100 Oysters Can Solve Most Problems - Episode 326 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

[@dremein]

Nice to see you're in my home state of NC. Hope you've had a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

[@RenegadeADV]

Steve, having lived on and sailed my boat the last 8 years, I think you are doing a wonderful job in these videos showing the reality of sailing, and the best parts of it as you get to explore these places. If I could offer you a strong suggestion it would be to heavily lean into this style of video, it works well, it is educational and fun, I think if you continue down this path and hone your presentation style you are going to continue to see your channel grow as I really enjoyed this video.

[@macmcdougall2695]

Steve, thanks for visiting the Maurice River and Bivalve in NJ. I have been a volunteer crew member and other things for the better part of 20 years. Bayshore Center at Bivalve celebrates the Delaware Bay and the history of the area. Thank you for your footage and your KZbin channel. I've been following it for a few weeks on your journey south. Fair seas and following winds!

[@nathandenny5575]

Steve, your greatest gift is your openness to friendship and collaboration. I am sure you will continue to reap the rewards for being such a generous spirit.

[@wvonfricken]

Finally got to see those bronze Barlow ST winches I sold you like 5 or so years ago with sheets on em. Glad you are getting salty instead of just dusty. Thankful you have good crew to help you along. Fair winds.

[@cadalot58]

I've been catching up with your journey in the last few days once I discovered you were back with us, and I have to say I'm loving the fact we are able to live vicariously through your KZbin videos. You are becoming an accomplish sailor, as you are boat builder and interesting to see the modifications and repairs made since the launch. Looking forward to watching your future travels and Adventures as well as Leo's and Tally Ho's

[@darrenleask6042]

I have warched every episode from the beginning of the journey. This journey has been part of my self care regime. Steve, you are a monument of a man who epitomises what we should endeavour to do. Your journey continues to goad me to dream and embark on the path less travelled. You have helped me to redifine what it means to be a successful human. You are blessed to have Ben and the team with you. The Lord Bless you, and keep your crew safe.

[@wolfparty4234]

If this is a glimps of what’s to come with ATA’s channel, visiting town’s and sharing some history about them. Well then this is going to be really awesome!! The one good thing about the Jersey bottom of the river is the mud is deep…. 3’-4’ in most places.

[@Ken-xm1rf]

I just thought of something. When you get down into the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds, the tides are super schizophrenic. Our water levels change much more due to the amount of water coming down the rivers and wind direction/force, than from lunar effects.

[@treediddy]

Really enjoyed watching this episode of your stay in Bivalve. Years ago, while I was in college at Rutgers, I worked two summers at the NJ Oyster Research Lab on the bayshore between Cape May and Bivalve. I have great memories of that experience and all that I learned about oyster biology and oyster culture. Glad you got a taste of it. Also lived for 10 years just outside Annapolis, which I’m guessing you’re heading toward or maybe already at. I just love that city! Safe travels!

[@Jason-sm4oc]

"Chcolate for the road" now there is a concept that I can wholeheatedly agree with, :))

[@MaShcode]

Pretty much describes me in a foil wrapper.

[@andrewlangrick2299]

I had a long keel yacht for a few years, getting into and out of docks can hard be hard and I was always wary. One technique is to motor against a shore line, rigged as a slip (tied to boat, around the cleat on the dock and back) , made off but ready to release. If moored port side to, rig a line from the starboard quarter, running astern to the dock. Motor forwards slowly, the line becomes taut and the boat will start to turn against the line, and do a 180. Then release the line and haul it in. In the situation you were in , there was not much room and with an onshore wind I think turning her with lines was a good call. With practice, over the years, I got more comfortable in fairly tight spots. But long keeled yachts are always harder to maneuver, but the flip side is they are more stable at sea.

[@MaShcode]

Akiva’s the real deal! Good boy!

[@petern372]

He’s an awesome dog! Also kept me warmer in a very cold bunk!

[@Kicksfascistass4783]

I remember the lead pour and laying the keel. Felling oak trees and the steamer. Thanks for the memories and for the future memories

[@chriscmoor]

Steve, I'm glad and grateful that you have transitioned to being a documentarian of these historical places. Fair winds and following seas, my friends.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Your friend Peter is talented and durable!

