From: Bill & Tracy Hudson
Sent: August-17-11
To: Will Curry
Subject: Our thanks

As graduates of the class of 2011’s Pacific Puddle Jump, we just want to say thanks for making such a great product. Our Hydrovane (James) steered us across the Pacific logging in close to 5000 miles since we left La Cruz, Mexico back in April of this year. We don’t know what we would have done without him.

When we arrived in Nuka Hiva, we were told that many of the boats that had arrived already had experienced trouble with their auto pilots (the old fashioned electric types).

Ours had behaved like a champ in all kinds of weather and under numerous sail configurations. As much of the way was downwind sailing, our spinnaker was used quite a bit and James was more than up to the task.

Just two days ago, we were sailing from Bora Bora to Suwarrow Atoll in 10-12 foot following seas with only a double reefed main up. We hit speeds of over 12 knots as we went up and down in the swells. One minute we were on the top and then sliding down the face at breakneck speeds. All the time, James kept us right on course. We might veer a bit, but he would put us right back on the course we needed to get here.

I know you have heard this from other sailors, but we just wanted to say thank you for making a great piece of engineering.

Bill & Tracy Hudson
SV Zephyr
Suwarrow Atoll

 

 

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