I watched the keel being poured. I can't believe it's been 7 years. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. May you have many a lovely voyage!

@griflet1

11 ай бұрын

It all started with that keel. That damn keel.

@stephenstevens6573

11 ай бұрын

I joined the journey at the same time. I cannot believe that it's been 7 years, either. Time flies.

@VenturiLife

11 ай бұрын

7 years? Wow. Time flies.

@nathanaelhughes1865

11 ай бұрын

@griflet1 I remember thinking, "cool, I'll watch a boat being built in a few months." 😆

@jeffjames3111

11 ай бұрын

Same, every Friday like clockwork. I have vicariously enjoyed the process throughout but the main thing I think I took away was what lovely, lovely people.

Huge congratulations to Steve and the whole A2A crew! What an amazing day!

@drop_dtuned6167

11 ай бұрын

Still 2 years out for TallyHo launch? Or is it more like 2 months. I think it is. So exciting…

@AcornToArabella

11 ай бұрын

Cheers!

@pmiller7886

11 ай бұрын

Two amazing wooden boat builds, completely different yet the same spirit, cheers Leo!

@johnjewell219

11 ай бұрын

Congratulations to you all great work greetings from east coast Australia JJ

@jannerkev

11 ай бұрын

Looking forward to Tallyho's launch as well..

Three cheers for Ben Fundis, who takes raw footage and adds narration, music and so much more to make the journey so enjoyable to watch.

@prankishsquire2663

11 ай бұрын

Hip, Hip, Hooray.

@Chr.U.Cas2216

11 ай бұрын

Dear frankpainter7571 👍👌👏 Yes, yes, yes! 🙌🙌🙌 Three times Hooray! 2) Ben Fundis is soooo much better than the bad host who was doing the live launch. She obviously had not much clue about anything. This whole, unique spectacle about launching Arabella and the team/crew definitely deserved better. Any of the crew could've done a better job (especially Ben and Anne Bryant). Best regards, luck and health in particular.

@nick.caffrey

11 ай бұрын

@@Chr.U.Cas2216 Totally unfair. Ellen had limited bandwidth on the upload, and it was live. It's not as simple as it seems. Don't diss people gratuitously. Better to stay silent.

@MrCombic

11 ай бұрын

And a huge thanks for picking the Victoria song for the launch! That is the most beautiful song Ben composed! I loved it in every episode :)

I loved seeing Alix in there. His videography and editing was something I really missed for a long time.

Alex had a baby! Congrats to him and the whole Arabella team. I have to say, I teared up a bit with Steve's speech thanking his grandfather for planting the trees. Congratulations once more! Been watching since the lead pour, simply amazing.

@SteelCityPGH

11 ай бұрын

Yeah, so glad to see Alex made it!! While the realities of life may have had to take him in a different direction, he put a LOT of blood, sweat and tears to help make Arabella a reality!

@JustSomeVideos0

11 ай бұрын

@@SteelCityPGH Amen. He was an important part on this journey for so many of us and to see him at the launch was very special. It was clearly a bitter sweet time for him but as much as I love boats a baby is a whole new ball park of creation!!! I hope both Alix and and Steve are at peace with the path of the last few years.

I stumbled upon this channel when the keel was poured. I've never been sailing. I don't live anywhere remotely close to a coast. I know nothing of woodworking. And yet I've never missed an episode. It's amazing and inspiring to see Arabella in the water. Congratulations on this milestone, Steve, and thanks for taking us all along for the journey!

@fordfan3179

11 ай бұрын

Lol, me to. I remember thinking "this is gonna take a year or more"

Alix, you are such a class act, and I'm really proud of you for attending the launch of Arabella as the OG of the project. It speaks to your maturity, grace, and dignity. You owned your greatness and place on launch day, and you need to know that we support you. I was especially happy to see and hear the crowd applaud the loudest of any other time during launch. Beautiful baby!

@nathanchalecki4842

11 ай бұрын

What's the backstory here? I think I have watched every episode since the start but have somehow missed any detail on his departure

@sparkyenergia

11 ай бұрын

@@iridium8341 No. Steven paid Alix a salary to be part of it. Alix had life stuff come up with his father, and started his own family. It was no longer possible for him to be part of it.

