Sam Holmes Sailingvideo

Sailing to Africa. Tangier

September 5, 2024 · 12 min · 66K views · Marina Tangier Bay, Morocco

What this video covers

Sam Holmes and Arlene depart Ocean Village and Marina Bay in Gibraltar for a 35-mile passage to Tangier, Morocco.Watch The crew sails the route under Genoa alone on a broad reach to maintain boat control in 20-knot winds gusting to 30 knots.0:31 During the transit, the autopilot fails for the fourth time in three months, forcing the crew to rely on the wind vane for steering.2:34 The vessel crosses the Strait of Gibraltar, navigating heavy commercial traffic and a current that can reach three knots.2:15 Upon arrival at Marina Tangier Bay, the crew initiates the Moroccan customs and immigration process, which requires seven pieces of paperwork and a vessel search.10:13 The check-in procedure includes surrendering a drone to local authorities.10:25 The passage confirms that while the autopilot remains unreliable for light-wind or motoring conditions, the wind vane provides consistent steering in turbulent, wind-driven sea states.

Watch on YouTube

More from Sam Holmes Sailing

Orca sighting! we repair one daggerboard only to break another oneSep 2026Sailing to Maratua, a rarely visited Indonesian island Sep 2026We hit a log sailing by strange Indonesian sea platformsAug 2026Replacing a window while sailing through pirate waters and wildlife of BorneoAug 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