We Solved One of the Most Dangerous Problems on Our Sailboat

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