It's Definitely Not Sailing - Episode 272 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
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Sure, she looks all right, but how did this DIY wooden sailboat fare when a professional marine surveyor technically assessed actual details of wooden boat construction, compliant 12-volt electrical systems, marine plumbing, and marine diesel engine installation? Today, we see Arabella leave the town dock in Mattapoisett for a short jaunt around the harbor as she was surveyed, and we also jump back to when marine surveyor and sailor Peter Hunt first visited us about a month before launching.
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Acorn to Arabella is a wooden boat building project taking place in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve started as an amateur wooden boat builder building 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 beyond-sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that classic wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY boatbuilding project will continue well past launch, when he and the crew will 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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I'm not a sailor, altho I was at sea in the U.S. Navy 60 years ago. I have watched this since the beginning, hoping that I would live long enough to see it sail. I watched this and heard the comments of the obviously impressed inspector. I had tears in my eyes. What Steve and the gang have done, having started by reading books and sawing down trees, has probably never been duplicated. The craftmanship in this vessel is incredible, unbelievable. This series should be shown to all apprentice shipwrights. I'm out of superlatives. Well done.
Touching!
With all the quality boatbuilding channels on TH-cam I dont think that the title of "apprentice shipwright" holds much water anymore. I for one probably have a masters level education on this subject just because the algorithm randomly suggested a boatbuilding video a couple years ago and I was instantly hooked.
What a thoughtful thing to take time to say.
If it’s Ben that gives Steve a new title in the credits each week, you’ve outdone yourself this week, mate.
lol i missed that retired bit perfect description and well deserved.
@@gavinfergusondon't know about retired. He still has work to do as they meat out the rest of the build as they finalize how it works best for their intended use in the unfinished areas of the interior.
@@thomasarussellsr That just means he's coming out of retirement as a boat fitter.
Can't wait till he gets to use "Sailor". Shouldn't be long now!
Retired shipwright yes but not content creator! Hats off to Steve for creating this massive following. Shipwrights or not his following is strong!!
"It's more important for safety". (4' 56") ... fascinating to hear Steve and the Insurer discuss materials, components and working practices. A great reminder of the immense amount of background/unseen work that has gone into the build, getting everything right!
Thanks for seeing the subtle things!
@@AcornToArabella I live in North Yorks (That's the one in the UK) rather than North York (Ontario?) about a day away. Otherwise, I'd be over to watch you sail by!
I think it’s safe to say the inspector is a huge fan!
Yes!! I think so to😂
I think he's in love...
-said no surveyor to SV Seeker EVER! But yes, this is really suuuuper great results.
@@silasmarner7586 FFS, are the SVSeeker butthurt clan now polluting other channels? Get a F*king life dude!
@@Diggnuts I think he needs a haircut
Definitely not sailing... but damn those sails look brilliant.
Love how happy and impressed the surveyer was. Anyone and everyone watching the channel could see the quality work that went into this boat but it's nice to have it confirmed by a professional.
Well done Steve & crew.
Love seeing Akiva happy and finally able to enjoy your work with you!
Akiva is having the best day. Love it.
A proper seadog now.
Well Steve, what can I say?. I'm and 71 years old carpenter, and have been following you and all your colaborators from episode 5. And now, all I can say is: BRAVO, WELL DONE!!!. You are a real craftsman, your endeavour is absolutly admirable; and Arabella is more than a boat; its a dream came true, is a work of art; and is the materialization of the spirit of all carpenters and sailors. Thanks a lot for give me so many hours of delight. And hope one day Arabella can visit Buenos Aires. Please extend may greetings to KP and the others.
Building Arabella is one thing but I must suspect at least twice as much time and energy was spent researching and learning what best practices have been established, problems to be avoided, what options exist and their tradeoffs. To hear Stephen and Peter cover so many aspects and philosophies, then continually find agreement says much about this hidden time being so well spent.
Congrats Stephen! You now have a boat that no amount of money could have purchased.
