Back on the Move, First Sail of 2024 - Episode 312 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

  • May 24, 2024 by Acorn To Arabella |
  • Language: EN
  • Play Time: 00:25:34
  • SAILING YOUTUBERS
Steve and Robin only have 4 days before Arabella needs to leave Harwich Port. Meanwhile, there’s some spring cleaning that needs to be done. Winter clothes, boots, fenders, and some dock lines are removed from the boat to be stored until next winter.

This will be Arabella’s first sail of 2024. The plan is to move the boat to Mattapoisett. On day 1, the boat will sail to Cuttyhunk Island. On day 2, Arabella will sail to Buzzards Bay before reaching Mattapoisett, which is where the on-the-water journey began. It’s crazy to think that it’s almost been a year since Arabella launched.

The boat has been prepped for sailing—unhooked from shore power, systems fired up, and dock lines untied. Everything was good to go…or so they thought.

Around 6pm, when turning the engine back on to motor into the marina, the oil pressure light came on. Just before reaching the buoy of Cuttyhunk’s channel, the engine went dead. Fortunately, the wind was blowing toward the boat and away from the shallows, and luckily, the engine died just before entering the channel. And even more luckily, the tie-downs on the anchor chains were freed before taking off in case they needed to be deployed due to an emergency.

The crew decided to hook up outside the channel in water deep enough for everyone to feel safe. Unfortunately, that was the end of sailing for the day.

Luckily, everyone is okay, but time will tell if any permanent damage was done to the engine.

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Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva.

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Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com

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Acorn To Arabella

Acorn To Arabella

Steve Denette: The 5th-generation farmer who built the 38ft wooden ketch Arabella from the stumps of his family farm, now pioneering big-wall climbing in Newfoundland.

Channel Information:

  • Joined: March 23, 2016
  • Subscribers: 172,000
  • Videos: 465
  • Views: 54,586,838
  • Latest Video: June 06, 2026
  • US
  • Language: EN

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The following morning, the wind calmed down considerably. They were given another chance to continue their journey toward Cape Cod and beyond with newfound determination.8 Despite experiencing setbacks like forgetting to check the oil before departing or being stuck outside of Cy hunk’s channel, Robin and Steve maintained an optimistic attitude that fueled their passion for sailing.

As the crew on Arabella worked together to untangle and raise the stubborn anchor, they reflected upon their experience so far. Despite facing some unexpected challenges along the way—such as malfunctioning engines or getting stuck outside channels—it was clear that Robin, Steve, Ben, and Josh all had one thing in common: a deep love for sailing. Looking toward the future, Robin and Steve were confident that their time spent on Arabella would lead to many more unforgettable adventures. With their recent experience of facing adversity head-on, they could now anticipate any unforeseen challenges along their journey.

For those interested in embarking on a similar journey or learning more about sailing, be sure to follow Acorn to Arabella’s captivating story. By supporting their Patreon account, you’ll help bring these weekly episodes straight to your screen, offering an up-close look at life aboard a wooden boat.9

Next Week: The Journey Continues
Join us next Friday as we dive into the aftermath of their engine malfunction and find out if any permanent damage was done. As Arabella sets sail through the Cape Cod Canal towards Maine, Steve will learn more about working on the boat and spending time with his mom during this exciting summer season.

It wasn’t long before they found themselves on the water with full confidence and enthusiasm. Robin and Steve felt grateful to have their crew onboard as they set sail towards Cty Hunk Island, hoping for an enjoyable afternoon under sunny skies.5 With a solid plan in place, it seemed that all aspects of their preparations were on point—making their journey all the more enjoyable.

Just as things seemed perfect, an unexpected challenge arose just before entering Cy hunk’s narrow channel. While they were motoring, an oil pressure light went on, and the engine quickly died.6 With only one fuel tank left to fill, they knew it was essential not to waste time fixing their main problem. Fortunately, Robin and Steve managed to avoid shallower waters while waiting for daylight and a more favorable weather condition. Stuck in Cy Hunk’s Channel
As they sat there hoping for better days ahead, the wind shifted, forcing them to face a new reality. They were now anchored outside the channel but within deep waters—safe enough not to panic or feel completely helpless.7 The following morning, the wind calmed down considerably. They were given another chance to continue their journey toward Cape Cod and beyond with newfound determination.8 Despite experiencing setbacks like forgetting to check the oil before departing or being stuck outside of Cy hunk’s channel, Robin and Steve maintained an optimistic attitude that fueled their passion for sailing.

As the crew on Arabella worked together to untangle and raise the stubborn anchor, they reflected upon their experience so far. Despite facing some unexpected challenges along the way—such as malfunctioning engines or getting stuck outside channels—it was clear that Robin, Steve, Ben, and Josh all had one thing in common: a deep love for sailing. Looking toward the future, Robin and Steve were confident that their time spent on Arabella would lead to many more unforgettable adventures. With their recent experience of facing adversity head-on, they could now anticipate any unforeseen challenges along their journey.

For those interested in embarking on a similar journey or learning more about sailing, be sure to follow Acorn to Arabella’s captivating story. By supporting their Patreon account, you’ll help bring these weekly episodes straight to your screen, offering an up-close look at life aboard a wooden boat.9

Next Week: The Journey Continues Join us next Friday as we dive into the aftermath of their engine malfunction and find out if any permanent damage was done. As Arabella sets sail through the Cape Cod Canal towards Maine, Steve will learn more about working on the boat and spending time with his mom during this exciting summer season.

As the team prepared for this journey, they knew that it would be a whirlwind of events. They had just returned from England, spent a night on the boat, raced back to Western Mass, stayed with Robin’s parents’ house to collect Ben who is behind the camera. Then they raced back to Harwich Port to get out and tie up at EDS. With so many things happening simultaneously, it was hard for them to keep everything in check while maintaining their excitement about setting sail again.

Before leaving Harwich Port, there were several checks that needed to be done. One important aspect was the switch for the engine. As Steve and Robin checked off items from their list, they knew how crucial it was to ensure everything functioned correctly during this first sail of 2024.4

The Launch

It wasn’t long before they found themselves on the water with full confidence and enthusiasm. Robin and Steve felt grateful to have their crew onboard as they set sail towards Cty Hunk Island, hoping for an enjoyable afternoon under sunny skies.5 With a solid plan in place, it seemed that all aspects of their preparations were on point—making their journey all the more enjoyable.