[@roxanabotto9748]

Steve , Thank you for your videos

[@Bystander333]

One of the things I love about America is that there are places like Bivalve that farm Oysters. It's like Paradise or Independence. It's a very literal modern name. Unlike Jersey which is a Danish portmanteau for "Jer" grass and "Sey" island (apparently). Peter seems humble and very experienced.

[@glassgoat9601]

Happy to see you are becoming even more cautious as you continue your travels. It is a good thing.

[@trcrissinger4721]

you are correct...their name says it all..."Thump" mats... sacrificial mats to protect the deck and the blocks from damage.

[@d.j.vanderschoot3717]

You're right w.r.t. the block mats near the traveler on the Meerwald. Used in similar fashion even on steel decks to protect the wooden block from the steel.

[@birdseyeview1543]

I grew up in Lancaster County in southern PA by a junction of roads called Oyster Point. Us kids exploring in the woods came across bottles, dishes and remarkably a mound of oyster shells over 10 feet high in spots. Turns out there was a very popular restaurant there from the mid 1800's into the 1920's. Supplied daily by NJ Bivalve.

[@petern372]

Ha, I also grew up in Lancaster county. Unfortunately there were no oysters to be found in Denver PA

[@jeffmack4995]

Great stuff, folks!! No shame in warping a boat into the right place, I believe it was the way it was done in the day. Happy Holidays to you all, 2 legs and four. Jeff and Julie s/v OoLaLa Westsail32 hull#81

[@sartorst3376]

Only those who have tried backing a full keel boat would understand 😊

[@andrewlangrick2299]

The trick is to know she will go whichever way she wants, so you just need to pretend to anyone watching that it is what you planned all along

[@SailingCailin]

I love to see you warping Arabella at the dock. A lost art during the age of bumper boats and credit card captains.

[@andymason8401]

Very nice of you to share your MMSI cool to see where you are in real time. Thanks

[@billlippincott3937]

Hi guys. I really enjoyed the story and history lesson of the area.

[@jamesdwyer6701]

You learned from boat builders now boat captains

[@lpmorify]

an old mantra I heard about docking boats, "go slow, get into trouble slow."

[@charlesmoore456]

It will be nice to keep track of you guys on your journey south. Don't expect me to visit you, though, I'm not leaving my winter wonderland for anything. I've waited all year for this!!

[@AcornToArabella]

We get it. ❤️

[@oleran4569]

19:34 Nice touch Ben! Ya get what ya need....little need for resolution...

[@Slikx666]

Well done Peter for helping out, hope you had a great time. I've done the 4 on 8 off and it's a bit more work than people think. And before I forget.... HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE 🎊⛄🥳🎉

[@n4837z]

Good to hear what Steve said in the intro. Far too many perfectly good docks/slips sit empty.

[@BackseatGamingJesus]

Backing out with lines is definitely the sensible choice, not many sailboats respond well in reverse, especially with the environmental factors you mentioned.

[@markisLem]

Clark and Eisele did such a nice job on the Meerwald restoration.

[@Bajatrvlr]

Wow, Dismal Swamp Canal, sounds very scenic. Keep trucking Steve, you’re doing great. It won’t be long before you’re completely at ease with your boat. Love the videos.

[@charlie15627]

You know, there's a lot of wingnuts out there and every once in a while one of them gets loose. Aside from the occasional loose wingnut I expect people will be respectful towards your wishes. Best wishes and smooth sailing👍

[@patmancrowley8509]

I promise that I'll stay where I'm at. No visits but online.

[@zapcat4194]

Hi folks...I had an Ingrid Ketch some years back. I (eventually 😅) learned that she could be steered when going astern, but tight quarters were always a challenge. I generally tried to get her going with the helm centred, and then she could be coaxed to one side or another with "not too much" helm. My emergency brake was an anchor tied outboard of the cockpit with a couple of boatlengths of chain/rode and ready to let go.....Needless to say, I practised in quite spots where I couldn't do too much damage......Ahhh...fond memories 😊

[@petern372]

I had a chance to test Arabella backing in reverse out in the Bivalve channel. She walks to port, as expected. Unexpectedly, she still walks to port after backing over a boat length with the rudder hard over the other way. Steve is a smart guy to insist that we warp her out!