Steve answering the very detailed questions from a professional inspector just goes to show how much information Steve has absorbed about boat building over the years, and how every decision has been so carefully considered.
I mean, you could have just had the inspector sit and watch 7 years of videos...!
He strikes me as a man who has very likely watched it all.
It was great that Steve could hire Peter Hunt for the assessment. Lucky to be able to get him. Peter is worth every cent he charges.
Indeed!
When Peter said "you are doing everything right, everything very right" and the constant smile on Peter's face.....it is a testament to Steve's decision making and all the hard work from all who helped build Arabella
19:59 "We've come a long way..." I feel that Steve is speaking to not only the crew and all the helpers over the years, but to the countless people worldwide that have followed the build from almost day one, Hey, Steve, you spoke to me too! (as I've said before, I'm not a boat person at all, more of an aircraft nut, but I've been fascinated over this whole journey!) Congrats on the launch from Cape Town.
Before I got old, I spent quite a few years on the pointy end of racing yachts, I have never seen a headsail fit like that first time up - my complements to Mr Doyle!
I liked the "pointy end", got me out of the cockpit but lots of time getting wet harnessed to the mast in nasty weather. Ya... those were the days!
2:17 : Yay, Anne is behind the camera (extra shots of doggies enjoying the sea). 29:00 : Nice to see everyone on the boat, we just missed the camera-woman...
So great to see KP full of energy again. My sister is still suffering from long Covid, and this gives me hope that she will get better too.
And finally, it was fantastic to see a man who REALLY knows his boat-stuff survey Arabella and be visibly enjoying himself so much.
I think long Covid only happens when there is a lot of manual work, like long boarding and fairing the hull and deck are required. But when the fun stuff starts, like sailing the boat, it magically goes away, and now s/he is the boss!
@@dannyinaus Yours would be a real funny comment, if it was not such a seriously annoying disease...
All the best for your sister’s improving health!!
Make sure to keep her spirits up. I cannot overstate how important her morale is in this whole affair.
All the best wishes!
This video shows so much success. The best part for me was to see KP back up and running. I was worried.
I've NEVER seen such a happy, supportive and enthusiastic insurance inspector in my life! The sails are gorgeous, Arabella was finally in her element (as was KP) and the gang aboard was ear to ear grins. A beautiful day, happy dog and the beginning of new adventures, it doesn't get any better than that! Be well, be safe!
Steve and team, to hear Peter’s enthusiasm and affirmation must have been so gratifying to hear. “I’m really impressed, this is great!” Congratulations! It made me smile (and think about a lot of cynical comments over the years).
I'm not sure which I enjoyed more:
1. How happy Steve was showing off Arabella to the inspector, or
2. How much the inspector enjoyed looking over all the traditional craftsmanship on the beautiful boat, or
3. How great she looked with sails up, KP at the helm, and Steve soaking it all in.
Thank you all for a great video and best wishes to Steve's mom.
A very quick 29 minutes Ben. Exceptional story telling. The boat is floating art.
Akiva looked like he had been on a boat all his life. he also looks about 5 years younger here than he has in his rare appearances over the last year. nice to see Arabella cruising along on the water.
Feels like yesterday I was with you guys milling timber in the woods, sweating my balls off and imagining all these bits sailing around the place. She really came together so well. Awesome stuff. Can't wait to meet up when we go north.
Rhys, you’ve had an amazing journey yourself! So great to see both boats where they belong, on the water!
@@medicdad Cheers matey
From the first step to the first tree to harvest, past the thousands and thousands of steps of the research and the build, you arrive at grading day and pass with flying colors as Arabella soars through the sea. The magnificence of your well thought out boat becomes very apparent in this video through the eyes of an expert. Congratulations, Steve and all the crew involved, I think you can be called Boatwrights. Very Happy Sailing.
