Winter still has Newfoundland in its grip, but while the harbor freezes over again outside, work aboard Arabella continues. This week, Steve tackles one of the biggest frustrations—and potential dangers—of reefing sails offshore at night in rough conditions: managing dozens of loose lines on a moving deck. Inspired by rope bags used in the climbing world, he designs and sews a completely custom line-management system for Arabella’s masts, turning scrap sailcloth and mesh into organized reefing bags built specifically for life offshore. From prototypes and pattern making to stitching intricate baffles and fitting the final bags around the mast, this became one of the most ambitious sewing projects aboard the boat so far. At sea, small improvements can make a huge difference—and we’re hoping this one will make reefing safer, faster, and far less chaotic when conditions turn rough. -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

Steve and Robin spent the early winter months scouting lines around Corner Brook. This is three days of finally skiing some of them. No narration neede — just the mountain, the snow, and some music. A bonus episode from the Arabella crew.

Simple, effective, costs nothing extra. The best solutions usually do. #boatbuilding #boattips #sailing #boatlife #sailinglife #diy #boathacks #woodworking #boatrestoration #ytshorts

After months of work, trial and error, and a few unexpected setbacks, we finally finished building our own sail covers and stack packs for Arabella. What started as a winter project turned into a full deep dive into canvas work—designing, patterning, sewing, breaking the machine, waiting weeks for parts, and learning as we went. In this video, we walk through the entire process, the improvements we made over our old setup, and why doing it ourselves might have been one of the best upgrades we could make for the boat. From better drainage and durability to smarter line management and even integrated awnings, these new covers should completely change how Arabella looks and functions underway. It was a lot of work—but it might just have been worth it. -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

This summer has been a long time coming. Long before Arabella was ever launched, there was a dream—to sail north, reach remote places, and go after untouched granite walls that few people have ever seen, let alone climbed. Now, after years of building, sailing, and learning, we finally have the opportunity to go for it. In this update, we’re sharing the plan for the summer: heading to Newfoundland’s remote south coast to explore and potentially develop first ascents on one of the most inaccessible and promising cliffs in the region. It’s the kind of place most climbers never get the chance to reach—and the kind of adventure Arabella was built for. There’s still a lot of work to do before we get there, but the goal is set. Now it’s time to make it happen. -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

Not a boat builder. Not a sailor. Steve built Arabella from scratch — cut the trees, milled the lumber, and planked her in white oak so she could handle this. Frozen solid in Newfoundland in April, and the door won't even open. Arabella is a 38ft gaff ketch built entirely by hand and sailed 6,000 miles up and down the eastern seaboard. This is what that looks like in winter. 🌲 Full build series: https://www.youtube.com/acorntoarabella 📍 Currently: Newfoundland, Canada #Shorts #boatbuilding #woodenboat #sailinglife #handbuilt #DIY #arabella #acorntoarabella #Newfoundland #sailboat

Winter is finally starting to loosen its grip in Newfoundland, and that means one thing—spring boat projects are underway aboard Arabella. This week, we shift gears from skiing and backcountry travel to life aboard the boat, tackling the kinds of projects that keep a wooden sailboat ready for the next season. From repairing a decades-old hatchet that’s been part of this journey since childhood to rebuilding parts of the interior and preparing new wood for upcoming repairs, it’s all about making do with what we have and improving things one step at a time. Working aboard a boat in a limited space—with limited tools—means every project is a balance between function, efficiency, and adaptability. Nothing is ever truly finished, and everything is designed to evolve. As the ice begins to break up around Arabella, the focus shifts toward getting the boat ready for the upcoming cruising season—and all the adventures that come with it. -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

