From: Nicola Stamp
Sent: August 23, 2021
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: Hanse 370 – Hydrovane model VXA2D S(shaft length)/E/H stubby vane

Hi Will,

Just to let you know that our Hydrovane has been worth every penny we spent, following what could have been a very difficult passage to the Canaries.

Our instruments failed with 2 days to go before landfall, which meant the Auto-helm couldn’t work, which at that point we’d been using.  Within minutes the vane was put in place and course set and with a few minor course adjustments on route, took us the rest of the way.

As a two hander sailing boat, we would have struggled with 48 hours of manual steering, however, the Hydrovane really has earned its place as the third crew member.

One minor issue with rudder ‘groan’, which after two goes at flattening off the radius isn’t resolved – anything else we should try?

Many thanks, Nicola

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From: Will Curry
Sent: August 23, 2021
To: Nicola Stamp
Subject: Re: Hanse 370 – Hydrovane model VXA2D S(shaft length)/E/H stubby vane

Hi Nicola,

Thanks for taking the time to send this update.

It’s great to hear that your third crew member saved the day and performed their duties admirably.  Sometimes it takes an autopilot failure to get the vane in action.  I suspect you will use it most of the way across the pond now that you are comfortable with it.

Regarding the rudder you should be able to eliminate the ‘groan’ by creating a point on the trailing edge.  Can you send us a photo of what it looks like now?  Did you see the bit about this in the operation manual starting on page 14?  The drawing on pg.15 shows the various shapes – See https://hydrovane.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Operation-and-Troubleshooting-Guide-July-2021.pdf

Richard can advise further if you have questions.

Thanks again for the email.

Kind Regards,

Will Curry