steering gear.1:28 Winds later increase to 25–30 knots, pushing the boat to hull speed and necessitating a reduction in sail area.3:57 Upon arrival at Velas, the harbor is crowded with anchored vessels, requiring careful navigation near the breakwater and ferry channel.5:44 The marina provides slips, showers, and laundry facilities.6:21 Shore-side exploration of São Jorge includes a four-mile hike featuring coastal trails, local clam lagoons, and inland restaurants.9:07 Future plans include sailing to Graciosa and Terceira before attempting a passage to Ireland, with a contingency to head toward the Mediterranean if weather conditions prove unfavorable.10:44

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

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