Sam Holmes Sailing
From crossing the Pacific in a 23ft Ranger to navigating a 43ft catamaran through the Malacca Strait, Sam Holmes defines the technical grit of solo-turned-duo voyaging.
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In the digital maritime era, few creators have championed the 'small boat, big ocean' philosophy with as much technical transparency and humble grit as Sam Holmes. Known for his viral solo crossings in vessels many would consider 'questionable,' Sam has built a reputation for high-authority seamanship and a fearless DIY approach. As of May 2026, Sam has entered a transformative new chapter: transitioning from his legendary monohulls to a high-performance 43ft Schionning catamaran, currently navigating the complex tides and traffic-dense waters of Southeast Asia.
Sam’s journey is defined by a refusal to let limitations—whether financial or physical—anchor his ambition. After years of documented solo adventures through the Pacific, Atlantic, and the high-latitude fjords of the Arctic, his 2026 season marks a pivot toward speed and shared adventure with his partner, Annelin. Currently based in the Andaman Sea, the crew is balancing technical refits and 3D-printing custom titanium parts with long-range offshore passages between Thailand, India, and Singapore.
Key Takeaways
- Channel Vibe: Methodical, authentic, and technically focused. A 'no-fluff' look at solo and duo offshore cruising.
- The Boat: Currently sailing a 43ft Schionning custom catamaran (purchased in 2025) after years on a Cape Dory 28 (Pickled Herring).
- The Journey: Navigating Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean (2026), following a legendary track through the Arctic and Atlantic.
⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name/Type | TBD / Schionning 43 Catamaran |
| MMSI | 338302000 (Associated with original monohulls) |
| Sailing Style | Performance Blue Water / Solo & Duo Expedition |
| Key GEO Focus | Andaman Sea / Malacca Strait / Thailand (Current) |
| Primary Tech | 3D-Printed Titanium, Starlink Mini, Solar, 3500W+ |
| Technical Focus | Small-Boat Systems, Advanced Scuba, Composite Repair |
| Notable Milestone | Solo voyage to Svalbard (80° North) / 235k+ Subscribers |
Meet the Crew and the Vessel
The Sailor: Sam Holmes
Sam Holmes is the technical architect and cinematic eye behind the channel. A former professional in the film industry, Sam transitioned to full-time sailing with a 'do-it-yourself' or 'do-not-go' philosophy. His background as a writer for Yachting World and Cruising World ensures that his storytelling is grounded in professional-grade maritime analysis. Sam is also a vocal advocate for cruising with medical challenges, having documented his life with ulcerative colitis and a permanent ostomy bag, proving that high-stakes offshore sailing is accessible with the right technical preparation and resilience. Source: svtriteia.com (Note: referencing his previous technical partnerships)
The Transition: From Cape Dory to Schionning 43
For years, Sam was synonymous with Pickled Herring, a Cape Dory 28 monohull he meticulously refitted for a solo North Atlantic crossing. However, in mid-2025, Sam made a radical shift, purchasing a 43ft performance catamaran in Malaysia for approximately $147,000. Designed by Schionning, the vessel is a lightweight composite multihull that emphasizes speed and level sailing—a 'big Hobie Cat' optimized for the long-distance tropical cruising Sam is now undertaking. Early 2026 projects have focused on modernizing the vessel's electrical architecture and 3D-printing custom structural mounts to ensure the boat can handle the high-traffic waters of the Malacca Strait. Source: Sam Holmes Sailing Episode 'Testing 3d printed titanium'
| Feature | Specification (Schionning 43) |
|---|---|
| Length Overall (LOA) | 43.0 ft (13.1 m) |
| Beam | ~24 ft (7.3 m) |
| Hull Material | Epoxy / Foam Core / Composite |
| Propulsion | Twin Diesel Inboards (Yanmar) |
| Power | Massive Solar Array / Lithium Integration |
| Design Style | Performance Cruiser Multihull |
Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters
From the Arctic Ice to the Andaman Islands
Sam’s track line is one of the most diverse in the digital community. His 2022 voyage to Svalbard aboard a 28ft boat remains a technical highlight, documenting the survival skills needed for high-latitude ice dodging. In 2025-2026, his focus shifted to Southeast Asia. A recent milestone was a 500-mile offshore passage from Thailand to the Andaman Islands (India), where the crew explored active volcanoes and navigated uncharted reefs. This region requires extreme technical vigilance due to the heavy shipping traffic of the Malacca Strait and the sudden, violent squalls typical of the Andaman Sea. Source: YouTube - Episode '500 Nautical Mile Offshore Passage'
⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline
- 2019: Sailed a Ranger 23 solo from Los Angeles to Hawaii (Viral Debut).