@maitai1180

11 ай бұрын

@@sparkyenergia Please. The first time Steve saw Alix's baby was on the deck in this episode - just look how Alix introduced him to the baby for the first time, on deck. It also appears that it's the first time in years since Steve and Alix have seen each other or been in contact. Steve and Alix are not friends anymore. If they were, Alix would not have vanished and would have, at a minimum, been around and been in touch. Steve's excuse was Alix's dad, girlfriend, and he was "building his own workshop." Those were all convenient ways to cram a round peg into a square hole instead of just coming out and saying the truth. Alix put in way more than he got out of it, and in my opinion, likely got turned off when Steve came out with his "me, mine" attitude - no matter who owned the boat in the first place.

@maitai1180

11 ай бұрын

@@nathanchalecki4842 Hi Nathan, here's a post I left a couple years ago: kzread.info/dash/bejne/Za17x8GkqaSbY7g.html&lc=UgzpHRn4LDBY_4PKxlR4AaABAg If that doesn't work, I can cut and paste. More later if you have questions.

@nathanchalecki4842

11 ай бұрын

@@maitai1180 wow. Gotta say it's a bit fuckin weird how you assumed so much and became so opinionated about Alix leaving. I mean, I was curious, but really couldn't care less. I think you may be a little too invested in the project, kinda seems unhealthy.

So happy to see Alex there.

The Man built a BIG sailing boat in the rough over a 7 year period, filmed the journey of doing it and shared it with the world! An Extraordinary Man.

@Alic3IiWL

11 ай бұрын

Rugged individual

@TheRealDogfart

11 ай бұрын

Extraordinary Men.

@nick.caffrey

11 ай бұрын

Extraordinary people all!

@johnnunn8688

11 ай бұрын

Yep, and look what he did before the boat came along. As you say, ‘an extraordinary man’.

@mrwaterschoot5617

11 ай бұрын

​@@Alic3IiWLand ateam of helpers

It was good to see Alex there. He was there when it all began and its hard to see how Steve could have done this without him. At the very least, it would have taken a lot longer. Thank you Alex, for helping to make a dream into a reality. 👍

@howardbodiford7130

11 ай бұрын

Congratulations , she’s beautiful

Ben you made this old man cry. Thanks for your vision and creativity

"Skipper Stephen Denette"... and I was already weeping like a child. Thank you, all of you, for sharing this incredible journey with all of us. It's been a shining example of how to lead a life well-lived.

How could you not shed a few tears after all these years? I'm proud of you and your crew, and greatful to have been a part of your journey! ❤️

@MikeFloutier

11 ай бұрын

Amen and Amen! ⛵️🍾❤️

So good to see Alix and his baby!

Has me crying all over again. Grateful to have been a part of this project :)

To Steve, the Master Shipwright, who solves problems without missing a step and finished his dream on schedule. Hip-Hip-Hurray!!

I’m a 63 year old man setting here watching this crying like a 5 year old, what a emotional moment. I started watching when the lead was being poured been watching ever since. I am so happy for everyone but also sad that the build is coming to a end. Bon voyage Arabella.

@Poppi2006

11 ай бұрын

What is it about us men and liquid lead?

@ScottRottenFPV

11 ай бұрын

Me, too. Same here. So proud of all of your accomplishments! 😂. Fair winds and God speed. May the dolphins play in your wake and the flying fish leap for joy in front of your bow. 🎉🎉

Great to see Alix again ,Congratulations on the Baby!!!!!

Steve thanks for letting me share your adventure over the last seven years. Joe

Am I the only person who felt a sense of loss this Friday morning? Coffee tasted a little less sweet without a new A2A video. Take a well deserved rest.

@AcornToArabella

11 ай бұрын

We’ll be back, and we’re so glad you’ll be there with us!

The greatest gift of all was Bob showing up with VICTORIA!

