1. **State the problem:** Roy is 13 years older than Sam. In 5 years, the sum of Roy’s age and twice Sam’s age will be 79. We need to find Sam’s current age. 2. **Define variables:** Let Sam's current age be $s$. Then Roy's current age is $s + 13$. 3. **Express future ages:** In 5 years, Sam's age will be $s + 5$ and Roy's age will be $(s + 13) + 5 = s + 18$. 4. **Set up the equation:** The sum of Roy’s age and twice Sam’s age in 5 years is 79: $$ (s + 18) + 2(s + 5) = 79 $$ 5. **Simplify the equation:** $$ s + 18 + 2s + 10 = 79 $$ $$ 3s + 28 = 79 $$ 6. **Solve for $s$:** $$ 3s = 79 - 28 $$ $$ 3s = 51 $$ $$ s = \frac{51}{3} = 17 $$ 7. **Conclusion:** Sam’s current age is $\boxed{17}$ years old.