Acorn To Arabellavideo

From P-Town to Nova Scotia: Our First International Sailing Adventure

1 August 2025 · 17 min · 36K views · Shelburne, Nova Scotia

What this video covers

Steve, Robin, and Carter depart Provincetown, Massachusetts, aboard the vessel Arabella for a two-day shakedown cruise to Shelburne, Nova Scotia. The crew tests a new Code Zero sail, which provides efficient performance in light eight-knot winds.2:49 During the passage, the newly installed Pelagic autopilot fails to maintain a straight course.2:55 Troubleshooting reveals that a nearby VHF radio speaker and a large steel propane tank located beneath the navigation station are causing magnetic interference with the unit's internal gyroscope.3:42 Relocating the components stabilises the autopilot for the remainder of the trip.3:58 The crew relies on AIS and radar to track a fishing vessel during dense fog.4:51 Upon entering Canadian waters, the crew hoists the yellow Q flag and completes customs clearance via a brief phone call.11:20 After arriving in Shelburne, the crew prepares for further travel to Lunenburg.16:10 Proper placement of electronic components away from large metal objects or magnetic sources is essential for accurate autopilot performance.

Watch on YouTube

More from Acorn To Arabella

We Stripped Our Wooden Sailboat Back to Bare Wood... AgainOct 2026Saying Goodbye to Newfoundland—and the Man Who Inspired ArabellaSept 2026Upgrading 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 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.

Report an issue