Steve , I have followed your epic journey, from cutting the trees and milling the wood to the eventual completion of Arabella. You have done what I thought may have been impossible, and built a traditional wooden boat to a very high specification. You should be proud of you and your people who have volunteered their time and skill to achieve such fantastic result. Fair winds for you and your crew.
Successful outing and survey. The sails look good as do all the wood and fittings, beautiful. I love the crackle sound of new sails. This is Steve’s time to shine and get into a new rhythm with Arabella, the sound of the wind and waves replace the whine of saws, salt sea air instead of sawdust and paint. Good job Steve and crew!
Arabella is looking great under power and under sails. I am totally impressed with the way she seemed to be sailing after all of the hard work and craftsmanship that went into building this boat for the past seven years. It has kept me intrigued following the building of Arabella and the number of volunteers who have put into time and work to see this boat finally in the water, sailing as she was designed and built to sail. Bravo to Steve and the entire team for an awesome job of creating and realizing a dream come true.
That transformation how it's no longer someone's woodworking project, now it's a boat, is so cool 😊
'Amateur Boatbuilder (Retired)'. Love it. Ben, that's gotta be one of your best.
Wow, great episode. I'm SO glad you included that much surveying footage. The surveyor was fascinating, and the process was fascinating. He certainly has an eye for detail. It was a nice wrap-up of the building process to see him come in and go over the finished product and appreciate all the details. He was clearly doing an important job, one that was necessary for insurance, but he managed to keep the mood light, and he also showed that he's a fan of the boat!
19:30 is "the moment." Stephe looking like he has been doing this for years and is just where he belongs. So satisfying!
I don't even gotta click that time stamp. I know exactly the moment when I was like "who is that suave yachtsman up there? Oh snap, that's Stephen."
With no disrespect to all the folks that contributed to make this episode… Ben Fundis wins MVP on this one. He picked up a lot of short bits and tied them together brilliantly. I am super excited to see what comes. I vote through the northern passage then down Canada’s west coast and through the inside passage with a stop in Campbell River, BC… an entirely self serving opinion granted. See you soon guys.
🏆🏆🏆
I suggested Nova Scotia and Steve agreed. If he does, I will come and see her again from Toronto.
And then? WEST! to the Big Island Hawai'i, Hilo-side, so I can say hello. Hell, I'd be willing to drive all the way to Kona if they made the trip. (The rules are: you do the first 5,000, or 10,000 miles, I'll do the last hundred.) So touching/moving to get to this point.
From each screw from each chosen plank from each of every complex nature of the building of this boat, the love and unity of the community who's joyful sound that resonate within the very wood that make the 7 years journey to the sailboat.
We have shared your record Steve with the amazing crew and supporters to bring this living example of Past, Present and Future into a masterpiece on water.
Steve your Imagination has surpast a boat and in a Dreamtime with the enduring help have turned this image into a sailboat that floats upon the water even into the dreams of cosmic space .
May she sail on and hold her own in her well built structure many years after we seen it was so.
How very special to even watch and witness this amazing project of LOVE.
Bless you all and the waters be your friend, from your aboriginal cousins from the great Southern land of Australia. Peace
Steve, I have been following your project right from the start. Hard to imagine it was 7 years, it seems so much shorter. You and your team have done such an amazing job, it makes me really jealous. I am passionate about sailing and I haven't figured out yet whether I like the sailing more than I like the building and restoring. Never done such a big project though and I feel overwhelmed by your achievements. It seems the seas are the limit, not the skies this time. I wish you a wonderful time on board with those around you who love and supported you on this fantastic journey. Who knows we will ever meet in a European harbour some day.....Really can't wait....big hug, proud of you and team....you deserve what you .....got!
Paul
48,000 views 9 hours after posting - this is a video we have waited a LONG time to see. Whatever is to follow, this is an amazing achievement. Thank you all for being you, and doing what you do, and allowing us the privilege of tagging along.