I'm sitting here with my copper rivet in hand, tears streaming down my face (for the second time as I watched the live launch). I'm so proud of all of the folks who had a hand in building Arabella. Having watched every episode since the keel pour within an hour of it being posted, I feel invested in her. I'll likely never see her in person, yet I can't wait to see where she sails to.

@nick.caffrey

11 ай бұрын

I totally understand. Unless Arabella sails to Ireland, I'll probably never see her. But I travelled the same journey as you.

@MakeSpaceByKP

11 ай бұрын

You never know…

Steve, you remind me of my Grandfather. Thank you, Greg.

I was really overwhelmed by a tsunami of emotions when I watched this video, the 271st in a seven year row. As long as courageous individuals have the bravery to pursue their dreams, mankind will not be in danger. Thank you Steve and all who took part in the building of this beautiful sailing vessel for letting us be a part of it! I am already looking forward for the launching of the sailing channel in a couple of weeks

Watching KP help bend the chain plate made me smile. So glad to see her back to her old self. Being sick sucks.

@MakeSpaceByKP

11 ай бұрын

I just laughed, too! It wicked sucked. So happy to be back!

Ive been watching the channel since inception, and watched the launch live! So proud of you all! Edit: IM NOT CRYING YOURE CRYING

@ladydi4runner

11 ай бұрын

Exactly! 😭What aThrill to see her in water! Got the major CHILLS! Been here 38:12 😅since the keel pour.

@carlsmith6613

11 ай бұрын

same here... it's been a grand journey so far; looking forward to videos of arabella sailing and steve's journey learning to sail... 👍

@SeanBlader

11 ай бұрын

Watched since the lead pour.... and hell yeah I'm crying.

@terrybullock3140

11 ай бұрын

definitely not me, Gen X don't cry. My eyes may possibly be leaking on your behalf though, lol

@nick.caffrey

11 ай бұрын

I'm not crying. You are blurry.

YT algorythmics led me to 2 guys pouring tons of lead into a ballast keel. Watching ever since. 7 years what a journey and this is only the first of many!

I'm an immigrant to the United States for 25 years and this story is what America is all about and truly ignites hope and faith in its true asset, its people. Dreaming big, community and achieving goals. We have more in common than what politics make us believe. I followed this channel from its keel casting days until now, if you have as well I can can safely assume you have shed a tear as well. This project honors so, so, so many things from history, craft, work ethic, tradition, art, speciality trades, community, learning, technology...it is hands down the classiest build project on youtube. Steve is my hero and inspiration for being a reserved down to earth no drama just do juggernaut. Bravo my friend, I'm so proud of the Arabella team!

@prankishsquire2663

11 ай бұрын

Hip, Hip, Hooray.

So happy to see Alix who was so involved from the beginning. I've been following Acorn to Arabella from the beginning, have made the trip to visit in the early days when the first planks were going on, and have enjoyed every video since. Thank you for everything you publish and accomplish. It's been such a pleasure to accompany the team on this journey! Cheers!

KP, I add my voice to the many who are SO pleased and relieved to see you back in harness and doing what you love. No doubt many were worried for your eventual recovery after your battle with long COVID. Best wishes for fair winds and following seas going forward.

@MakeSpaceByKP

11 ай бұрын

Thank you thank you thank you! I can’t describe how happy I was to be back, just in time.

Made up for you lad. Both about time and well deserved. Joy to you.

"We all came together, and we all built this" - great speech dude... Really good!

I got remarried 7 years ago in June. It’s gonna be difficult to remember how many years now that boat has been launched. Congratulations to all. It’s not just a boat. It’s a masterpiece.

I was 70 when you cut the first tree and 77 when you launched. I have loved every minute and learned so much about everything! Thank you and all who worked so hard to make it possible! I salute you ALL!!!

my dad loved this channel so much. unfortunately he passed away in feb 2023 before he could see the completion of the boat. he built many things in his life himself like our home, all the furniture, pocket watches, bicycles and machines, but in his ailing old age, he no longer had the physique and dexterity to do those things anymore. he found so much pleasure in this channel though. it was one of his dreams when we were little to boat around the whole world and live life out on the seas, but he was able to live vicariously thru each video and follow along with the project. he mentioned you guys a lot over the years and i could see the joy light up his eyes whenever he did. so thank you very much and congratulations

@AcornToArabella

7 ай бұрын

Deep condolences and thank you so very much for sharing the memory of your dad. It means the world. Cheers to you and your family. 💌🏆

Little acorn is a big girl now.I wish her a wonderful and happy life.

