From: Liv og Hans Otto Johansen
Sent: November 6, 2017
To: Sarah Curry
Subject: hydrovane parts for Norway

Hi Sarah!

After one wonderful circumnavigation, we need a few maintenance parts for our beloved Hydrovane.

We purchased it late 1998, and it steered our Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC safely over the oceans, until SY Kepha II in 2002 was safely back in Norway. Then we sold the yacht and the new owner never used the Hydrovane.

One night when we were motoring up the west side of the Red Sea the Admiral managed to use Hydrovane instead of the autopilot. When the captain came on duty, she told him so, but the captain claimed that it was impossible to steer with a windvane while motoring…

But the beloved Hydrovane did not hear that, and to the captains disbelief, did steer the yacht perfectly through the night… The Autopilot could not have steered more accurately.

We were motoring close to the shore, and thus little sea, in spite of that it was a good breeze, from the shore.

We tried it again later, but no success. Maybe the Hydrovane wanted us out of that area quickly?

Two years ago did we retire, and found our beloved yacht for sale, with the good old Hydrovane intact.

It was a sign from above, we had to buy her back…

This summer have we enjoyed sailing, and the Hydrovane took care of the steering, as usual.

Could you please ship me the following parts?

#19# 25 and ball socket #20, (2ps) + the Hydrovane sticker at the rear end….

Best regards
Hans Otto Johansen

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Fra: Sarah Curry
Sendt: 7. november 2017
Til: ‘Liv og Hans Otto Johansen’
Emne: RE: hydrovane parts for Norway

Hi Hans,

What a lovely story and photo! No doubt both Kepha II and the Hydrovane were taking care of you and your family in the Red Sea. What and ideal scenario to be reunited after all these years! Do you mind if we post your email on our website?

I’ve attached a quote for the parts.

The Frame Case has been redesigned and now has an oval sticker – but I have some horizontal stickers in our Canadian office that should fit – so I will post those to you from here.

Cheers,
Sarah

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Thanks Sarah!

You are welcome to use.

Enclosed is image of the Installation. I made large aluminum backing plates for the inside.

I think we can lift the yacht with the Hydrovane as handle… It worked amazingly well, from dead calm, when we attached a tiller autopilot to it (worked for 1 hour until water entered the autopilot….), and during heavy weather in Pacific. Not to forget rest of the journey around the globe, but then with generally nice wind!

Also enclosed is a photo of the Admiral with the magic control of the Hydrovane (and me…)

Best Regards
Hans

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