Meet The Wooden Sailboat And Its Captain Taking YouTube By Storm

In 2016, Steve Denette began documenting his journey to build a sailboat on his KZbin channel. NBC’s Kristen Dahlgren reports in this week’s Sunday Spotlight on how Denette’s viral project led him on a path to set sail on the high seas.
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#popculture #goodnews #AcornToArabella #SteveDenette

[@MyLilMule]

I've been watching Steve for years. When you see the thought and research he has put into each part of the build, you'll understand that he will learn to sail in the same way. He'll learn from others and become a great captain.

[@AndrexT]

I have watched it from the algorithm where they showed 'Steve and Alix pour a 4 ton lead keel'. I thought "these crazy kids think they can melt 4 tons of lead and pour a boat keel". Well of course they did and very successfully. I have been hooked and watching for over 4 years as Arabella was built literally from the keel up. In early May drove from Toronto, Canada to Granby, Massachusetts to the last open house to meet Steve, Annie, KP, and Robin, and of course Arabella. It was a wonderful experience and I will be there for the launch as well. It is a wonderful project to follow.

[@deanlindholm8663]

Same episode got me hooked as well. I love crafting whether it's wood, leather, whatever material, and his not only attention to detail but quality he demands is top notch. There is no "close enough", everything fits perfectly because it's crafted perfectly.

[@HamiltonMechanical]

man that lead keel video got a ton of us, didn't it? LOL amazing what an adventure it has been! the project has grown so large i don't even know what's what anymore haha

[@serg2963]

Same here... the keel pouring episode got me... I haven't missed one since!

[@kenroubik3221]

The Sampson Boat Company channel is another great channel. Leo makes great videos and has great skill as a craftsman

[@TheHavrelandtExperiment]

I was going to say the same thing, I've watched Acorn to Arabella a little bit but never really got into it cuz I've been watching Samsung Boat Company religiously.

[@curtisgrindahl446]

Leo and the Tally Ho held my attention, in part because of the history of that old boat but mainly because of Leo's dedication and great skill that attracted an assortment of really wonderful people over the years willing to give their time to pursue the dream. It is one of the few channels that motivated me to become a patron. What a journey it has been!

[@TheStealthbob]

I started by accident on the first video with Leo just as it was uploaded...it was later when I picked this channel up. Both have their own style but what they have in common is the passion they both have and the way they pass that onto their communities. Bravo lads....your both very inspiring.

[@davem3789]

Tally Ho quality and scale are on another level. Leo has more help and it seems money also.

[@TheStealthbob]

@@davem3789 Another "level" seems to denote one project is better than the other, I disagree. Steve's project has just as much passion and dedication as Leo's and that is what is important. After all they are just boats in the end, being on the water is a great equalizer...can't wait for both to be sharing their future adventures these vessels will be taking uis all on.

[@davidyendoll5903]

I have watched Steve since pretty much the beginning . Every piece of wood , just about anyway , has been felled on his family's land . So you see the wood being felled , stored , sorted , trued and then shaped into a bit of a boat , a large world travelling capable craft . You see the various systems and why they are chosen for Steve's purpose ; heating , engines , electrical work , plumbing , navigation , radio , the list seems endless . Everything is done to top quality , with people helping along the way . The viewer learns about skills and putting ideas into reality . What more can I say ..... watch along , join the journey ! You will enjoy yourself . I wish I could go and help myself , but I am far away in the UK ! Love it

[@davidswanson5669]

Do you watch Sampson Boat Co? Leo, in Washington state, making his boat for the last 5ish years, is great KZbin fun too.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you so much for watching, David! See ya tomorrow!

[@arizonarider6998]

Me too Bro !!! Right after I saw him on tv I binge watched every episode from the beginning !!! We are like brothers !!!

[@jamesmyers2087]

Not a sailor but a gigantic fan of the boat channels. (Dunno). But Acorn to Arabella, Sampson BC, and Salt and Tar, are all just amazing and any one of them deserve some media spotlight for their insane multi craft skills. Sailing Uma is a bit different in that it’s a modern used boat they bought out of college but still the renovation and sailing skills of Dan and Kika would make a fascinating TV program. All of these folks are well worth a watch.