[@worldexplorer75]

Aww Shucks, another great episode! As for running aground, it happened to me years ago as we were coming home from a great sail. Our marina (in Rowayton) had gotten pretty silty, and we found the silt at almost full low tide. We had to sit and wait for a couple of hours for the water to rise to motor the last couple hundred yards to the dock!

[@pulse301]

No shucking gloves?! You're a brave man. This was a great episode!

[@larrybell726]

Well, according to MarineTraffic you are about 10 miles from my house. I'll just sit here and wave! Enjoy the tour of the Great Dismal Swamp, and greetings from a Virginia Beach fan, since day 1.

[@joecioe8566]

Love your videos, enjoy seeing these cool places and look forward to what is to come. Hope everyone is respectful and understanding.

[@skipper2285]

Slow and steady is fine. Save the fancy fast and complicated maneuvers for those who can afford to fail. Very heartening to see you making this part of your voyage at this time of year. Good luck.

[@ryan_mcme]

Happy Friday, 'bella fam! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from the coast of Maine! 🎄

[@mathijs58]

When building a boat, make sure you make it sturdy enough to withstand all the knocking on the wood ;-)

[@markbrooks1111]

You guys need some wool. Minus 33 and filson are my go to. A good cook is worth her weight in gold!🎉

[@AcornToArabella]

There is probably a whole sheep’s worth aboard. hard to beat good old wool.

[@11THEFEZMAN11]

Ive been to Bivalve, to say it smells bad in the summer is an understatement

[@philparmenter53]

Happy Friday great to hear and see everything is going well. Greeting from Plymouth UK

[@philparmenter53]

Happy Friday, glad to hear and see everything is going well. From Plymouth UK

[@funsmasher7018]

If you are loving this, the Chesapeake will interest the heck out of you. So many water related historical sites.

[@Elios0000]

this Smith and Tangier Island are most stops.

[@marlobreding7402]

10:29 My favorite way to cook Oysters is grilled over charcoal with butter and Tobacco sauce.

[@mossfoster5317]

Ben the music is always great but the pieces today were great, the electric was very nice

[@randomviewer3494]

Very cool that you make the MMSI public. Now I can track you when you finally sail over to europe :) We'll welcome you with open arms (after a meeting place/time has been agreed upon)

[@billgiles3261]

The River Fal in England has an oyster fishery. Local laws forbid the use of engines to dredge for oysters so traditional sail boats do the oyster fishing. The working boats are also raced, although there are many more of the traditional craft which are raced and don’t go after the oysters. See more here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falmouth_working_boat

[@MaShcode]

The Oyster Smacks are great shallow draft like the early colonial Dutch river boats used to harvest crustaceans…and those ochre sails

[@Ayns.L14A]

Happy Friday everyone, hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year wherever you maybe.....

[@AcornToArabella]

Same to you, happy holidays!

[@badcat4707]

Good morning to Akiva 🐺 and Steve and Robyn (crew 😸 ) Merry Christmas🎄🎇 to you 3 and best wishes for a happy New Year too 🎇🎉😸😺🙏

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy holidays!

[@kurthoelter3495]

had a hard time setting the hook one night in the lower chesapeak bay. woke up in the morning to tongers all around the boat. they filled our 5 gal wash bucket for 5 dollars and we headed south happily leaving a trail of shells. you are missed at hadley. fair winds.

[@ronhowe9913]

This was a great episode...thanks for sharing 😊

[@RussWabuda]

this is what i'm talking about. wow... merry Christmas and very best wishes for 2025. let's work to make that the best year yet. with peace on earth.

[@samuelfox3997]

Thanks again

[@andyswmr714]

That is really neat the Marine Traffic Finder thingy! Safe Travels!

[@TooManyHobbies58]

We went on a Meerwald sail this Oct. Was a real nice day and sail. Nice to be on a schooner type boat. Very relaxing day. Then we went to the Lobster House for a good meal.