It’s been 10 years since we cut down the first tree and started building Arabella. Since then, this journey has taken us from the forest to the water—and now all the way to a frozen winter in Newfoundland. Along the way, there have been incredible highs, tough lows, and more adventure than we ever could have imagined. In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on that journey, share what’s changed, what hasn’t, and where we’re headed next. As we look ahead to a new season of sailing and exploration, we’re also making a few changes to how we create and share these videos. We’ll be shifting to a bi-weekly format for long-form episodes while adding more short-form content in between—so there’s still something new every week, just in a slightly different way. We’re also celebrating this milestone with a limited-run tee-shirt campaign, with proceeds going directly toward keeping Arabella moving—boat work, gear upgrades, and preparing for the next chapter along Newfoundland’s south coast. Thank you for being part of this journey. We truly couldn’t do it without you. -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

After a tough start to the season that left Ben injured and out of commission for a couple of weeks, we’re finally back—and back to adventure. This episode picks up with a return to the cabin, where local friends Rod and Alvin take us deeper into life in this rugged part of the world. From checking rabbit traps and ice fishing to hearing firsthand stories of growing up on remote islands, it’s a glimpse into a way of life shaped by isolation, resilience, and community. Then it’s back into the mountains. Steve and Carter set out to find a hidden ice climb they’d previously spotted from the highway—but with no trail and limited time, it turns into a full-on route-finding mission from above, rappelling into the unknown and hoping they’ve landed in the right place. Between setbacks, exploration, and a few hard-earned lessons, this week is about getting back on your feet—and back out there. -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

This week in Newfoundland, Steve and Carter finish their Baker’s Brook Pond recon with one more attempt to cross the ice and reach the big climbing terrain they came to scout. After backing off the previous day due to warming temperatures, they return with colder conditions, a better plan, and a clear strategy for managing the risks of crossing a frozen pond in the backcountry. They test ice thickness, spread out their weight on skis, rig ropes and backup systems, and work through the real decision-making that goes into moving safely across uncertain terrain. After exploring the far side of the fjord and confirming what’s worth coming back for, they return to Arabella to find a few new winter problems waiting at the dock. Back aboard the boat, Steve tracks down an electrical short that knocked out the bubbler, then tackles another liveaboard winter issue: Akiva’s dog hair clogging the electric heaters. From frozen ponds and backcountry route finding to troubleshooting life aboard in a Newfoundland winter, this episode is all about solving problems as they come. -------------------------- Episode #380 Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

Use code ATAB6OFF for 6% off a Pioneer NA battery. https://bit.ly/3M6RBfl #bluetti #PioneerNA #WinterBackupPowerBLUETTI This week in Newfoundland, we head deep into Gros Morne National Park to scout what could be some of the biggest ice climbing routes we’ve ever seen. After joining locals for rabbit trapping, ice fishing, and a snowmobile ride to a remote off-grid cabin, we strap on our skis and tow a heavy pulk 8.5 kilometers across frozen Baker’s Brook Pond. Our destination: a backcountry hut and the 1,700-foot cliffs rising above the fjord. With towering walls, endless vertical ice lines, and total wilderness solitude, this part of western Newfoundland might be one of the most underrated ice climbing destinations in North America. We drill test holes in the lake ice, navigate wildlife tracks, pass moose exclosures, and finally round the bend to see walls that exceed every expectation. Next week: we rope up and start climbing. #GrosMorne #IceClimbing #Newfoundland #BackcountrySkiing #WinterAdventure #NationalPark #Fjord #AdventureVlog -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

Winter in Newfoundland keeps us busy. This week aboard Arabella, the harbor ice tightens around the boat and we’re forced to break up 4-inch ice to relieve pressure on the lines. After adjusting the bubbler and freeing the stern, we trade ice spuds for skis and head into deep Canadian powder for Robin’s first “Canadian turns.” Back on board, Steve dives into a major sailmaking project—building new Sunbrella stack packs with mesh ventilation, improved drainage, and cleaner stitching than the originals that made it all the way to the Dry Tortugas and back. Then winter hits hard. A massive snowstorm collapses the shed back in Massachusetts, burying the tools used to build Arabella. Four flights later, Steve is digging through two feet of snow to salvage what he can. From frozen harbors and whiteout skiing to sewing sail covers and emergency storm damage—this is winter boat life in Newfoundland. #WinterSailing #LiveaboardLife #BoatLife #Newfoundland #Skiing #Sailmaking -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

