Winter Sailing In New England - Episode 293 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

[@script.kitchen8543]

Thank goodness you’re escaping the arctic wastelands of Maine for the tropic paradise of coastal Massachusetts.

[@sysfx]

From about 17:50 to 19:00 Steve is "fighting" the boat with the rudder to counter the bow's natural tendency to describe circles in the air. A good helmsman learns to minimize rudder usage. Helm pressure always generates drag which reduces boat speed. Instead of fighting the boat's natural movements on the waves, try to keep the rudder more or less fixed while letting the bow "circle" around your desired heading. Ideally, the helmsman is always trying to find the helm position that keeps the boat pointing to the right place IN AVERAGE. In other words, let the boat move in the water, keep the helm as fixed as possible.

[@allgonquin]

I was noticing that as well. Excessive "weather helm" it appeared to me. The tendency to round up can often be improved by moving the center of effort of the wind forward, i.e. helping push the bow down wind. So more jib, less main may help balance Arabella. So maybe a reef in the main and unfurl the jib or bust out the stays'l if it's not already out. Weather helm is however much better than lee helm!

[@sysfx]

@@allgonquin the weather helm seems to be consistent with the sea and wind conditions given the design's age, weight and other considerations. We can see Steve bringing the helm a lot to weather and then some to lee again and again as the waves pass. He needs live coaching. Also, Arabela is heavier than she should be. I just hope he doesn't learn from his own mistakes. It's expensive and often painful.

[@christophersousa109]

@sysfx Having grown up sailing heavy, full keeled, tiller-helmed boats, what you describe is spot-on. Folks new to helming will always over-steer until they get the feel for what the boat wants to do and learn that they shouldn't fight it. I do wonder if having a gaff rig puts an undo amount of weather helm on, as the lower clew will always be trimmed more inboard than you'd ideally want for that point of sail.

[@LondraS-v2l]

Ready to put my life back together

[@LondraS-v2l]

11

[@Aubrey-c9x]

They looked up at the sky and saw a million stars.

[@tracythorn2918]

Being out in the cold is always easier when you know it's warm and cozy inside. Safe travels.

[@decimusunum3788]

I've been watching A2A since around episode 10, at that time I was going through cancer treatment for stage 2 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It was Steve's channel along with Leo's Tally Ho and Salt & Tar's Rediviva that got me through it. I've been in remission now for going on 4 years and continue to watch each week. I was surprised Christmas day when I opened a present and it was an Acorn to Arabella T-Shirt that my daughter got me. Keep up the great work Steve, nice to see you have added a life partner to your crew. Your weekly video's got me through some tough times. Hoping you had a great holiday and even a better New Year...

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you so much for sharing this, how great to hear about your remission and I hope your health is ever-improving! You’ve made our day. Happy new year! -Anne

[@MrMNRichardWright]

The win to Mom and G-ma knit wear.

[@AcornToArabella]

Beautiful things and so very useful!

[@robhawthorne6892]

14:21.. I see you sweating the lines.. I’m always learning something new.. “don’t sweat the small stuff”

[@bobgasm1471]

"my world is covered in dog hair" I know the feeling, wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Old Warm Hands. 👍👌👏 Nice trip, a bit cold but a nice trip. I'm sooo happy that Akiva is enjoying life onboard. He always looks as if he is smiling (especially when seeing his profile). 2) Please tell us if the packing and the new sacrificial anode solved the electric issue. Thanks a lot for making explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards, luck and especially health to all of you.

[@AcornToArabella]

Yes! We do need to update on that. Ben and I are hoping we can fit in something with a continuity test on the old packing. Cheers to you, and awoooo from Akiva! -Anne

[@26N80W]

Steve, when you are running offshore you can run a temp lifeline from the toe rail near the bow back to the shrouds and then back to the cockpit. Should be waist high or so. Will give a some security and something to grab in the case of a misstep. Much better than nothing at all. I've done it on a catamaran I sailed without lifelines. At the shrouds either use a clove hitch with the line itself or using a temp lashing with a short piece of line.

[@cosmicinsane516]

Akiva must be finally enjoying the weather.

[@AcornToArabella]

Yup! Hahah

[@charlesmoore456]

Your photography skills are beyond impressive!