[@jeichas]

Nice to wait on the tide to get yourself out of a pickle. Sailing on the Great Lakes - when you’re aground, buddy, you are aground! Tailwinds

[@andylong1935]

Bivalve, New Jersey. What a great name. That is so cool. A classic! I grew up on the coast up north, 20 miles south of Boston. Yes... we had a lot of fond memories when it came to bivalves. Steamers, quahogs/little necks/cherry stones, sea clams, razor clams and mussels. My buddies and I as kids even tried barnacles. Ha!

[@Johannes58934]

Avery cool app to see where yall are! And don't worry about me knocking on the hull. I'm in Europe at the moment... So unless you come to Bremerhaven, then I might.

[@AcornToArabella]

You might get the chance someday!

[@kevinz8867]

We were in Key West in feb. earlier this year. I saw The American II out sailing at sunset while we were on a modern cat. The next day I dragged my wife and kid out onto the American II for an afternoon sale. That was pretty cool... It's a metal 'wooden' boat, but it still had sails and it was pretty cool to be goin 12knots under sale.

[@IstasPumaNevada]

May your journeys be as quick and safe as you need, but also as interesting as you can stand. :D

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@Rainmakerlm]

We have all Gill gear onboard and its great stuff. Its amazing how much less expensive it is compared to all the other big brands. Staying dry and warm is so important, once you get wet or cold its pretty miserable and difficult to recover from.

[@davidcalder9398]

Merry Christmas to all of you

[@AcornToArabella]

and to you! Merry Christmas!

[@dennisdownes9319]

Great video...great history! DD

[@AlisonFort]

Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2025!

[@shortypalmer2560]

An old friend of mine has a dock on the intra coastal just north of beaufort sc. I have contacted them to see if they were available if needed for a place to stay.

[@tbjoyrider]

Robin: "I can pack some pretty calories" I disagree! Once Akiva has had a sniff, there's no calories left in that food 😂

[@melshea2276]

Happy Friday Akiva and Co.!😊

[@russellthomson5571]

Great video guys.

[@snarl3027]

Be carful around the c&d canal. There are some big flats. Honor the channel markers 😂

[@joefin5900]

You may want to look into getting a Black Diamond SouWester for you and Robyn, either the traditional or the Texan(better when you must look up often to scan your sails and rigging). They will keep your neck dry and your head warm. Merry Christmas and yes, Santa Can fit down stovepipes!

[@AndrexT]

Loved the Oysters, back in the late 1700 and 1800s oysters were a staple diet food. They regularly turn up when metal detecting old home sites. The AIS is neat. I wondered why you were on a road inland, but you are in a 'Dismal Swamp', in a 'Canal' by the side of a road. It sounds a dreary place, so looking forward to the video.

[@charliemcgrain]

Dude you have got to get an autopilot/tiller pilot, something. It is brutal being tied to the tiller. You have a stern hung ruder, that is the easiest design to add a trim tab windvane to. I actually consider that as safety equipment; you take one injury and, one person down, how the feck are you going to man the helm?

[@kiwigurn]

Apparently when grounded, you should raise a French flag, in way of explanation

[@Scott_the_Celt]

To say, "We've surrendered to the tide!"?

[@johnmules5954]

ROFLMAO 😂

[@Gorbyrev]

​@Scott_the_Celt 😂 slice of cheese anyone?

[@MaShcode]

A large, oversized tricolour 🇫🇷😂

[@johnchatterton9240]

Just fly the T Tango signal flag.

[@budschermerhorn6062]

Good Morning from Sandwich, MA

[@AcornToArabella]

Mornin’!

[@stevencarpenter8841]

Thanks for the insight into AIS. I did find it about a week ago and was able to search by the boat's name. Today, I looked online using the link and the direct AIS and the position noted was from over a day ago and it currently says "Vessel Out of Range". I trust you really aren't out of range but maybe turned off the AIS transmit for privacy? Or, as was suggested in today's video, there have been issues with AIS transmitting and perhaps those have returned. For me it is just fun to see where you are and match it up with the more current social media posts. In any case, I hope that you are all safe and feeling warmer and that Akiva is settling into a seafaring toilet routine. Blessings on your journey and I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

[@climberjb]

AIS transmits over a VHF channel, so out of range just means not somewhere where there's VHF coverage. Bigger vessels will have satellite AIS but that's more expensive and usually not free to view online either!