[@davidwarren9204]

KP is absolutely right. Steve thinks about every detail, and does his research carefully and thoroughly. He has considered multiple options for every part of the build, large-or-small. When he settles on a step, he is able to explain why he chose that option, what the pros and cons are, compared to the other options, and why that one is the best one for him, then he builds it. It is one of the best channels on KZbin, for sure.

[@alsdrone6250]

Watched this amazing build from the UK for the past 4 year's and still wait patiently every week for the next episode will be a sorry day when there's no more to come,best of luck Steve and company.🇬🇧

[@StevenKHarrison]

I'm one of those who have been watching for many years now. Somehow, I have never doubted that he would finish the boat, that it would be beautiful and that he wouldn't drown the first time out. Crazy? If so, we need more crazies like him!

[@WilliamHunterII]

Same here, Steven. Have you been watching Leo Golden, Sampson Boat Company, as well? That's good one too. Leo actually knows what he's doing, whereas Stephen is learning as he goes. Two brilliantly successful projects on opposite sides of the country.

[@ellencameron3775]

I found A2A back when the keel pour video went viral. And I never once thought it was going to be a trainwreck. Seeing how they set up the pour looked ingenious to me. I went back through their previous videos and thought "these guys actually know what they're doing." Then I subbed and have watched everything they've put out without fail. I kinda hope to be there when they launch.

[@williamschmidt8944]

Same!

[@andywithers592]

Me too. The keel pour must have been the trigger for lots of followers. Hello from Switzerland.

[@jannerkev]

Been watching Steve and the crew from the start. From cutting and milling the trees laying the lead keel until now. I love what they are doing. Master craftsman , amazing progress. He can't sail yet but he's the type of bloke that learns quickly, he will be a master mariner in no time .

[@fireantsarestrange]

I watched every episode since his start. The man isn't joking around. He's going to get it done.

[@tbd-1]

I got turned on to Arabella by watching Leo's build of Tally Ho in Port Townsend, WA. I believe one of his "help" was involved in both projects. Another of Leo's helpers went back to the UK and started refinishing a ferro-cement sailboat, which would be Knot Finnished Yet. Also in Port Townsend would be Aladino & Maya's Sailing Magic Carpet fiberglass sailboat project as well as the Duracell Project. All excellent crafters in their fields and a great timekill on the weekends while eating breakfast 👍

[@alwaysoutdoors4242]

I have watched every episode from the lead keel pour until now, I highly suggest everyone who is new to go watch as many as possible. What an awesome community project.

[@cf6282]

Steve is the best! I have been watching his video’s for years. Join him in his quest…he will succeed! Contribute to his work!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you!

[@arnhemseptember2009]

I have followed Steve almost from the beginning here in Holland, and never regretted that!

[@saulshennan6825]

I wish they'd mentioned Alix. He was so much of this project in the beginning.

[@ladydi4runner]

Indeed! Been watching almost since beginning too. I know Alix went off traveling and on his own w his Girl. Thought it was temporary, like a sabbatical. Is he not returning?!😮

[@snowstrobe]

I've been following A2A for 5 years now and it has become a constant in my life. I've been rooting for him from day one. I'm def in that 'older' age bracket that says; Do it, do it now, you will not regret it.

[@h2energynow]

Been following Steve since the beginning, on KZbin. As an entrepreneur, I identified with his passion, insight, knowledge. His ability to envision something and bring it to reality. Have been inspired watching his work. He has some incredible people also in the person making his skiff or dingy and the Boston expert making his sails. He has taught us all about that indelible American spirit.

[@Mister006]

I (too) started watching them when they poured the keel. KP is the coolest addition to the crew, and the real deal! A great guidance, and as you can see here, an excellent cheerleader - from a good understanding of just how much it takes to make a boat from a boatwright's perspective! It's a good watch!

[@scotmhead]

I've watched from years ago, seen every video, and never once though it was a crazy idea, rather, I was inspired and have a great respect for Steve. This is an epic project and well produced. If you have not seen this channel, check it out.