A quick rundown of the climbing gear that Steve and Carter used on their most recent ice climbing adventures in Newfoundland. https://youtu.be/xLo4kUuuYKo

Winter has fully set in around Arabella in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland—the harbor is freezing, ice sheets are moving with the tide, and keeping the boat safe becomes a daily task. This week we show how we protect a liveaboard sailboat in icy conditions using a deicer (bubbler system) and even a floating log to shield the hull from shifting ice. Once the boat is secured, we head out for two unique ice climbing days on Newfoundland’s west coast. First, we climb a 200-foot frozen waterfall and rappel using V-threads—leaving nothing behind on the ice. Then we top-rope surreal sea cliffs formed by freezing ocean spray at Bottle Cove, where ice crashes directly into the Atlantic below. From winter boat maintenance to safe rappelling techniques, ice screw anchors, autoblocks, and climbing over ocean waves, this week blends cold-weather sailing life with technical ice climbing in one of Canada’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

With the boat buttoned up for winter, it’s finally time to head into the mountains. In this episode, Steve, Robin, and Carter take the new DIY pulk sled bags into the backcountry for a winter camping and ski reconnaissance trip just north of Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Before heading out, Steve walks through how the winter tent over Arabella has transformed life aboard—cutting down condensation, blocking wind, and making cold-weather living far more comfortable. After waiting out uncooperative weather, the crew loads the sleds with gear, including a compact wood stove, and sets off toward the Blow Me Down Mountains along the Humber Arm. Thin snow, exposed trail sections, and heavy sleds make the approach more challenging than expected, forcing off-trail travel through tuckamore and careful terrain choices. The trip becomes less about skiing steep lines and more about learning the land—scouting bowls, gullies, avalanche paths, and access routes for future trips when conditions improve. From sewing custom tent anchors out of old sailcloth to cooking dinner over a wood stove with ocean views below, this episode is a true shakedown: testing gear, refining systems, and getting to know a wild coastal mountain environment where the sea and alpine terrain collide. In this episode: • Winter tent living aboard Arabella • Testing DIY pulk sled bags • Backcountry ski camping in Newfoundland • Coastal mountain recon and route finding • Avalanche awareness without forecasting • Wood stove winter camp setup • Exploring where mountains meet the ocean -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

After a long holiday break back home in Massachusetts, Steve, Robin, and Akiva make the 1,100-mile journey back north to Arabella and winter life in Newfoundland. With big plans for backcountry skiing and ice climbing along the island’s northwest coast, it’s time to finish some critical prep. This episode covers the build of a second custom sled bag using a newly acquired Sailrite sewing machine—a test run before tackling major canvas projects on Arabella. Steve walks through the design, materials, and sewing techniques that will make hauling winter climbing gear into the mountains faster and easier. With new skis and rare Silvretta bindings dialed in, the crew heads out for a recon mission along the Fox River toward the Lewis Hills. But a sudden storm and strong winds nearly derail the season when one ski goes straight overboard and sinks into the harbor. What follows is an unexpected winter recovery mission, a boat launch in January, and a reminder of how quickly things can go sideways in cold conditions. The episode wraps with a first look at the trail system, wildlife tracks in the snow, and early planning for multi-day backcountry trips—setting the stage for winter adventures to come. In this episode: • Driving back to Newfoundland in winter • DIY sled bag/pulk gear sewing • Sailrite machine setup & techniques • Silvretta ski bindings for ice climbing approaches • Losing (and recovering) a ski overboard • Winter harbor recovery mission • Trail recon toward the Lewis Hills • Preparing for multi-day backcountry travel -------------------------- Episode 375 Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

