From: Gavin MORGAN
Sent: November 19, 2011
To: John Curry
Subject: RE: Teething problems

John,

Just to let you know that we have now arrived in Cape Verdes (some 980 miles at sea with 85 % under the Hydrovane). The problem was not one of a lack of balancing the sails as you had suggested (I find Hydrovane very forgiving actually). We had another Brit who had fitted Hydrovane in Gibraltar have a look at our set up and we found that the rudder was slipping on the shaft. I had thought we had tightened it sufficiently and I did not want to over tighten it and damage the shaft. However the casting needed to be a lot tighter than I had imagined. With this put right the Hydrovane sprung in to life and is now deemed amazing by all on Secret Smile.

I mention about the rudder shaft tightening in case any other client makes the same mistake. In my experience unbalanced sails only means wobbly lines on the chart plotter – and when you work out if you are luffing up or not you can adjust the main (or the foresail) to smooth out your course. Our problem had been that hydrovane looked like it was turning but no turn happened (I was wondering if the rudder was big enough to turn my boat – which now I realize was rubbish and it makes me smile)

Hydrovane has now become an invaluable crew member and we are very pleased with him.

Kind regards

Gavin

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