- 2021: Purchased *Pickled Herring* (Cape Dory 28) and crossed the Atlantic solo.
- 2022: Reached Svalbard (80° North) solo; documented Arctic survival.
- 2023-2024: Extensive cruising through the Mediterranean and North Africa.
- 2025: Moved to Malaysia; purchased the 43ft Schionning Catamaran.
- 2026: Navigating the Andaman Sea; completed major technical refit in Thailand.
🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails
Currently in the Andaman Sea, Sam is managing the logistics of the **Northeast Monsoon** (Nov-April). This region is notorious for sudden, high-intensity thunderstorms that can kick up massive sea states in the shallow straits. As he transits the **Malacca Strait** toward Singapore, he faces some of the densest shipping traffic on Earth, requiring constant AIS vigilance and the technical redundancy of his new Starlink Mini for real-time weather routing via PredictWind. Source: Sam Holmes Sailing Episode 485
Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges
🛠️ The Gear Locker: Crucial Hardware
Sam utilizes a blend of traditional reliability and futuristic DIY manufacturing. Source: youtube.com/@samholmessailing
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Communications | Starlink Mini (Low-power high-speed data) |
| Manufacturing | 3D Printer (Custom Titanium and Composite parts) |
| Comfort | Custom Sunshades by Sunrise Yacht Products |
| Safety | Garmin inReach / ACR GlobalFix V4 EPIRB |
| Tender | Custom Aluminum RIB with Yamaha Outboard |
📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard
The transition to a catamaran has allowed Sam to implement a more robust 'high-bandwidth' systems strategy. Here is our assessment of the new vessel's health as of mid-2026:
- Energy Autonomy (9/10): Massive solar capacity integrated into the composite structure; high-output lithium storage.
- Water Independence (7/10): High-output DC watermaker; essential for the remote Andaman and Nicobar islands.
- Structural Integrity (8/10): Performance Schionning build; ongoing 2026 refit is addressing 3D-printed structural optimizations.
- Communication Grade (10/10): Starlink Mini integration provides 24/7 technical connectivity for media and routing.
Skills & Tutorials: Learning from Sam Holmes
What can a viewer learn from Sam? It is a masterclass in system simplification and technical resilience. Sam provides actionable detail on 3D-printing marine components, the structural risks of glacier encounters, and the logistics of maintaining a complex catamaran grid on a budget. His 'questions about everything' approach allows viewers to learn the mechanics of diesel heat exchangers (Ep. 488) and the intricacies of window resealing alongside him, making high-level boat maintenance accessible to the DIY community. Source: YouTube - 'Breaking stuff offshore'
The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream
🎙️ Community Pulse & Audience Vibe
The channel's audience—the 'Pickled Crew'—is defined by its respect for Sam’s authentic, unpolished style. He has built a community that values technical transparency and the honest struggle of small-boat voyaging. The "Trust Signal" for this channel is Sam's willingness to show his failures, such as hitting a reef in the Andaman Islands (Ep. 482) or his transparent breakdown of his 2025 catamaran purchase costs. His Patreon and AdSense revenue provide the 'boat fund' that allows him to continue exploring 'questionable' vessels and remote frontiers. Source: patreon.com/samholmes
💰 Cruising Budget & Financial Blueprint
Sam has successfully built a sustainable nomadic model through business liquidation and digital storytelling. Source: youtube.com/samholmessailing
| Metric | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Initial Vessel Cost (Cat) | ~$147,000 USD (2025 Purchase) |
| Major Refit Spend (2026) | $20,000 - $35,000 (Comms, Lithium, 3D Gear) |
| Monthly Operating Budget | $2,500 - $4,500 (Estimated for Asia cruising phase) |
| Funding Source | Patreon / YouTube AdSense / Technical Consultation |
Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching
- Thailand to India Passage: A 2026 high-stakes offshore run to an active volcano in the Andaman Islands.