A most exceptional video Ben. You are truly a master of your craft, and a truly fine person. Congratulations to Steve this is a journey of a lifetime. Well done!

Surely the greatest episode of the greatest channel on KZread; very well done Steve and everyone, congratulations and love! ⛵️🍾❤️

@DrRusty5

11 ай бұрын

Well, until we see the episode of Arabelle under sail for the first time!

@MikeFloutier

11 ай бұрын

@@DrRusty5 you are so right! 🤩

Rumour has it that when Arabella launched even Chuck Norris shed a single tear.

@AcornToArabella

11 ай бұрын

🤣

Seeing the boat finally on the water, it brought tears to my eyes

I am so happy to see Alix at launch. He looks like he is doing well and now has a little one. I started watching when you guys poured the lead keel and I have been hooked since. It has been an amazing journey! Well done Steve and heres to the many more adventures that lay before you. Cheers!

I have got to say, Steve, that was such a well-composed speech... "the most liberal of liberals, and the most conservative of conservatives", those words are going to be ringing in my ears for quite some time. In a world which boasts diversity but rarely practices it, you and everyone on your team are are a great example of what unity (as opposed to uniformity) looks like. I wish you and your family many great adventures in Arabella!

@paulswan1965

11 ай бұрын

I could not have said that better myself. We said. 🍾🍾🍾

@MakeSpaceByKP

11 ай бұрын

His words are few and always well chosen. ❤

4:50 The splicing needs "someone who knows what she's doing". She definitely is. This looks amazing. She might also work as a magician doing that. Kudos!

Ben has done an awesome job producing the videos, but to a large extent he's standing on Alix's shoulders. It was Alix's work on the videos that built the community that made all this possible. I'm glad he made it to the launch.

@prankishsquire2663

11 ай бұрын

Hip, Hip, Hooray.

@AcornToArabella

11 ай бұрын

If this channel isn’t a testament to the fact that nothing great is ever done alone, we don’t know what is! 🤘

@LeCharles07

11 ай бұрын

@@AcornToArabella 🥲

For seven years it was said, “It is looking more like a boat.” It is now a boat and it floats. Congratulations to Steve, the man with a dream, and all who contributed their time, knowledge, blood, sweat and tears to this beautiful vessel. Arabella looks majestic in the water. And Bob, beautiful work on Victoria. Long live Victoria.

This is proof that DREAMS do come true!

I'm looking forward to a lifetime of episodes.

Never in my life do I contribute to anything or anyone other than a couple of Charities & my Church, but this project reached out and grabbed me from the very first video. I can’t wait to see Arabella sail into Newburyport, MA. That will truly be one of the highlights of my life.

Great to see Alex being there after all the years he was involved

I made one informative comment way back when you were pouring your keel (along with a picture of a famous Hot Rod icon) and suggested that you may wish to consider protection from the lead. You took the advice and ran with it - it was then I knew this day would come. No one knows everything, but the ones who listen can conquer the world. Congratulations.

I have to say, this was more emotional for me than I thought it would be. I started getting misty when Grandpa’s dandelion wine was mentioned and things just got more emotional from there. What an incredible accomplishment you’ve all achieved. Just amazing. Bon Voyage, Arabella, Victoria and their crew!

To Steve, family, and crew (all 500) of you. Thank you all for sharing with those who love sailing, builders who do both, and viewers inspired to do. God Bless All!

YES... There there is absolutely NOTHING we cannot accomplish together.

Worthwhile endeavours are seldom easy, True happiness can only be earned. Sail forth Arabella!

It is GREAT to see Alex and his family!

Amazing to watch Rebecca doing the wire splicing! So adept, obviously a professional. This video made me feel quite emotional. Not going to stop watching now!

