Acorn To Arabellavideo
From P-Town to Nova Scotia: Our First International Sailing Adventure
August 1, 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 stabilizes 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.
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