From: Mike and Carol Kefford
Sent: May-01-14
To: Will Curry
Subject: RE: Hydrovane

Hi Will,

Thank you for taking the time and trouble to enquire about us. 2176 miles behind us and 924 to Fatu Hiva to go. The Hydrovane has steered all the way, except for sail changes and adjustments, when we neutralise him to hand steer to windward etc. The bracket is holding up well. It is checked every day and shows no signs of stress. Hurray! We have been experimenting with settings for the vane and variable control to get the best performance downwind in steep following seas, mainly to avoid gybing! However, strong winds 25 – 30 kts plus 3m swell and 2m crossing waves over the past 4 days have made life somewhat tense. All is well on board.

I will send a full passage report once we are at anchor and include some photos.

You will note the reference to the Hydrovane as “him”. I am sure it takes on a personality for everyone. Ours is called “Barrett” after Barrett Bonden, Captain Jack Aubrey’s coxswain in the Patrick O’Brian books.

So, we love Barrett, he is doing a magnificent job for us. And thanks again for asking.

Kind regards.
Mike and Carol
09* 54′ S 123* 02′ W

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From: Mike and Carol Kefford
Sent: May-05-14
To: ‘Will – Hydrovane’
Subject: RE: Email from fellow Beneteau 423 owner

Hi Will,

No worries.  I will send a holding reply until we are at anchor and recovered.  We will happily pass on our experiences of setting up a Beneteau 423 for major cruising to them.  Things we got right and things we wish we had known at the time etc.  All good about the Hydrovane though.  Best thing we did.  We currently have only 10 kts of wind but at least the sea is calm.

490 nm to go, even at 4 kts SOG it is a delight.

Mike

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