- 3D Printed Titanium: A technical deep dive into the future of DIY boat manufacturing.
- The Malacca Strait: A tactical look at navigating the world's busiest shipping channel solo/duo.
Channels Similar to Sam Holmes Sailing
- Sailing Triteia: For those who appreciate the technical grit of small-boat solo voyaging and traditional refits.
- Sven Yrvind: For viewers interested in extreme minimalist design and the philosophy of the elements.
- How to Sail Oceans: For fans of traditional blue-water seamanship and the technical realities of simple cruisers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sam Holmes Sailing
As of May 2026, Sam is sailing a high-performance 43ft Schionning custom catamaran, which he purchased in Malaysia in 2025.
Sam is currently cruising Southeast Asia, with recent locations in Phuket, Thailand, and the Andaman Islands of India.
The journey is funded by a dedicated Patreon community, YouTube ad revenue from his 235k+ subscribers, and technical technical consulting.
Yes, Sam has documented his journey with ulcerative colitis and a permanent ostomy bag, using his platform to empower others with similar conditions.
Sam sold 'Pickled Herring' in early 2025 after completing his Svalbard and Mediterranean voyages to fund the transition to his performance catamaran.
His current mission is a technical refit of his catamaran in Thailand and exploring the remote outposts of the Indian Ocean toward Australia.
Sam Holmes Sailing Journey and Videos Locations
- Calle del Pozzo, 30132 Venice Lido, Veneto Italy (45.4302708,12.3638025)
Sam Holmes Sailing Latest Episode
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Watch Sam Holmes Sailing's Latest Videos
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Celebes sea. A long slow 500nm passage through the doldrums.
We depart Maratua Indonesia for a long and slow 500 mile passage across the Celebes Sea to Manado Indonesia. During the long glass calm periods I do some work on our engines and damaged dagger boards. After finally repairing the dagger board we snap the other board in half creating more work for the...
Sailing to Maratua, a rarely visited Indonesian island
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We hit a log sailing by strange Indonesian sea platforms
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Replacing a window while sailing through pirate waters and wildlife of Borneo
We navigate through the pirate zone around North East Borneo, replace a window while sailing, tackle some boat projects and 3d printing, and take a trip inland to see the wildlife. If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, or paypal are below...
Sailing to Semporna and the most Garbage I’ve ever seen in the water
Sailing from Sandakan to Semporna and snorkeling the reefs. If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, or paypal are below: Bitcoin: bc1q23xsnagqat94tcu6tr40zcj504njlzqq2hg39c Or Coinbase samholmessailing.cb.id [email protected]...
Kota Kinabalu Bound: Sailing, Survivor Island, Squalls, and Bugs, 3d printing
We depart Brunei and sail towards Kota Kinabalu. Along the way we stop by the original survivor island and do some exploring and snorkeling. then we sail to the north of Borneo, encountering water boiling with fish, oil rigs and night squalls and bat cave and our boat is over run with bugs. I 3d pri...
Sailing to Brunei, an unusual country
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Kuching to Miri
We sail through fields of oil rigs in the south chine sea up the coast of borneo to Miri. I finally start tackleing the soft spots in the dock. We explore the Niah caves. If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, or paypal are below: Bitc...
Becalmed & our engines keep breaking on 7 day passage to Borneo
We sail from the Anambas to Kuching on Borneo. We struggle with being becalmed and engines that keep breaking. In Kuching we see Orangutans and learn about Culture. If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, or paypal are below: Bitcoin: b...
