Countess 37 Cutter Rigged Ketch

“Island Drifter lay on her side for what felt like an age (but was probably only 20 seconds), righted herself and continued sailing steered by the Hydrovane on the intended course.”

From: Mike Norris
Sent: January 27, 2022
To: Richard Minielly
Subject: RE: PAYMENT FOR 3 PINS

Hello, Richard

Our boat, Island Drifter, is a 37ft Countess cutter-rigged ketch. We’ve owned her since 1999, have done two Atlantic Circuits (1999-2000 and 2009-2010), one circumnavigation of Great Britain and Ireland (2011), two summers (2012 and 2013) cruising in Sweden and Norway (as far north as Trömso), three winters cruising in the Canary Islands and since June 2017 we have been based in the Aegean, cruising for 3 months in spring and again in the autumn.

The previous owner/builder of the boat called the Hydrovane SID (Steering Island Drifter).  We re-named it Vera, because it always steers so true!

During our Atlantic Crossing in 2010, we were knocked flat in a F9.  Island Drifter lay on her side for what felt like an age (but was probably only 20 seconds), righted herself and continued sailing steered by the Hydrovane on the intended course.  It really is an invaluable member of crew!

Kind regards

Mike

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