From: W. J. Irwin & Son Solicitors
Sent: November 08, 2013
To: John Curry
Subject: Re: new rudder

Hello John,

I have been making use of the new rudder and I find it is a very great improvement on the old one; I can now rely on our Hydrovane, known to us as Baldric because he has his own cunning plans and is not paid or even fed, to a very much greater extent – I used to have to adjust either the vane or the sails for every small change of wind speed and the old rudder was frequently overborne either by the boat’s rudder turning the boat to lee as the wind lightened or by increased weather helm as it strengthened – now I find that the vane will cope with an acceptable variety of wind strength on all courses. The improvement is a great relief, as I was beginning to think it would be necessary to find a different boat, perhaps long keel, to make vane steering more reliable. I can use the vane inshore in spite of the variations of inshore winds [while keeping close watch all round] without having to adjust settings every five minutes. As I dislike having to use the autopilot when there is wind to be used I am much happier than before. I anticipate that offshore it will be precisely what I originally expected it to be when I first fitted it 6 years ago. I am now finding at last that I actually need to angle the vane more because it is oversensitive, which I never had to do before the new rudder arrived. I may soon change the bearings and fit the new mid bearing as well.

I want to thank you for solving my problems by selling me the new rudder. I appreciate your generosity and have no hesitation in recommending both Hydrovane and the people making and selling it to friends and acquaintances.

Best wishes,
Tony
Tony Irwin

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From: W. J. Irwin & Son Solicitors
Sent: November 11, 2013
To: John Curry
Subject: Re: performance report

Include it on the website if you wish.  I will take a few photos and send them to you to pick from.  I had a good sail yesterday afternoon, about 25 miles around Belfast Lough and through Copeland Sound, with true wind from 5 up to 18 knots and Baldric did virtually all the steering, with very minor adjusting as winds rose and fell and as we altered course; close reaching in 21 knots apparent, running in about 3 knots apparent, close hauled in 16 knots, etc, all with no problems at all and at boat speeds from 2 to 7.5 knots.  Great improvement over the old rudder. I had an experienced crew with me, a Yachtmaster, who was very impressed indeed!