Long live Arabella and her crew!

I like to pass this to Steve and all were there in Mattapoisett Ma. Thank you for taking my brother Joseph daughter Kendra and I on the journey for the past 7 years. I remember from when you and Alex started it and I’m grateful I met you on Arabella, I will cherish this memory forever. Also can’t wait to see when you sail up and down the east coast take care from my brother Joseph Benesh daughter Kendra Mann and I Bruce Mann Jr.

Я пришел на этот канал где-то года три назад. Читал книги о пиратах, морских путешествиях. И вдруг решил что хочу сходить в плавание. Изучал разный контент по морской тематике и как-то наткнулся на ваш канал, казалось что пройдет вечность прежде чем судно выйдет в плавание, но этот день наступил и рад за вас. Это лучший пример того что нужно стремиться к свой мечте.

@sassafrasvalley1939

11 ай бұрын

Well said. Thank you.

@nick.caffrey

11 ай бұрын

Хорошо сказано!

how much nicer the world would be if it was a bit more like the community around Arabella. I watched every week for 7 years and enjoyed every episode. I look forward to the next 7...

Well, it finally happened. What a joy.

As I sit at home so far away from the bay where Arabella now resides, it seems rare to witness and share in the joy of such a momentous and arduous undertaking as Steve, and his crew, have now accomplished. An emotional day for any of us who have followed the progress of Steve’s dream. With tears I sat and watched as Arabella’s rudder touched the ocean for the first time. Lesser men of dreams would never have accomplished such a task. Congratulations to those who had a hand in the fulfillment of this dream but mostly thank you for giving me something to look forward to during the long months of confinement due to the pandemic. I look forward to future adventures on the seas with Arabella and Victoria. Enjoy your success and go with the wind.

So amazing to watch a master arborist who happened to be a master carpenter become a master wooden boat builder. Not only that, he is a master humanist who created a village of people, all different as he described, bringing their varied talents to build and launch Arabella. Being at the launch was an amazing experience and reliving it in this episode was very touching. Congrats to you all!

She looks so beautiful. In awe of this moment

Enjoy the stars, every night in the middle of the ocean.

The biggest takeaway for me, is how huge Arabella looked in the boathouse, and how small she looks on.the water. As in all things in life, it is all a matter of perspective..fair winds and following seas.

I wonder how long Ben has been waiting to title Steve as "Skipper", a well deserved moniker. This was just as emotional as the launch itself. Well done to you all.

@KingdaToro

10 ай бұрын

Skipper isn't even the final goal. That would be Sailor.

Thank you SO much. I’ve only been captivated for a couple of years but it’s been great catching up, from day one. Hope I live to see the next 7 years. 🤞

And so the acorn grew into a tree. A beautiful oak with roots in all corners of the world. And wherever her roots grew she dropped new acorns Full of her heart and soul

Acorn to Arabella is the true American spirit. May God bless you on all of your adventures.

This series will be used for education for generations to come. Not just in boat building but dream making. Perseverance, endurance, vigilance, unity, kindness, mentality, and completion.

@evanschwartz3030

11 ай бұрын

Exactly correct!

„If you want to build a ship, don't round up men to collect wood, to prepare tools, to allocate jobs and to split up the work, but teach the men the desire for the wide endless sea.“ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry I’m watching since the lead pour and never missed an episode. It was nice to see some faces that joined into that journey, mainly Alix. Steve steer Arabella go to some nice adventuers. May you always have wind in your sails and a hand-width of water under your keel.

Came for a lead keel. Stayed for the amazing journey. Its been a fun couple of years watching this boat get built

I usually never comment youtube's videos, but this time i really want to say thank you to all of you for this amazing journey. I was at the second year of university when i found this channel on youtube. You have been a huge source of inspiration to me and today that i'm struggling to find a job after my degree this video give me the strength to never give up! Thank you again to sharing this journey with us

The launch was an amazing, heartfelt gathering of like minded people. Thank you to Steve and the crew, cant wait to see the adventures to come.

I watched y'all build this a year longer than i was in the Navy.