[@keithjones8659]

What a great piece! I've been watching them for years. (not since the beginning) and they deserve a little notice for taking in such a herculean dream. Not just building a boat, but felling and milling the lumber. Truly Arcon to Arabella

[@lincolngrove2808]

I've watched from the very start and never once thought I'd see a train wreck. With Steve's capacity for hard work and thoughtful optimism it was always going to be what it is: Joyfully successful.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Wow love that Arabella has made it to the today show! He is building a gorgeous boat and absolutely deserves this attention!

[@AcornToArabella]

thanks!

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

Steve is a legend! I've been following his channel from the start.

[@frankferguson8982]

Very nice - this is certainly no "train wreck" - just basic human desire and perseverance - and I am also "along for the ride!" Thanks Steve (and Alix - hope you are well). I had the pleasure of touching the boat in person last year and putting my name on a plank that hopefully gives Arabella good luck and good wind. I wear my Arabella shirt and hat often. See you on the water young man.

[@DiscusRussell]

I think I started watching when Alex was toying with the idea of stopping work, then watched all presiding episodes. These guys were really struggling to make ends meet but with dogged determination the boat is at its present state. Everyone seems to forget Alex ! Without him I very much doubt that the project would be where it is now

[@SRM_NZ]

I've been watching Steve since the very start...he only had a couple thousand sub's when I joined......it's been my favorite KZbin series, bar none...every Saturday morning (I'm at the start of the day) is filled with excitement as this is my favorite thing to watch....I'm almost getting concerned, at what I'll watch after he launches....

[@johnpowers1343]

Ive been watching them build the boat since the very beginning. Incredible.

[@jimfisher8990]

If this had been a program on CBS Sunday Morning we would have been entertained for much much longer. But showing the people and the commitment and the dream behind Acorn to Arabella on national TV is great. I felt a sense of pride in the fact that most of us have been with Steve and his crew from the start and this show talked about what we've been experiencing for years

[@SteelDoesMyWill]

"What about a career? What about a family?" These questions don't hold water to today's creators like they may have to previous generations. Steve, and many other creators, are breaking these old, trite conventions and forging their own path. Steve won't regret a thing and I promise you he won't end up hating cruising on his boat. No matter what happens, this experience will open lots of doors.

[@joesistino4886]

Sailing is a lot easier that building that boat! I have been watching from the beginning and it is a massive project. Every aspect has been well thought out and it will be a fantastic sailing vessel. Hopefully this exposure will help him get additional funding support.

[@joelrunyan1608]

Samson boat Co. Is a great one too.. less of a diy thing. The guy on there is a professional

[@asakurad]

Congratulations, Steve! Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Been a member for years, following since the lead pour!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for your support, Davey!

[@Ch-ui6mw]

What fun!!! Reminded me of when I was growing up, say 9 or 10, we had a neighbor, a retired high school teacher, who decided to build a thirty foot motor yacht. In his garage!! Well, he finished that beautiful mahogany craft, and then tore down his garage to get that yacht out!! Kept the whole neighborhood entertained watching the "extraction". This was in the 1950's.....

[@frankferguson8982]

Once you get the "itch . . ."

[@SteveKuntz-]

100% a worthwhile channel for all.

[@bytorsnowdog5885]

Congrats to Steve and the A2A crew! I have been watching since they did the lead pour for the Keel. Steve is another level craftsman and obviously a voracious reader. His knowledge and understanding of how things work is nothing short of amazing. I have no doubt he and Robin will conquer the sea in the same way he conquered this project.

[@brentengle7302]

I've been watching A2A and Steve for a few years. As I've told Steve if my father were still around he would work for coffee, food, and a place to rest his head. In the sixty's and seventies when fiberglass was taking over, my father owned a wooden Sea Bright skiff. It started out with a one lung engine, and when it stopped working he bought an Onan compressor engine with two cylinders. No electric start, just a piece of rope and a wood handle. He gave her way when we moved back to Jersey, and I am certain she is no more.

[@mrvertigo23]

Brilliant Project - Beautiful boat that carries many bits from her sister ship Victoria I believe. A fantastic team of volunteers and supporters. Well made videos (not easy) and links to many other amazing crafts people in many disciplines. Love it! Thanks for covering the story and keep following!

