True Stories

From: Fiona Harwich <fharwich@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 6:37 AM
To: sarah@hydrovane.com
Subject: Testimonials

Hi Sarah

We are sailing with the World ARC 2023 and our Hydrovane has been invaluable. We lost our autopilot heading into Australia in gale-force winds. It was a treacherous approach navigating through the reef in a shipping lane and hand-steering was extremely challenging. With only a tiny bit of sail out the Hydrovane did a mighty job keeping us on course. 

From: Jim MacDougall
Sent: September 13, 2023
To: Brooklyn Foster
Subject: Bob

[photo showing] Tiburon Ca. looking towards San Francisco.

After a month of non-stop work, I was (finally) underway. Jumping off the NW tip of Vancouver Island, my first planned landfall was San Francisco on the way to Mexico.

The new hydrovane was put into service (for the first time) in very light winds on a westerly Pacific swell.

My hydrovane, now affectionately now known as Bob, is remarkable.

Bob steers better than any person I know and he seems truly happy – never complains.

Heavy wind and seas, or otherwise, Bob has exceeded my expectations. 

The best part – Bob doesn’t drink my beer.

Thank you Hydrovane! An excellent product.

Jim MacDougall

From: Jeannette Dean
Sent: September 11, 2023
To: Richard Minielly
Subject: vane

We LOVE Hydrovane!!  ‘Jeeves’ took us around the world and many miles before and since.  Keep up the good work!!!

What are the measurements on the new short fat vane?

Thanks!

Jeannette Dean

From: Siggi Kemmler
Sent: August 18, 2023
To: Will Curry
Subject: My Hydrovane

Hi Will.

The Hydrovane is by far the best purchase I have ever made for our Spencer 44, having invested well over $200k in her rebuild/refurbishment over the past 9 years!

On our trip up to Bella Bella this summer we unfortunately struck a log at night.  Having a full keel the log rolled under the boat and then popped up just enough fast enough to strike our Hydrovane rudder.

On careful inspection it became obvious that the 2” or so of the inner shaft below the lower bearing has been bent.  The rudder is in damaged.

The shock carried thru to the upper shaft and I had the rudder fore-aft locking pin in place which strangely sustained a very minor bend, making it difficult to insert/extract the pin.  I tested the spare pin which works fine.

I am writing this sitting on my foredeck as ‘Otto’ the Hydrovane is guiding us down the east side of Texada.  Still working!

My question is do you have a machine shop in Vancouver or on the island that you have used previously and would recommend for the straightening of the shaft.  I have in the past straightened large hydraulic cylinders for our logging equipment so suspect this would not be complex.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Siggi Kemmler
SV Swadeshi

Bonjour à tous,

Voici quelques photos du montage de notre HYDROVANE sur notre NORDSHIP 40 DS que nous avons installé nous même en octobre 2022. Je rentre de notre croisière de Port La Forêt aux Açores et je peux maintenant vous faire part de mes commentaires sur son utilisation en grande croisière.

Son utilisation demande une certaine compréhension et pratique que nous avons pu acquérir durant nos sorties à la journée un peu par toutes les conditions de vents, en hiver et au printemps de cette année, et globalement j’étais déçu car par vents irréguliers, les réglages de l’angle de barre sont trop nombreux, et le cap souvent en lacets.

Ma première grande satisfaction a été à Pâques quand nous avons PERDU NOTRE SAFRAN en allant à La Rochelle. Les conditions étaient pourtant bonnes avec un vent de NE de + ou – 20 à 25 noeuds et une mer peu formée. Notre Hydrovane  barrait correctement avec la barre du bateau immobilisée, et donc peu sollicitée. Notre Hydrovane nous a permis sans problème de faire les 25 Mille restants pour atteindre le port de La Rochelle, sans demander de remorquage. La cause de la perte du safran était un problème d’électrolyse de la mèche de safran en aluminium plein de 6 cm de diamètre ( système Jeffa ).

