Acorn To Arabellavideo
Single-Handing the 38’ Wooden Sailboat He Built Himself
August 8, 2025 · 23 min · 36K views · Shelburne, Nova Scotia
What this video covers
Steve, the owner of the 38-foot wooden sailboat Arabella, completes his first solo passage from Lunenburg to Cub Basin, Nova Scotia.▶ 13:54 After departing Lunenburg, he sails in winds ranging from 6 to 20 knots, utilizing a Code Zero in lighter conditions before switching to full sail as winds increase.▶ 15:37 To prepare for the approach to Cub Basin, he drops the staysail and furls the jib while two miles offshore, then motors the final distance to anchor in 25 feet of water.▶ 17:09 The passage serves as a trial for single-handed operation, with Steve managing sail changes and navigation independently. Upon arrival, he scouts a local climbing site known as the Medicine Wall, accessible by tender from the anchorage.▶ 20:25 The transit highlights the practicalities of managing a wooden vessel solo, including the importance of early sail reduction and engine checks before entering confined waters.
More from Acorn To Arabella
From Acorn To Arabella — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed 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.