From: Nick Fabbri
Sent: September 22, 2015
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: Watt and sea generator for Southerly 38

…

We used the unit across biscay in force 3-6. We had the unit on the smallest ratio setting , so it barely moved the rudder with the wind. This resulted in a very straight course.

It works admirably, in fact I professed to having a crush on it, as it was so useful.

As for feedback…..

Well we met another southerly 38 with one attached on starboard (ours in on port). We both had to compensate for the drag by locking the wheel off centre. Ours is about 5 degrees to starboard, his to port.

It is correct that the sails need to be balanced.

Also we are still not 100% about which way to pull the string to change course. However that will come with time. It’s just practice.

I have no real negatives or criticism of the unit. It will hopefully steer us over the Atlantic and beyond .

One point is that we have a lifting keel. The rudder needs to be removed before drying out.

Also we are not sure whether to antifoul the rudder as it goes green quickly.

Finally, an installation tip. We have a modern production yacht which is cad designed . Strange angles all over the transom. Thus a nightmare to get the angles correct to keep the brackets parallel to the mast.

However eventually we used an electronic spirit level app on an iPhone. We could work out precisely what the angles were, and transfer that to the band saw to cut the pads.

Also if you keep the other piece of wood from the angulated cut, it can be used to level out the angle of the backing plate, thus ensuring perfectly aligned bolts .

Anyway, I look forward to getting your quote, after that I will see if our budget can stretch.

Regards

Nick fabbri

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