Captain Steve and Crew, I can’t tell you how great it was to see you and Arabella underway. I am retired Navy and I built one Submarine and overhauled two others. That first day underway is magical. After so much work and time to be underway again or for the first time has such a huge sense of accomplishment, I don’t think there is anything that compares. You should all be incredibly proud of your accomplishment.
I’m looking forward to the day when you bring us pictures of Arabella underway with full sail and a chase boat to get some great shots suitable for a background on my computer.
She’s a fine ship. Bless her and all who sail on her.
Dave
Really glad to see that Akiva seems to be enjoying his new life as a sailing dog. 😀
Living on a narrow boat in England we have something called the Boat safety scheme certificate which by the looks of it is extremely similar to the survey that the insurance assessor carried out. So I know that feeling when someone else has crawl all over your hard work and pride and joy and you have to justify your actions for the certain materials you've used. It so good to see you all out on Arabella,
The inspector's impressed and Arabella passed with flying colours. Terrific achievement Steve and all who worked on this boat.
I'm not able to do my usual long and positive comment just yet because I have tears in my eyes (like I had during the complete video). Tears of joy, tears of emotions, tears because I'm sooo immensely proud of Steve.
Or maybe somebody is simply peeling onions right behind me. 😁 ;-)
Steve n crew...
Having avidly followed for you entire build form the opposite side of planet, I can state just how proud I am of you all.....
What a beautiful achievement.
I'm not even stressed I missed out on my favourite Friday night viewing for a few weeks..
Just watching the expression on ships doggo, Akiva, tells chapters of spoken word. My stressed out hyperactive doggo has the identical expression when she goes sailing as well.
No words to explain that I can understand the joy you feel and I get it 100%.
An incredible achievement.
Looking forward to the post when you state you are Western Australia bound... plenty of like minded people here loving everything you have strived for and achieved.
Congratulations at the highest level Steve, and all your amazing support. I'm chuffed for you.....
"Amateur botabuilder, retired" - that is PRICELESS. Such a huge episode. Well done, all of you. I feel the pride from here, and all I did was watch.
TGIF & A2A is back 👏👏👏👏
A wonderful vlog, a wonderful endorsement from Peter the surveyor too
Hope we get to see some drone shots in the future, I'm sure they'll be wonderful to see
Well done again to everyone involved, you 'dun' good, very good
⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵
Must be two years or more now I've been watching these videos every Friday afternoon since I come across the lead keel pour. I can't believe Arabella is sailing and doing boat shows. WELL DONE TO YOU ALL AND EVERYONE WHO AS HELPED ALONG THEWAY
Best inspector ever. He did a good job while also being an advocate.
Such a great feeling seeing her on the water after all these years. Hope we will be seeing more of the adventures and travels of Arabella here on YT. Best wishes from Sweden.
You sure will!
I just love it, you've got all the armchair boat wrights in the comments section for almost a decade telling you how to do it, and then you've got an expert, who has full right and ability to criticize anything he wants, and he's able to validate all the hard work you've done and do it with an unprecedented "I've not only seen thousands of boats built, but seen them fail, and knowing how and why is my job" vs just "I built a few boats". That whole end of life cycle knowledge of failure points and true value at end of service and having this man tell you "this is good" must be an amazing feeling. Of course it's not perfect, he'll find flaws, but you'll know they are real, constructive criticism.
I have now watched 80 episodes in quick succession. I have really appreciated seeing Alix's skills grow so much from around episode 60
Hoping you are enjoying your stay in Bristol. I saw you guys motoring into the harbor the other day when I was out on my boat with my kids. I raced by Arabella and congratulated the group. Was fun to see her spontaneously show up in my town after watching the channel for so long. Hope you can swing by BYC and let the kids take a tour. Enjoy your time here!
Thanks for the welcome!
I've watched every video from beginning till now, there's no words... No words to describe this journey. Congrats to the whole crew & especially to Steve. Thank you for sharing this magical journey with us. Fair winds and safe travels my friend.
