Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

A 38-ft sailboat transits the Sulu Sea from the South China Sea toward Sandakan, Malaysia, navigating shallow reefs and avoiding submerged fishing traps.0:28 The crew manages light winds and frequent tacking, occasionally motoring to maintain progress.0:58 During the passage, they perform maintenance on the mainsail outhaul, replacing a poorly rigged line and 3D-printing new PETG sheaves to improve sail shape.9:42 They also remove, sand, and reseal acrylic windows using Dowsil silicone, applying the sealant at night to prevent thermal expansion during the curing process.13:29 Upon arrival in Sandakan, the crew secures the boat at a local yacht club, utilizes a kayak for shore access to avoid dock damage, and completes immigration formalities.9:16 Shore-based activities include a guided river tour on the Kinabatangan River to view wildlife, including crocodiles and pygmy elephants, and a visit to a rainforest canopy skywalk.13:47 Proper sealant application and correct rigging geometry significantly reduce maintenance time and improve sail performance.

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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