[@bartjohnson8139]

Long time viewer, and lover of the young getting out and experiencing life! I’m old and broken now, so can’t do the things I really enjoyed doing in my younger years. Steve & all of the volunteers graciously allow so many of us to live our dreams vicariously through the building, and then through the sailing of Arabella!

[@glennjaggard7065]

It's a shame Alex is not there with you Steve

[@Rennrogue]

Once the boat is finished I'll watch Steve's adventures in between rewatching the construction of Arabella. Amazing project with even more amazing people!

[@lawrenceallen8096]

I started watching when Steve was putting steel, galvanized, copper, bronze nails into a half-dozen kinds of wood to measure the galvanic reaction in order to decide how much of which types of trees to cut down on his family spread and what materials to buy. I look forward to his KZbin videos every week!

[@karaDee2363]

I've never seen it before... But going to look it up and watch... So I too can say I've been watching Steve since the beginning...lol

[@AcornToArabella]

Welcome! :)

[@MrBcummings8521]

Have been watching Acorn to Arabella since the beginning and it's wonderful. Glad they got a little spotlight to help share his story. For anyone just seeing this for the first time go check it out. There are also a ton of other wooden boat building channels out there. Take a dive.

[@cyclingbutterbean]

No regrets. Great mantra! Been watching since the keel pour.

[@robm.4512]

Steve is a fantastic craftsman and a total research nerd, he is also incredibly focussed on achieving excellence. He’ll be every bit as thorough in learning not just how to sail, but also how to be a good seaman, the two things are not the same. He has all of the raw material, having watched his progression through his build of Arabella I have little doubt.

[@aaron.silveira]

I’m glad Arabella is succeeding, and I don’t mean to deny the hard work everyone’s put in. I just can’t get into this series, and I’ve tried multiple times. I’ve watched every minute of Leo’s Tally Ho build, and I drop everything when a new video comes out. I’m drawn to Leo’s sincerity, humility, and expertise, all of which seem to be slightly lacking from Steve’s project. That being said, I haven’t watched nearly enough hours of Acorn to Arabella to pass judgement. I’d urge anyone who hasn’t seen Tally Ho’s journey to compare for themselves!

[@markwoodger2]

Been watching since they poured the keel. The highlight of every Friday. Looking forward to the launch and beyond.

[@haroldmclean3755]

Getting there Getting there Getting there Go Steve and The Team 👍

[@boomeraquatics7948]

I found Steve on episode 2, subscriber #87 on his channel. I look forward to every Friday when I can watch the next episode. I am planning on being there to share in the the joy of launching Arabella.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for being on the journey with us!

[@texgowing7359]

Totally 100% respect for this guy.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you!

[@texgowing7359]

@@AcornToArabella you young man are very welcome👍. I am a master mariner from the old school & would love to see your boat first hand when she's sitting in the water. 👏👏

[@sewage111]

Been watching from the beginning. More like a floating piece of fine cabinetry. Attention to detail is making it flawless.

[@shawnathon60]

When I watched them pour the keel,, I knew, he was for real,.. Been there from the start, congrats to all of them!

[@johnparkman5980]

Been a dedicated follower since the keel pour...go Steve!!!!

[@daleskidmore1685]

Been following Steve and the gang pretty much from the start, never a dull moment, lots of lovely people and some great woodworking. If you haven't already, check out the channel.

[@randaltucker2981]

I have been watching this endeavor from the very start, hard to believe six years have flown by. Extremely confident that Steve will be a good captain in short order. Can’t wait to see the adventures Arabella takes him on.

[@ericallen371]

Cover Sampson Boat Co too. His restoration of TallyHo is one of the best KZbin channels.

[@GaryMCurran]

I haven't been watching this channel, but if you like this sort of thing, check out the restoration and rebuild of Tally Ho over on Sampson Boat Co channel with Leo.

[@beemergb]

Ive been watching Steve and co for years building this wooden boat ! And the funny thing is I dont like wood and I dont like boats !! But I see what hes doing and think to myself , what your about tp make , is that as difficult to build as Steves project ? NO ! So shut up build it and enjoy life !! If youve got a dream do it !! Steve did !! Respect to the man and all his crew !