[@AcornToArabella]

Aw, that's so kind, Charles! Happy belated Friday to you, I didn't catch this yesterday. :) -Anne

[@charlesmoore456]

🥰@@AcornToArabella

[@brianbennett1244]

I've been watching for an hour now - and Steven is STILL putting clothes on!!! ;)

[@AcornToArabella]

hahahahaha :D

[@BeeGeeTheImp]

WE. ARE. SAILIN'!🤪

[@AcornToArabella]

🌊🌊🌊

[@michaelc.3812]

WOW!!! Activa really, REALLY loves George! That cool, as dogs know when a person is a dog-person and often know when a person is potentially trouble.

[@AcornToArabella]

George and Akiva have a special relationship.

[@oliver9089]

What a beautiful boat. Congratulations

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you!

[@lonercaveman]

Those home made sweaters keep you extra warm with the love they were made with

[@AcornToArabella]

So so true.

[@mathijs58]

It looks like you ARE affiliated to two of the 'brands' that you are wearing. Affiliated as derived from filus or filial (= son)! Mad knitting skills in your family, warms the heart as well as the rest of the body...

[@AcornToArabella]

Ha!! Good point!

[@manfredolson6889]

That sweater is the most amazing thing. For every reason

[@chrisenglund9269]

So glad to see the knitted items. Wool is the original high tech fiber. Merry Christmas!

[@jamesbuckingham8073]

!00% wool including base layer, it breaths and maintains body heat. Sheep has proven it works, synthetic is all about marketing and it stinks where wool doesn't

[@horacio1962]

sweet last image. I don't know if i've seen a full set from a distance like that. She looks very balanced. And I keep thinking about that port toe rail damage. A repair that will certainly be easier in Florida weather.

[@AcornToArabella]

We won't be seeing Florida weather. Final destination is somewhere along the cape or nearby.

[@johnalveus]

enjoyed the clothing/gear review 👍👍

[@daviddeakin2006]

Nice to see Arabella under full sail at the end , looks fantastic

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers!

[@budschermerhorn6062]

Good Morning from Sandwich, MA

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Bud!!

[@sail027li]

Lucking out with the weather!

[@direbearcoat7551]

That was an educational lecture and demonstration of how to dress up for actual cold weather. I imagine that the strategy Steve described most likely works on cold weather land activities, and not just at sea.

[@AcornToArabella]

That’s true!

[@billyblobb67]

Excellent and very enjoyable!

[@AcornToArabella]

So glad you liked it!

[@bartstevens4035]

"Old Warm Hands" 😄 Nice to meet you, I'm Old Freezing Hands. The keel is looking so much better now 👍

[@AcornToArabella]

:D

[@stevekreitler9349]

By the way, Steve, that shot of you steering with Akiva sleeping with his head on your thigh would make a great poster or promo shot!

[@rolandtb3]

Layered up. Help from George. Chatting with Kracken fishermen. Warm and cozy inside.

[@MrMichaelcurran]

Winter sailing buts hair on your chest. But, only if your not in the Bahama's. The best to your mother, your a caring son, best to both of you

[@davidantill6949]

Nice episode. "Wet Nose" Steve is learning fast 👍🏻

[@jean-marievennin8405]

Hey Skipper, at sea add a real LIFE-LINE runing port and starboard but a flate one because the round one slide under the boot, SAFETY FIRST.🤐🤔🤨😉😊😊😊 Great look offshore. Nice vidéo of ARABELLA living its proper life. Bon courage and stay safe all together. HAPPY CHRISMAST O ALL.😉😉😊😊😊😊😊

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Its great seeing you enjoying all those years of hard work. Our quick trip to see Arabella being built was the highlight of my year. It was surreal for sure. Not everyone gets to say they got to see and touch and smell all of that hard work. Akiva is a great ambassador. He guarded the property and also gave us such a sweet greeting. My prayers for your mom and for your safety continue. See you next week.

[@AcornToArabella]

See you next week, Kathy! Happy holidays to you!

[@jean-louislependu4790]

It's great to see the boat on the water. A bean bag cushion on our boat was so comfortable when on watch. Just saying. Stay focused and enjoy the journey.

[@AcornToArabella]

I’ve got this little one called a “Free Bag” that’s the greatest! -Anne

[@stevencarpenter8841]

Continued prayers for Steve's mom and safety for the crew of Arabella. Great to see her out on the water. Steve & Robin look pretty comfortable and I continue to be impressed with their journey of learning how to sail and gaining experience. I have been tuning in and always look forward to the new things. I noticed the clamps holding up the bimini and will be excited to see the final version someday. Akiva sure seems comfortable enjoying his retirement. God bless you all and Merry Christmas!!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you so much and Merry Christmas to you, too.

[@moejaime2654]

Akiva looks like a spoiled fur baby !!