Indonesia’s Most Remote Archipelago
Sailing to the offshore Anambas Archipelago of Indonesia. Sailing to many of the islands and scuba diving. Struggling with anchor and engine issues and trying interesting new foods in town. Diverout App Thermal Night Vision If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possibl...
We like this evolution of the Tender – Exce1sior carbon dinghy test
We test and compare our experiences with our new Exce1sior 3.3m dinghy with our old Aluminum bottom RIB. We were ultimately won over by the good looks, increased performance, storage space and hull build quality. Exce1sior Dinghy US distributor: Use promo code SAMHOLMES for $500-$1000 off Exce1si...
Dodging Supertankers and Finding Paradise on a Malaysian Island
We depart Puteri Harbor and sail around Singapore through one of the busiest straits in the world. conditions are mostly calm with strong currents and a lot of large ships. We sail to Tioman, an offshore Malaysian Island with great reefs for scuba diving. We hike to a waterfall and another hike that...
A great catamaran sunshade solution
Infomercial for our new sunshade from @sunriseyachtproducts This doubled our usable outside space on our catamaran during the day. If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, or paypal are below: Bitcoin: bc1q23xsnagqat94tcu6tr40zcj504njl...
Sailing busy part of the Malacca Strait to Singapore
We sail 5 days south from Port Klang. Down the busy Malacca strait. We try a Swedish banana curry pizza. We visit a mangrove island and see monkeys, wild boars, and giant monitor lizards. We arrive in Puteri Harbor and take the bus across the bridge to Singapore. Boat projects working on the heat ex...
Sailing down the Melaka strait to the biggest cities in Malaysia
Sailing down the Melaka Strait we visit Penang and Kuala Lumpur via port klang. Along the way we revive our window resealing project and have an unfortunate problem with the port engine. We also sail away from a thunderstorm after several days of light wind. If you’re enjoying the videos and would...
Testing 3d printed titanium on the boat
The huge number of projects it takes to maintain a 43ft Catamaran If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, or paypal are below: Bitcoin: bc1q23xsnagqat94tcu6tr40zcj504njlzqq2hg39c Or Coinbase samholmessailing.cb.id samholmessailing@gm...
Breaking stuff offshore
We sail the final stretch back to Lankawi. If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, or paypal are below: Bitcoin: bc1q23xsnagqat94tcu6tr40zcj504njlzqq2hg39c Or Coinbase samholmessailing.cb.id [email protected] Consultation c...
500 Nautical Mile Offshore Passage in Catamaran
We depart Port Blair, India for a 5 day offshore passage to Malaysia. Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use samholmes at checkout. Download Saily app or go to If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, or paypal are below: ...
Venomous snake onboard! We hit a reef exploring the Andaman Islands & Scuba on a giant shipwreck
We set out to explore the Andaman Islands. After a day of sailing and diving we awake to find a venomous snake on our boat. Then we accidentally hit an uncharted reef and have to get the boat off it. After some more sailing and scuba diving we find the biggest and best ship wreck I've ever seen...
Thailand to India 500nm Offshore Passage to an Active Volcano
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Sailing with a stop to get our advanced scuba rating
As we sail our way to the Andaman islands, we make a brief stop to get our scuba tanks filled and an advanced scuba rating. If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, or paypal are below: Bitcoin: bc1q23xsnagqat94tcu6tr40zcj504njlzqq2hg39...
A change of direction. Sailing towards somewhere different.
We decided instead of sailing south to make a 1000nm detour to the north to visit the Andaman islands in India. Unfortunately the wind has other ideas and battling upwind conditions is slow going. If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, or...
Meeting up with James and testing a new hydrofoil
We meet up with James and sail to Rebak island together. Here is a very mice video that james made with us on his channel. I test a new brilliant new hydrofoil system. Slingshot onelock flow 800 If you’re enjoying the videos and would like to help make them possible, links for venmo, patreon, o...