[@stevepenn]

4 and 8 watch is a grind. Did 4 and 12 for 3 westpac line cruises from 69 to 70.

[@gilbreathca]

HAHAHA! Akiva at 22:21 lol! HAAAALP! Stuck... Awkwardness abounds when you put animals on camera! haha

[@steveschwartz6138]

If the boat is a rocking, don't come a knocking

[@IstasPumaNevada]

I don't know how well this would work, but when you're at public docks, maybe you could have a portable stand with a guest book (under weatherproof cover) that you could place on the dock, so people who show up could say hi and feel they participated without having to directly contact you or wait until you're awake/back at Arabella/feeling up for guests. And maybe even have a little mailbox for letters or something. You know better than I would whether that would be feasible, just an idea.

[@rodneywroten2994]

I bet that could be a problem with people pouring in and privet life goes right out the window. but like me I have watched the Arabella being born. I would love to meet you guys myself. Prayers for the future

[@AcornToArabella]

It went pretty well in Granby, and we love running into folks that follow along, we're optimistic it'll be alright. Hope to meet you someday!

[@danieldonaldson8634]

I always feel that Robin and Steve send signals about being a bit overexposed by the channel. I think it's tough, the transition to a sailing channel, by the very fact that what I'm watching has gone from being a workplace to a home. To add to this, I feel like you guys are working out the shift in what gets shot; some of the narration by Ben works, some of the conversations between Steve and Robin work; but the latter can reveal how you're thinking things through, more about how to communicate what's happening to us, than the footage being actual slice of life. I totally get it. Which is just to say that the last section with Steve talking about considerations he has to balance around exposing him and Robin to outside visits and attention that can intrude into your personal lives was in a way the most real, relaxed, direct, personable and confident way I've heard him on the channel. Whatever Robin put into his tea that day works.

[@wurly164]

Welcome to New Jersey

[@rickansell661]

Having lived on a boat on the UK Canals (sadly now ashore for medical reasons). To follow up on Seves ending peice, privacy is important. Liveaboards are not 'Cast' in a Theme Park. The tales of some of the things that have happened to some of my friends are legion. People wandering through the boat, opening cupboards etc. People staring in through windows. Shining torches whilst doing that. Getting up in the night because the boat is rocking and finding people having a meal and drinks party on the stern deck... I was lucky in my mooring but even visitors to other boats can be a pain. Just because your friend is happy for you to do X doesn't mean that you can do X on all the boats and moorings nearby. Forgetting that can spread stress and conflict between boaters. Most of the people that follow A2A seem to be great and what they want is up to Steve and Robin but, on behalf of Residential Boaters everywhere, please don't be 'that person'.

[@garymalm]

I live in oysterland Japan and here is a local recipe. In the shell. A dash of sake and a couple of drops of soy sauce. Shredded garlic and ginger. Under the grill. gary in japan.

[@ChrisFrench-ur5lb]

Merry Christmas!

[@AcornToArabella]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@ton73z28]

Good Morning

[@AcornToArabella]

Morning!

[@rexmyers991]

Now that you and Robin are genuine celebrities along comes the negatives - like unwanted interaction. It’s a tough thing. I promise not to show up uninvited. 😂

[@J-Justice666]

Freshly shucked oysters. Num, Num..

[@Digital-Dan]

Until you sail into Palo Alto Harbor [sic], you're safe from me anyhow. Good sailing.

[@moosebonsai]

Brillant!

[@OneEyedJack01]

I'm curious to know what a case of 100 oysters costs directly from the factory. Here in the Midwest, far from the ocean, oysters are stupid expensive.

[@AcornToArabella]

$50!

[@Elios0000]

@@AcornToArabella if only dock side for bluecrabs in MD was as good lol 50 bucks might get dozen mediums