Rapturous!

We've just installed the last piece of equipment that will be needed for our voyage. Now we have an autonomous steering device that isn't dependent on the boat's electrical system. It has its own rudder so that in the event of a failure of the main rudder, we will have an emergency steering device. Greg and Mike Warner, master engineers, installed the hydrovane themselves. It was a huge job involving crawling down into the dark, narrow confines of the bilge to put in bolts that secure the hydrovane to the transom. The machinery is very heavy but it needs delicate, precise alignment to minimize drag. Mind you, all this was done kneeling on the hard concrete dock leaning out over water. They used a "diaper" to catch any slippery tools and parts. (Men with diapers!) Yesterday, we took it out for its sea trial and it worked perfectly. We were able to use it at all points of sail and at wind speeds of about 20 knots. We've christened it, Mr. Vane.



Mr. Vane is not designed to be used on the Bay where there are short sailing distances and traffic to avoid. For any non-sailors reading this, that big red vane responds to the wind flow over the boat and controls a heavy duty rudder so that the boat is always pointing at the angle to the wind that the skipper sets. So, if the wind changes direction as it does frequently on the Bay, the boat's direction changes. Yesterday's sail was a workout. To get the vane steering correctly, it is necessary to have the boat balanced so the primary rudder can be locked. This means that the sails have to be trimmed to the point that, hands-off, the boat doesn't veer off course under standby. Greg steered while I scrambled. It didn't help that we still have to learn which direction to twist the Vane to adjust the heading. All in all, it was satisfying to experience the success of our project and no need for the gym that day.