Ensuite, pour notre voyage aller et retour vers les Açores, notre Hydrovane a fait très correctement tout le boulot et tout le temps (nous ne sommes que 2 à bord).

Il a donc besoin d’un vent régulier en force et maintient parfaitement le bateau que ce soit par vent de travers, quelque soit la force et aussi par vent arrière. GV amarrée et yankee tangonné en ciseaux. Les vagues de l’Atlantique ne limitent en rien son fonctionnement. Surtout ne pas oublier d’incliner son aérien sur son axe vers l’arrière quand il a tendance à faire faire des lacets au bateau.

C’est une aide et une sécurité indispensable en grande croisière que je recommande à tous.

Les performances du bateau ne semblent pas du tout affectées par ce deuxième safran , mais il est préférable de l’enlever pour les manœuvres d’arrivée dans un port.

Cordialement,

Jean-Marc Desantoine

TRANSLATION:
Hello All,

Here are some photos of the assembly of our HYDROVANE on our NORDSHIP 40 DS that we installed ourselves in October 2022. I have just returned from our cruise from Port La Forêt to the Azores and can now give you my comments on its use in large cruises.

Its use requires a certain understanding and practice that we were able to acquire during our day trips in all conditions of winds, in winter and spring of this year, and overall I was disappointed because in irregular winds, the helm angle settings are too numerous, and the course often erratic.

My first great satisfaction was at Easter when we LOST OUR RUDDER while going to La Rochelle. However, the conditions were good with a NE wind of + or – 20 to 25 knots and a light sea. Our Hydrovane was steering correctly with the helm of the boat immobilized, and therefore little used. Our Hydrovane allowed us without any problem to do the remaining 25 miles to reach the port of La Rochelle, without asking for a tow. The cause of the loss of the rudder was a problem with the electrolysis of the 6 cm diameter solid aluminum rudder stock (Jeffa system).

Then, for our outward and return trip to the Azores, our Hydrovane did all the work very well and all the time (we are only 2 on board).

It therefore needs a regular strong wind and holds the boat perfectly whether in crosswinds, whatever the strength and also in tailwinds. GV moored and yankee rigged in scissors, the waves of the Atlantic do not limit its functioning in any way.

Above all, don’t forget to tilt his aerial on his axis backwards when he tends to yank the boat.

It is an essential aid and safety device for ocean cruising that I recommend to everyone.

The performance of the boat does not seem to be affected at all by this second rudder, but it is preferable to remove it for maneuvers

Cordially,
Jean-Marc Desantoine

From: Piyush Arora
Sent: August 17, 2023
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: RE: hydrovane issue under way

Hi Hydrovane Team,

I had a successful 16.5 day solo passage to Hawaii. I am now 1000 nm from San Francisco after spending 16 days clawing my way upwind on my return. I expect to see some gale conditions in the next few days unless it softens. My Hydrovane Roxanne, Roxy, has been killing it every day, day after day. I intend to ‘pin her down’ and keep her from getting damaged in case I heave to in 30 ish kts. And just use the ships rudder. Curious to know if I can utilize her in some way to aid while heaving to. Any ideas? I don’t want to leave her free trailing.

Piyush

Somewhere near 39deg06’ N/145deg30’W

From: Will Curry
Sent: 17 Aug 2023
Subject: RE: RE: hydrovane issue under way

Hi Piyush,

I’ll jump in here as I’m on Euro time. If you plan to heave to you do NOT want to lock the HV rudder. This can put a lot of stress on the shaft and rudder and potentially cause a failure. You should either let the rudder free trail (won’t affect being hove to) or you can engage the vane for being on a close haul on whatever tack you are on. This puts the rudder hard over and should help to bring the bow around. The only time you should lock the rudder is when you are motoring and not using the vane.

Great to hear that Roxy has been performing well. Can we add your email to our website? Hopefully the predicted conditions mellow out a bit. Let us know if you have further questions.

