Acorn To Arabellavideo

Anchored Bow and Stern at the Greatest Anchorage in the Bras d’Ors

12 September 2025 · 22 min · 25K views · Bras d’Or Lake

What this video covers

The crew of the 41-foot schooner *Arabella* practices stern-to anchoring in the Bras d’Or Lakes of Nova Scotia to prepare for deep-water, steep-shore anchorages expected in Newfoundland.6:46 By dropping a primary bow anchor into deep water and securing a stern anchor near a steep, sandy beach, the crew maintains position against wind and current.3:45 The technique prevents the boat from dragging into deeper water or swinging into hazards.5:45 During the maneuver, the crew uses a stern line shackled to the anchor chain, which is then transferred to the windlass for retrieval.7:58 The transit through the Bras d’Or Lakes includes a stop in Baddeck, where the crew utilizes a mooring provided by Baddeck Marine to access laundry and showers.15:17 Navigation planning for the upcoming passage to North Sydney involves timing the transit through the narrows to avoid a four-to-five-knot contrary current, which can create confused seas when wind opposes the tide.17:46 The crew also relies on the CCA Cruising Guide for local tidal data and harbor information.14:25

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