Acorn To Arabellavideo

From Bras d’Or Lake to the North Atlantic: Learning (and Splicing) the Ropes

September 19, 2025 · 31 min · 24K views · Bras d’Or Lake

What this video covers

The crew of the 38-ft schooner Arabella prepares for an upcoming passage from Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Newfoundland by practicing boat handling, performing maintenance, and upgrading their ground tackle. While in Bras d’Or Lake, the crew practices single-handed mooring departures and maneuvers in calm conditions.0:07 Steve repaints two propane tanks using a two-part epoxy paint, Total Protect, after removing surface rust with a brass wire wheel and flap disc.15:41 To prepare for potential deep-water anchoring in Newfoundland, the crew evaluates methods for joining a 100-ft, 7/8-inch three-strand nylon rode to their existing 200-ft, 3/8-inch anchor chain.19:43 After consulting *The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice* by Brian Toss, they reject a permanent chain splice in favor of a removable connection using a Spectra soft shackle to join an eye-spliced nylon rode to the chain’s end link.21:09 This configuration allows for easier deployment over bow rollers and provides flexibility for using the rode as a tow line.21:06 The crew also completes a hike near the Narrows to scout local topography.8:28

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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

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