Acorn To Arabella · video

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat Arabella transits the Okeechobee Waterway from the St. Lucie River toward the Caloosahatchee River, navigating shifting, shallow waters and multiple bridges.0:40 Before entering the waterway, the crew verifies vertical clearances using Navionics and onboard chart plotters, confirming that the boat’s mast height clears the 55-foot minimum bridge restrictions.6:31 During the passage, the crew encounters communication failures with a lock operator due to radio interference, forcing them to hold station in tight quarters near rocks.10:51 The crew practices windlass operation and anchoring techniques to improve proficiency in varying bottom conditions.2:17 After clearing the locks, they anchor near the Ortona Sand Mine and utilize a local tavern accessible by dinghy.21:57 The transit requires careful monitoring of bridge schedules and depth soundings, as chart plotters prove more reliable than paper charts in the shifting Florida canal system.6:35 Subtropical conditions present challenges, including intense mosquito swarms that necessitate the use of deck screens and tarps to maintain ventilation.12:31

More from Acorn To Arabella

Upgrading the Rudder and Another Trek To The CliffAug 2026We're Climbing a Wall No One Has Ever Climbed Before | Rock Climbing on Newfoundland's South CoastJul 2026Exploring Newfoundland's Unclimbed Coastal Cliffs by SailboatJul 2026Fjord Hopping | Arabella Sails East Toward The NuddickJul 2026

From Acorn To Arabella — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.