[@JMBdevotee]

Wow! Cool to see this coverage. Been watching the progress for a long time!

[@stevenkaest7306]

I've been watching this amazing journey for years and Steve is very inspiring! Hi from Australia 🇦🇺

[@erikowren7894]

Been watching them since the beginning. Please also showcase Leo with SV TalyHo.

[@FT4Freedom]

Yep. Been watching since the beginning.

[@HHGdrums]

YES!!!! Steve is the best

[@bigunone]

I think it was KP who said; that Steve has a bigger library of books on boat building and sailing, some rare than she had ever seen in one place

[@timking5034]

Amazing work beautiful boat.

[@craigt66271]

If you enjoy this look for Sampson Boat Company and follow Leo as he restores a classic sailing yacht

[@jamesmongeau7472]

All the Best to you Steve... You're living the dream. James Zi

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 Of course I watch and love Steve and Acorn to Arabella. And also Leo and Sampson boat Co., Tally Ho.

[@jcsrst]

The adventurer is still a thing! Steve will make a great sailor and captain!

[@davimalone]

watched this channel grow since the start, LOVE IT!. Leo Sampson has an awesome channel too

[@richardsiddon610]

Been watching since the keel was laid. Fantastic.

[@rick91443]

Fantastic Chanel. Watch it every Friday before my lunch...rr Normandy, Fr.

[@medickaisu]

way to go steve!!!!

[@svamandolin3546]

a work of art

[@ryanhagler9410]

I’ve been watching it for 5 years

[@ricknoah9184]

As a 74 year old, I say-- DO IT !! You will never regret a non-normal life.

[@lotusphere6]

Good stuff. I’ve been following from the start.

[@stevenklein8245]

Love that dudes channel.

[@GM-qq1wi]

Check out Sampson Boat Co on KZbin, the guy is rebuilding a 100 year old sailing wooden sailing yacht named Tally Ho. He uses traditional wooden boat building techniques, the craftmanship is amazing

[@donm2255]

I've been watching the progress on the Tally Ho for years. I much prefer that channel over this one.

[@GM-qq1wi]

@@donm2255 I agree. Acorn to Arabella looks like it's build from pallet wood and covered in filler.

[@Stacky18]

Its a shame Alex never got a mention

[@billhayward1585]

the Dream is always the best part of any adventure.

[@jordanrelkey]

I love you KP.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

Check out Tally Ho and Ship Happens. Equally amazing projects, though they are located closer to the sea.

[@juliancrooks3031]

Sometimes you just got to follow your dreams no matter where they lead you

[@danielguilbeau5403]

Excellente pub 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🎊🎊🍾🍾🍾

[@richardgordon]

Great piece on Arabella; it really is a great KZbin channel!

[@jeffsadon552]

It would be nice if you added a link to his channel or at least mentioned his KZbin name

[@jimjensen1414]

ditto, watch A to A, and Sampson Boat, both are GREAT !!!! JJ in Jax, FLA Steve: great publicity !!!

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

No offense, but The Sampson Boat company’s Tally Ho, is 500% more impressive. I’m not even sure A to A is going to be seaworthy.

[@Legionaire42]

Congrats!

[@rictus7222]

It's great to see a non political story I'm one of the people that KZbin algorithm decided I needed to see this and it has been a great ride for the past 2 years. I wished I had the gumption to do something like this when I was young enough and unencumbered by the mentality of keeping up with the Joneses

[@frankferguson8982]

The Duracell Project (also on KZbin) is another young man with the "itch" that only the salty sea spray can scratch.

[@georgebrill6549]

I think that the 'Tally Ho is a better build.

[@manofelt]

How about linking his channel?

[@dennisdownes9319]

Awesome video! DD

[@harrytruax5195]

The man is a dedicated solid engineer of the highest caliber, though I do not think he actually studied engineering which says it all as to his skill.

[@musicman1086]

Ha! Got a sneak peek at the finished rudder!

[@atomisum6445]

Awesome dream

[@jonathankipps9061]

What's with the old propeller? Is that from Victoria, and is just a mockup until a new propeller arrives?

[@AcornToArabella]

Yes, that's from Victoria and Steve likes to say it's a "prop as a prop." :D