[@AcornToArabella]

😊

[@AndrexT]

Good to see all those layers and mother's jumper is lovely. The Helly Hanson flotation jacket I gifted you would work as mid cold season gear, and it will keep you buoyant if you did fall overboard.

[@lorasmith8622]

Love that Akiva is living her best life. Fair winds and following seas ...

[@sandytttt1174]

Sailing off the Maine coast in December can be cold and I like all of your layers. So others don't get the impression that winter sailing is always like the artic, sometimes it can be in the forties, sunny, light to moderate winds like sailing on a fall day...and always beautiful!

[@AcornToArabella]

Yup! It’s actually more temperate than people know.

[@MaShcode]

Gulfstreamalicious. Coastals get winter but less hard thanks to the warm water conveyor. Bomb cyclones are the big concern now combined with nor’easters. Happy New Year 🎉😊

[@johnnunn8688]

Merry Christmas to the crew and supporters of Arabella 🤗🤗.

[@AcornToArabella]

Hip hip to the supporters and community here on KZbin!

[@script.kitchen8543]

My grandmother grew up in Anisquam, right next to Gloucester. Love me some New England clam chowder.

[@chjp2346]

Hardy souls, all!

[@A.Spivey]

So glad to see "New Ironsides" doing so well in some moderate seas. I was worried the weight of the Oak planking would fault her bouancy calculations. Sail on Me Hearties!

[@philparmenter53]

Happy Christmas and A2A day to everybody. from Plymouth UK

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday and merry Christmas to you, Phil.

[@MaShcode]

Loved seeing you at the tiller. Best way to learn a boats tendencies: hand steer. Bravo. And Akiva is in heaven. A new dog, a new life. Wonderful to see. Cheers.

[@AcornToArabella]

He's a happy boy.

[@jamesHadden-l6l]

Great vid I love the old tradition boats that is so common in New England But you can have the cold

[@legend7ify]

.........G'day, t' see Akiva so happy makes my eyes leak. Cheers, Malcolm.

[@AcornToArabella]

Awww, cheers, Malcolm!

[@SteveN3695J]

Enjoying that you're getting your feet wet... I have been on board with you since you poured the keel..! I want to comment on your exterior electronics. Speaking from experience, the ocean will eat those alive unless you separate them from the elements. Even then, they will absorb moisture, which will short life expectancy. Additionally, I noticed some very bright glare during your departure in the early and dark am hours. It is extremely important that your eyes relax. Darken down your steering station to only red light, close or cover all light from below deck and you'll be much more confident of your surroundings! Likely you've already got this covered, just another helpful hint. Enjoy those exciting times ahead:)

[@NZobservatory]

I can't wait to see the spaceship your (great) grandkids make from whatever's left of Arabella in 100 years! Oh wait, I'll be dead. Bummer....

[@AcornToArabella]

Ha!

[@dalevalentine1721]

I'm sure there will be a video that starts out something like "Hi, my name is Leo and I recently purchased this vintage sailing yacht Arabella for 1 dollar..."

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

It's the network! Almost from the start we were addicted. I'm pretty that a lot of sailing is on way. m Man really all is well. Stay safe. What beautiful video!! 💯❤️❤️

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you so much for being on the journey with us, and very glad you're here every week and enjoying what we do!

[@shaneandshelly]

No! If you think weather sucks in your home where you live/////// NO? it is 1000% on the water! Those who have been there know!

[@jacou293]

Chaque jour qui passe nous permet d'apprendre. Ce beau voilier est un ketch, pour qu'il navigue bien équilibré il lui faut la voile d'artimon, chaque grand coup de barre rappel ce principe. Sur un voilier à longue quille , la route est très stable, sinon,penser à envoyer l'artimon , même avec des ris. Joyeux Noël et bonne année.

[@markwaters8907]

Good morning from tasmania Australia

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy belated Friday to you! Cheers to you! -Anne

[@timothymulholland7905]

I’m in Brazil and I feel cold just watching!

[@brucefelger4015]

You might want to find an indoor pool that will let you see what happens if you fall into the water, with all your clothes on. practice helps!

[@fakeleftr]

Surfing gear might be an option to consider. A pair of 8mm wetsuit booties keeps the feet comfortable even in 1C water (and no doubt below if you're in salt water, but I've only used them surfing the great lakes). No need to worry about getting water inside or taking them off if you fall in. Now you just need to put some surf wax on deck, and you're set! :) Btw, I like how your idea of learning to sail is doing so in winter, when everyone's got their boat hauled out. Very in keeping with the channel.