🎉
Oh wow... from the title ("It's Definitely Not Sailing"), for 3/4 of the video I was thinking that Peter was going to end up knocking back Arabella for some arcane or nit-picky thing, and so I was watching him in a very dark light -- sorry! How good was his appreciation and assessment of Arabella's concept, build and quality. Great to see the sails up, filled with wind... no my friends, THIS IS SAILING as far as I'm concerned. Bravo!
May the seas lay smooth before you.May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails.May sunshine warm your face and kindness warm your soul.And until we meet again ,may God bless you and keep you safe.
Honour bestowed from the man of respect and knowledge, a credit of distinction to observed merit. Just CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
I liked "better to have her weep a little - than have a catastrophic failure".
Blessings, Don
Happy Friday, Don!
Drone shots while under sail would be the cream in the coffee
Eventually, yup!
This was completely beautiful. Thanks for inviting us along the trip! And Akiva is just like my samoyed-husky on board :D
So cool to see you all having so much fun with her, congratulations from England
That dawg was sure loving the sea air tail wagging all the way, happy sailing you guys enjoy every minute because you definitely deserve it 👍😊
I still can't believe its real! Looking forward to the boat show video. That inspector was thoroughly impressed! You could really see his admiration for the project, and its all the more meaningful coming from someone who's probably seen thousands of boats in his lifetime.
It's great to see you on the water. Arabella looks beautiful! Congratulations!!!
I'm guessing that's Bristol Harbor, going to have to take a ride down there and look for you!!
An auspicious start! I know it's not a proper shake down cruise, but only one item at fault is nice. It will be interesting to see what her best point of sail might be. The coffee's going down quite nicely, thank you, crew. Fair winds and following (but not over the stern) seas.
Nice editing, with starting at the boat-trip, jumping back to inspection, and then back to the trip.
wow.Just wow. So cool to see it sail after following all these years.
This is absolutely fascinating! Don't get me wrong, I love watching Steve work, but seeing it all come together with hearty approval from an expert must be gratifying. All of those design choices over the years, all coming together in one coherent boat. Beautiful.
To see the inspection and hear the comments from a surveyor who is obviously impressed with the build and fittings of Arabella is a credit to all the work done by the guys. What is most interesting is that Steve had an answer to every question which satisfied the surveyor.
You all deserve every bit of enjoyment and pride that you get from Arabella.
All I can say is thank you for sharing the journey with us! ❤
"Doing everything _very_ right..." As if Steve needed any more of an indication that he and his team have done a superlative job... Great to have validation!
"stuffing box, traditional, thank you" love it lol
It's really interesting after the last few years when I came across Arabella to see her afloat. I've been absolutely hooked on you and Leo and it's been a pretty cool trip allowing people to live in your world. Takes a lot of bravery to open yourself up for those who enjoy it, which I think is the point, but ignoring the noise of idiots who hate everything and can't just enjoy someone else accomplishing goals and completing a dream. Unfortunately I'm one of those who starts a lot of projects, but a much lower completion percentage :D
Oh no… it counted! And the smile on his face proves it. He needed that canvas!! (You know what I mean)
Arabella is back baby!
Well of course you didn't disappoint us with this video. There was so much information and it sounds like everything you did to/for this boat was spot on. Akiva looks like a HAPPY doggo out there on the water. Has he been sea sick so far or does he have a cast iron stomach? I'm sure bathrooming for a pup is a bit different when you are at sea. Have you worked out a plan for that? You guys have a great week and see you on the next video.
We’re coastal cruising and it’s easy to take him ashore.
Those production names for Stephen get me every time 😂 So full of respect and love.
Just outstanding. What Steve and the team have achieved is just mind blowing. Just to have the confidance to set out on this journey is amazing, but to see it through, to the standard thats been achieved, is just phenomenal.
You could turn the sheet of the aft mast upside down and let it run forward via the boom and secure it on the mast, so you have no problems with tacking.
It's just an idea.
greetings from the Netherlands
You know it’s good when the insurance guy is smiling ear to ear the whole time! Can’t say it enough so happy and excited for you Steve!