Picked up some fishcale skis with Silvretta bindings, which are compatible with mountaineering boots instead of traditional ski boots. Join us as we test them out on the Newfoundland T'Railway. This set up is going to be a game changer for our ski mountaineering objectives this season. Won't catch us complaining about not having to carry ski boots AND mountaineering boots on every backcountry adventure! #SkiNewfoundland #BackcountrySkiing #Silvretta -------------------------- Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

It’s time to leave Arabella for six weeks as Steve and Robin head back to the United States for the holidays—but not before getting the boat safely settled for early winter in Newfoundland. With the cover on, heaters set, and friends keeping an eye on things, Arabella is ready to rest while the crew visits family. This episode follows the transition from boat life to shore life and then dives into something special: a full behind-the-scenes look at the complete teardown, inspection, cleaning, and rebuild of Arabella’s feathering propeller at AccuTech in Dover, New Hampshire. From seized blades and marine growth to German-engineered brake rings and precision pitch tuning, you’ll see exactly what goes into a proper feathering prop service—and why it matters. Whether you’re here for winter prep, travel days, or deep mechanical nerdiness, this episode has a little bit of everything. In this episode: • Preparing Arabella for six winter weeks alone • Holiday travel on the ferry back to the States • Limited-run Arabella merch clean-out • Searching for affordable boat insurance • Full feathering propeller teardown + how it really works • Pitch tuning, brake rings, and expert maintenance tips • What causes prop damage—and how to avoid expensive mistakes • Before-and-after transformation of the prop -------------------------- Episode 374 Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

Winter prep continues aboard Arabella in Corner Brook, Newfoundland—and this week it’s time to build a proper tent over the housetop before shrink wrap goes on. With help from fellow adventurers Lina Chu (a Vietnamese-Ukrainian photographer) and her partner Peter, Steve frames a structure designed to keep out snow while still letting light in all winter—using a clear tarp section in the middle and blue shrink wrap on the ends. After the framing is up and the plan is set, the crew takes a break for an off-the-beaten-path adventure: a windy hike to check out a nearby shipwreck—the MSC Baltic III— where an enormous cable-and-winch system has been rigged to move gear back and forth to the wreck. From sawdust and screw guns to massive chains and stormy coastal views, this episode is equal parts practical boat life and Newfoundland exploration—with the final stretch of the 2025 season coming fast. In this episode: winter tent framing • shrink wrap prep • keeping light under cover • harbor life in Corner Brook • shipwreck cable system • lighthouse trail walk -------------------------- Episode #373 Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com

The tide is high, and it’s haul-out day for Arabella—but only briefly. This week, Steve and Robin bring the boat ashore in Corner Brook, Newfoundland for a quick mid-winter inspection and to remove their feathering propeller for its scheduled 2–3 year service. After checking the hull, addressing a few barnacle patches, and learning a thing or two about worm shoes, Arabella goes right back into the water where she’ll stay for the rest of the winter. Steve installs a temporary anode to protect the prop shaft, gives the bottom a fast scrub, and walks us through what held up well (and what didn’t) after a season of cruising from the Keys to Newfoundland. With the holidays approaching, the propeller is heading to New England for a full teardown and regreasing—and with any luck, a behind-the-scenes look at the process is coming soon! This is a shorter episode while the crew is stateside for Thanksgiving, but next week kicks off the final big winter-prep push: tenting Arabella and getting her ready for shrink wrap. -------------------------- Episode #372 Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hn3Qyv Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva. -------------------------- If you are interested in supporting/helping here are a few ways: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/how-to-help Acorn to Arabella's wishlist: https://www.acorntoarabella.com/wishlistpriority TotalBoat supports A2A! Please consider using our Total Boat referral code. Click here, then shop: https://www.totalboat.com/acorntoarabella They'll kick 10% our way! To offer recurring support via Patreon, CLICK BELOW. Just $5 a month gets you an invite to our monthly patron-only livestream Q&A sessions! https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Original Soundtrack available at benfundis.bandcamp.com FOLLOW US: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acorntoarabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorntoarabella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acorntoarabella Website: http://www.acorntoarabella.com