Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

A 28-foot sailboat completes a 17-day solo transatlantic passage from Mindelo, Cabo Verde, to Barbados.Watch The route covers approximately 2,000 nautical miles, relying on consistent easterly trade winds.2:51 The vessel uses a wind vane for primary steering, though the crew resorts to hand-steering during light winds or when the wind vane struggles with heavy rolling.0:54 The passage involves managing sail configurations, including wing-on-wing setups, and addressing gear failures, such as a jammed mast winch and a damaged spreader that requires lashing for support.4:05 Navigation includes celestial sights using a sextant to supplement electronic charts.9:03 The crew maintains morale through routine tasks, including fishing, cooking, and managing food rations like cheese and gnocchi.50:25 The journey concludes with an arrival in Barbados, where the boat anchors in 15 feet of water.54:45 Consistent sail trim and managing the boat's motion in varying swell conditions are essential for maintaining speed and autopilot efficiency during long-distance solo passages.

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