I was so happy to be able to be there for the launch, it was definitely New England full-on snotty, but no one cared, it was a special moment to be able to see first hand. I live only 20 minutes away, how lucky for me and my friends who were there to take part in this epic journey!!

@AcornToArabella

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for coming!

I think this video represents every craftsman's dream. To have you work be appreciated by so many and have so many understand the literal blood, sweat, and tears you put into a project. Priceless.

She looks even better in the water.

Who would have thought a few trees and a lot of hard work would look so regal sitting in the water.

So good to see Alix and his baby!. Congratulations to Steve and the whole Arabella crew. What an incredible accomplishment..

Congrats again to Steve, Anne, Ben, KP, Adin, Aaron, and the rest of the build crew and volunteers on a magnificent job! It was an honor and privilege to be at the launch and I will remember it forever. Best of luck at the boat show and fine sailing ahead! Thanks!

@AcornToArabella

11 ай бұрын

Is that you, Bill? HAHAHAH 🫠 thank you sooooo much. -Anne

@jryan3906

10 ай бұрын

@@AcornToArabella It is! LOL. Your so very welcome! It was an honor. Be safe.

Hardhats are an extremely cheap way to avoid crippling head injuries when you got guys working above you... you are loved, you're worth the protection. ❤

That is an unbelievably beautiful vessel

I’m also a long term viewer. No dry eyes here. I can’t wait to see what adventures await. Bon Voyage! 🇨🇦 And a massive thanks to all who took part in constructing her.

I'm not crying; you're crying! An incredible end to the opening chapter of Arabella's journey. Thank you so much for bringing us along.

A lot of love, time, blood, sweat, tears, money, and friends. Been watching this for a while, amazing series.

That tender is stunning

"This is just what people do." - Aaron

What an achievement! Really looking forward to the metamorphosis this channel will go through. I am a WSLP (watching since lead poor), been watching ever since and saw her launch live. I feel a bit a part of this project. Have recommended the channel to some people and made a very modest contribution once. Would not have paid for probably more than a few bronze screws, but it's a few screws 🙂 I hope that at some point in my life I line up with Arabella's position in the world and maybe see her for real. Cheers team!

Holy moly this was a tearjerker. I started watching this channel less than 2 years ago when I saw a news story about a local man who was determined to build a sailboat from scratch despite having no shipbuilding or sailing experience. I subscribed because I felt like I needed a role model - someone chasing a crazy dream and making it happen. Seeing Arabella launch was a thing of beauty, and I’m inspired to keep working hard and live to my potential. Thank you Steve and team for documenting this moving achievement. This was truly one of the most uplifting things I’ve seen.

Love that his Grand Father planted the trees of the Mast's

History is written. Congratulations on a beautiful vessel.

I was skeptical of how this boat would look when I started watching a few years ago. You exceeded my expectations. The boat looks fantastic. Very proud of you and your team.

Damn, seeing Steve on the bow passing the crowd on the docks was heart felt. So many people to finish the journey from starting with just 2 guys. Incredible!

I just stumbled on this via a CBS News article. I kept looking at the boat in the video, not knowing much about it, but thinking that it looks so incredibly familiar. I was sure it was an Ingrid. For 10 years in the early 2000’s I lived and sailed on an Ingrid ketch in the Pacific Northwest, based in Port Townsend. My Ingrid was built in the early 50s on the Fraser river outside of Vancouver, BC. She had a unique heritage with the original Atkins design having been updated by famed Marine architect, Laurent Giles. She has a colorful history including 10 years in the South Pacific, movie, stars, bank, robbers, and more. She still lives in good hands in the Pacific Northwest. The happiest days of my life were spent on that boat. I am so incredibly envious. BTW, her name is originally Christian is and greet was and remains Jaga.

Glad to see her finney in the water and I am looking forward to seeing you finish her and what you do after that.

Congratulations, Steve and Crew! Fair winds and following seas!

The boat is obviously amazing, but the editing on this series is award winning. Thank you all so very much for all of your hard work. What a beautiful project.

Great news! Been here since the yt algorithm send me to the led pouring episode. Good winds to all here!