[@h2energynow]

Awesome views of the sea, Seeing Steve sailing like he has been doing it for years. What amazing editing and talks within this Episode 293.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for the kind words, Sonya!

[@ronhowe9913]

You have no idea how envious I am of those home made sweater and socks....beatiful workmanship!!

[@dfiler2]

You started this journey in a far different phase. Building is so different than sailing and the life arc is fascinating to think about. I've gone through a similar transition while watching and working on my house. I enjoyed the journey and now I'm transitioning to enjoying the product. Thanks for brining us along and sharing the ups and downs.

[@AcornToArabella]

Enjoy the fruits of your hard work!

[@J-Justice666]

Boots that float (Even slightly buoyant) should be left on in the event of an MOB. Water in the boot is not heavier than water outside the boot... Even if they fill with water they will help keep you harm and afloat.

[@Josef_R]

I've been capsized and rescued twice. I suggest you do two things. 1. Throw yourself overboard while strapped in and see if you can get back in the boat without help (while under way). Not as easy as it sounds. 2. Jump in the water with your pfd on and see if it fits. Most people have the straps too loose (for comfort) and the pfd can't work properly.

[@jimclester4754]

Hello Steven crew, Friday once again, and I have enjoyed the episode today. Such a change from watching woodchips and sawdust fly in the boathouse, which I always love to see. Now here you guys are on the great Atlantic ocean sailing south. I think I want to just congratulate you guys again. Let the adventure continue, I’ll keep watching! Jim from Arkansas

[@dlanter58]

I like how Akiva is always calm & comfortable no matter how much the boat is rolling. 😊 Merry Christmas to all the A2A crew both on board & ashore.

[@J-Justice666]

Right. Akiva spent alot of time getting to know that boat way before she was in the water.

[@ingeebeltoft]

Lovely movie. So great sail also for your dear dog ❤ I need an Colin Archer 😎

[@howardmccarthy5811]

Absolutely love the “boy and his dog” vignette at 18:30! Has Akiva figured out how to “go” on the deck?

[@ryan_mcme]

Happy Friday, 'bella fam! A very Merry Christmas to all! ☕🎄

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday! And merry Christmas to you, too. Thanks for being here every week. ☕️

[@ryan_mcme]

@@AcornToArabella Wouldn't miss it for the world!🙂

[@Phat737]

It is so cool watching you guys riding the waves. No commentary necessary, just the sights passing you by.

[@sartorst3376]

00:28 When my exhaust sounds like that it means I haven't opened the water valve to the engine

[@billmcrae1424]

Good to have knitters in the family...

[@schaefer32100]

Really like your navigation set up . Early morning sailing is the best. Glad to see you have dinghy on the deck. Always better motorsailing

[@eriksjogren5038]

DO NOT KICK OFF YOUR BOOTS IF YOU END UP IN COLD WATER SAILING!!!! Your lifejacket has more than enough buoyancy to keep you afloat. Even full of water, your feet will be way warmer keeping the boots on. It is not the recommended thing to do in safety at sea courses. I know someone who ended up in the water kicked off his boots and instantly regretted it.

[@tbjoyrider]

Akiva certainly looked cozy, wrapped up in a blanket and with his head in the lap of whoever is at the helm 😂 Steve, don't say sorry about all the Akiva fur. It's just extra insulation - extremely useful when sailing in the winter. 😊 Merry Christmas

[@AcornToArabella]

🌲🌊❄️

[@mikecabral1579]

Good for you guys enjoying the fruits of your labor. Living the life you want. Happy for you all.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Its a true beauty when you see her sailing!

[@ericanderssen6816]

Merry Christmas and safe travels

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers!

[@tuekaae5218]

That moment about 13 mins in, with just arabella sailing quietly into the sunrise was lovely! It reminded me of Steve's kayak videos during covid, and reminded me that I miss that. It would be awesome to get just an unedited 30mins video of darkness thru sunrise to early morning, just looking out from arabella. I vertaintly would watch that! And more that once

[@billbryce2538]

It's great to hear the wind snapping in the sails!

[@jeffmack4995]

Now that's the proper technique with a tiller! Do not disturb the sleeping dog. So reminded me of our Lab Boo, who loved sailing, motoring, or just sleeping on the boat. One of her best spots was up under our overturned dinghy and although she was always clipped in, she loved as we pulled in to a new dock to rush out furiously barking and wagging her tail to scare the crap out of dockhands who had come down to help with the lines. Quite a year for all of you, thanks for sharing it with all of us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Jeff and Julie s/v OoLaLa Westsail32 #81 PS, Steve thanks for the reminder about why we sail out of the west coast of Florida now!!