Kind Regards,

Will Curry, BBA

From: Emma & Stefan
Sent: August 4, 2023
To: Brooklyn Foster
Subject: Hydrovane question

Hi Brooklyn

I recently fitted my Hydrovane and completed our first significant trip.  4 days in a decent swell.  I didnt really know what to expect from the Hydrovane and was slightly sceptical of it functioning as well as the main rudder.  Well, it exceeded all of our expectations.  What a great thing.  500 miles with the helm locked and the autopilot off!!

I wanted to ask about the line that controls the angle of the wind vane.  We need it to be a little longer.  Can you tell me if its a standard line that I can buy or is it something special?  The way it welded together was witch craft!!   If I can buy it myself, would you be kind enough to let me know what to ask for or if its something that i have to get from you, please let me know and I will work out where to get it sent.

Best wishes

Stefan 

From: Sarah Curry
Sent: August 2023
To: ‘Emma & Stefan’
Subject: RE: Hydrovane question

Hi Stefan,

Thanks for reaching out!   Congratulations on your recent passages and we’re thrilled to know that the Hydrovane has exceeded your expectations!  It always works best when the boat is well balanced and trimmed properly, so the credit goes to you and Emma for that part 😊

The course setting line should be 4mm outer diameter. We use an 8-plait line that is low stretch.  Hopefully you can find something suitable. If not,  just let us know.

Your feedback is hugely important to us. Would you mind if we use your email as a testimonial on our website and repost some of your photos on Instagram?

Thank again, and safe travels!

Sarah

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From: Vladislav Karlach
Sent: June 29, 2023
To: Brooklyn Foster | Hydrovane
Subject: Re: Hydrovane Unit Order – Karlach – Freight It to Gibraltar

Hi Brooklyn,

I can report that my Hdrovane unit was successfully collected from Gibraltar, mounted on Tina and tested during my sailing from Lisboa to Azores (850 nm). I gave him the name Hugo, and he was of a great help especially during bad weather 🙂 I must say good choice and good investment. Thank you for all your help and support!

Best regards,

Vladek (Vladislav Karlach, TINA Ovni 445)

From: Xavier Gonzalez-Ortega
Sent: June 19, 2023
To: Richard Minielly
Subject: Re: Xavier Gonzalez-Ortega | Island Packet 380 | Hydrovane Request

Hi Richard.

Thanks for your prompt respond.

The Hydrovanes on Windkist and Don Leon have been working excellent over these 10 years and some 50,000 miles!!   The only issue we have had is the vane cover, the sun eats them , unless we store them when not sailing, but generally is my “best crew”

Now re offshore spare kit, pls tell me how much it weighs and what is the “Axle”

Best Regards,

Xavier Gonzalez-Ortega

From: Richard Minielly
Sent: June 19, 2023
To: Xavier Gonzalez-Ortega
Subject: Re: Xavier Gonzalez-Ortega | Island Packet 380 | Hydrovane Request

Hi Xavier,

So glad to hear of the good performance on Windkist and Don Leon. 50,000nm is quite the test!

The Offshore Spares Kit weighs approximately 0.5kg (1lb). A photo is attached of the contents. The ‘axles’ are the small metal pieces you can see on the side and front of the drive unit, and up top holding the Bobbin and Top Lever. I’ve attached some photos for clarification.

Happy to advise as needed.

Best regards,

Richard Minielly
Hydrovane International Marine Inc.

From: Hartmut Ludwig
Sent: June 14, 2023
To: Richard Minielly
Subject: Aw: RE: Re: Hydrovane installation

[Editor’s Note: Sections of this email have been edited for clarity]

Hi Richard,

Thank you for your prompt response. Yes we have an electrical autopilot and can continue as planned [following a part failure]. Regarding the trade-in I will need to figure out the logistics, but it will be either Azores or Germany. As soon as I know better I will let you know. The tip with sport equipment [to avoid extra baggage charges] is good.