Five years ago, the YT algorithm wanted me to see a couple crazy guys casting a 10000 pound lead keel and I've been following along ever since. Seeing the sails taking in the wind feels remarkable.
Good Morning y'all thanks for taking us along on the first not sailing
😁
Steve! You are a young man! This boat project has turned your beard gray! 😂 so happy for you!
On a cold and rainy day in Wales, you have brought a smile to my face.😊
Well done guys.
Congratulations!!! What an accomplishment. I started watching when you were pouring the keel many years ago. Just the fact that you stuck with it to the end is remarkable. I hope that the next phase of your journey is everything that you envisioned it. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and keep posting as you set off.
Great to see Arabella motor sailing. Its a beautiful boat. Well done Stephen and all the many primary shipwrights, volunteers, and contributors that made the dream a reality. Thanks for sharing.
She sails like a dream.
Great video! Usually your sail maker provides sail ties when you get new sails!
listening in on how every question by the inspector was answered in a split second, to his utmost satisfaction, was just soooo satisfying, I was smiling all the time and silently congratulating you on how all the hard work, all the learning, sweat, tears and thought that went into Arabella are paying off.
The man said it: "A great job, really well done, great forethought and just a great project". Couldn't agree more. Bloody well done.
Well done everyone, she is so beautiful,I hope you have some amazing adventures with her, sending Love and Light from Liverpool UK
Hooray! Arabella in the water, once again, I am so impressed. The insurance guy going over everything and he was impressed, he said! I’m just loving it. Arabellas sail filled with the wind. Now I too am connection to the sea.
Thanks for the ride!
Steve, congratulations. Not on the boat - in North America 15000 of those are created every year, but on creating legacy, which is far more difficult a build. Your legacy currently runs true amd strong. May it live.
Liked seeing 'Retired'. Enjoy!
It was awesome watching Steve just taking all of it in.
gotta love Ron Swanson in the backround in dry dock, surely for inspiration
Have always loved Steve’s occupation description and this one: Amateur boat builder - retired. So good.
😁
Man the dog looked like he was having a great time , hope your taking it along to run on countless new beaches
Atkins certainly knew how to design a boat. She sits nice in the water. Great job Steve, you did well 👍
The Atkins name in Marine Engineering is Top Of The Line The Best There Is. He was my dad's surveyor when he owned the yacht brokerage in Cos Cob, CT. When I was in elementary school Atkins wife was my art teacher.
I trust the Atkins name when it comes to boats 100%. We lived in the same town.
The Atkins name in Marine Engineering is Top Of The Line The Best There Is. He was my dad's surveyor when he owned the yacht brokerage in Cos Cob, CT. When I was in elementary school Atkins wife was my art teacher.
I trust the Atkins name when it comes to boats 100%. We lived in the same town.
(cough cough, ahem...) Atkin?
@@Gottenhimfella What ah buncha Nit Pickers.
I've been along all the way for your build, and am joyful indeed to be with you for the first sea trials. Your heart must be full. Bravo Captain Steve and crew.
How satisfying it must be to watch your hard work come to life like that. Enjoy the fruits.
What has been achieved says much about Steve's personality. I have watched them all but still don't know how this has been achieved. Beautiful. Well done everybody. Real craftsmanship.
Brings a smile to me watching it sail. Fantastic
WOW! That’s got to be the best feeling in the world. From what I can tell, Steve, you are a lean built man, but wow you got a big pair and all the guts to go with it! GREAT JOB CAPTAIN! You can celebrate the sails going up another time when you call out, “ALL STOP ON THE ENGINES”, like Captain Sheldon did in White Squall, while half the crew were heaving their guts overboard. And then he said, “Behold the power of the wind”. Godspeed Arabella and all the crew that sail on her.
I got misty-eyed as the sails went up at 20:25. What an awesome project and team!
Happy to see Akiva getting sea time!