[@AcornToArabella]

Awww thank you for sharing your memories of Boo. :) Send some warmth up would ya?! Happy Merry to you as well! Cheers! -Anne

[@buffaloj0e]

As someone who lives in tropical Australia where winter temps are never below freezing seeing how you keep warm is pretty crazy.

[@fordfan3179]

I worked on a party/charter boat out of belmar nj back in the 80s. Loved getting up in the morning and going fishing THEN, getting paid for it THEN, hitting the bar.

[@AcornToArabella]

Ha! Nice.

[@stefanvanvuuren3931]

I wish you all a very happy time with your close relatives. Merry Christmas and appreciate the moments surrounded with family.

[@dennisdownes9319]

Arabella (Crew and all) will always be "rock stars" in the boat-building community, but it's so great to see you mesh with the entire maritime community. Being known to sailors is wonderful, and easy, but I have no doubt that Arabella will soon be known to Fishermen, Tug Captains, onshore diner operators, and merchant marines, and this is what will make you so special! Well done! DD

[@AcornToArabella]

Hi Dennis! Thank you for your kind words and support as always... what a nice thought. I think the most amazing and magical thing about being on the water is having connections all over the place with folks who approach the water for work, play, food, adventure... whatever! Happy holidays to you. -anne

[@ianlangley987]

Arabella sails very well and lifting the water line looks great. Its amazing how adding a bit of sail steadies things down and stops the rocking around. Cheers and keep warm from a 25 degree Auckland as we move into our summer down here. Ian

[@joecioe8566]

I know from Experience cold out on the water always feels colder. Even though I was amazed at all the clothing you put on I understand. Great video teaser of what's to come.

[@AcornToArabella]

Indeed! It always feels colder on the water. In the middle of summer we might be out there in sweaters. -Anne

[@MaryButtke]

Great video! It would be great if you could show a tracing of the course you sailed to get from one port to another.

[@shoresharp8349]

Steve i worked on tug boats for 7yrs it gets cokd on deck especially on a steel boat. We always wore commercial waterproof jackets that has built in pfd. Mustang makes great pfd jackets that are warm. Just my 2 cents plus you can move around alot better without the inflatable pfd.

[@rexmyers991]

Absolutely amazing to see this yacht in its element. And as I study each shot I recall the creation of each and every part that makes Arabella. What an amazing accomplishment. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[@louisstellini7711]

Nice video but you can show us the areas and the whole boat more please thank you show us more around you the area please thank you we are enjoying your video very well

[@russwabuda1556]

merry christmas everyone. best wishes

[@AlisonFort]

Merry Christmas and all the best for 2024❤

[@AcornToArabella]

Same to you! Cheers!

[@vincevonheeder5319]

To all the Arabella's crew and the craftsmen (and women) who built her; it's incredibly stirring to see her under sail in the open waters, handling well and proudly, while Steve is transitioning from builder to a blue water sailor and skipper. Steve, Robin, Anne, (and Akiva), Merry Christmas and a wonderfully Happy New Year,

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you very much, wishing you the best, too!

[@shadetreewelding]

Steve/Anne/Ben, I know you have a busy schedule but when things calm down, maybe do an episode on the status of the boat, projects still being worked on, planned projects. Thoughts in general, etc. etc. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the whole team! Keeping your Mom in my prayers.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for the request! We'll keep that in mind for sure. Merry and happy to you as well, cheers to you! -Anne

[@shadetreewelding]

@@AcornToArabella Anne, the restaurant in Kittery is called Fishmonger's. It is outstanding!!!

[@donbarber7502]

Very cool reminds me of bringing my Pearson 42 back to CT. From Tortola Feb 2000. Winter sailing is great u just need to be safe

[@theconfessionsof_a]

Great kit layout, loving that you use multiple generations of clothing, very in keeping with your whole vibe on the channel. Much love from England

[@robertiddon9270]

Nice to see her rocking and rolling , have a nice Christmas ❤

[@JakobEngl]

Great video

[@juliancrooks3031]

The carabean would be were I'd be sailing 😊

[@AcornToArabella]

Lots of people like it there.

[@lenhornsey2175]

​@@AcornToArabellaWell I do ..... as I sit here just in my shorts watching Steve put on layer after layer of clothing it just makes me feel cold 🇻🇨

[@michaelcirincione9378]

Glad to see you’re both having fun and enjoying life! Love the episode….the confidence in your voices is awesome. Enjoy Cape