We are a big fan of our Hydrovane. It performs under most circumstances better than our autopilot. Just light wind is not good <8kts.

When we came up from the Bahamas to US east coast, the main steering failed, due to a broken rod. We were right in the middle of the Gulf Stream and had to bail out to Beaufort, NC. We rigged the emergency tiller, lashed it with two control lines and exclusively used the Hydrovane. Even motor sailing worked well.

The inlet to Beaufort was very choppy so we called US Tow, but just to escort us in case something happened. My wife did all the steering with emergency tiller of the Hydrovane into the inlet to the marina. Just the final turn into the slip we need the emergency tiller. So it really proved to be a backup for the main steering system to us.

Will come back to you soon.

Best

Hartmut

From: Andrew Brown
Sent: June 9, 2023
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: Hydrovane Order Hong Kong

Hi Will,

I had several chats with you over the last two years about buying a Hydrovane for my Westerly Oceanranger, I know I must have seemed like a time waster. I’m not, it has just taken longer than I expected to get this far- work and changing the engine to an electric motor took over.

[…]

I recently sailed from Hong Kong to the Philippines on a friend’s boat with a Hydrovane fitted, which he had never used and was afraid of. The electrical system system of the boat packed up so we had no autopilot. After two days of excruciating staring at the compass I set up the Hydrovane, experimented for half an hour and bingo, we could all relax and enjoy the ride. It was awesome.

Regards

Andrew

From: Shaen Tarter
Sent: 26 May 2023
To: Richard Minielly
Subject: Re: Watt and Sea

Hi Richard, Will, and Sarah:

Just a quick note to express my appreciation for the Hydrovane and Watt and Sea unit.

We made it to Tahiti after losing our engine about 700 miles south of Honolulu. We spent four days becalmed in the ITCZ and two more south of there. And then we had to tack multiple times to get west enough to make the Papeete Harbor entrance!

Between solar, hydro generator, and not using our auto pilot or watermaker, we kept our batteries healthy and even topped off every few days, depending on how good the sailing was.  This would have been impossible without reliable wind steering and hydro power.

Next time we’ll get the 600 watt version of the Watt and Sea, though.

Do you have the larger props for the 300 watt version in stock?

Regards,

Shaen

From: Bossard Denis
Sent: 18 May 2023
To: Will Curry
Subject: Embellie III

Dear Will

Our Hydrovane has been installed 2 weeks ago in Inverness : Caley marina did a great job, with skill and care. I am you that they should ( if they want so!!) a very good Hydrovane certified installator….

When d’ailés to orkneys, Faroe Island and arrived this morning in Iceland.

Crossing from Torshawn ( Faroe) to Seidisfjordur ( Iceland) could be achieved by sail and wind pilot during 48h00 a 6.2knots, in excellent conditions … Thank you Hydrovane! Thank you Caley marina!

All the best

Denis

From: Blauwe Engel
Sent: May 2, 2023
To: Sarah and Will Curry
Subject: Koopmans 37 Blauwe Engel – Grenada to Panama Channel

Dear Sarah, dear Will,

from Grenada to Colon (1200 nm) we’ve used most of the time our new Hydrovane in combination with a 107 m2 Parasailor. Whow – what a team. Your Hydrovane made a great job and could cope the downwind passage with the Parasailor up to 20 knots TWS. Look the fotos – surfing down the waves. Once again: Congratulations to your product!

Yours

Beate and Hendrik

From: Andrew & Traci Roantree
Sent: April 24, 2023
To: Will Curry
Subject: Hooray for Hydrovane

Hi Will and the Happy Hydrovane team,

A quick note from Walkabout – currently mid Pacific – 1910 miles done from Santa Cruz, Galapagos and 1170 to go to Hiva Oa.

Our Hydrovane has been completely awesome so far. We have sailed probably 90% steered by it, through all sorts of sail set ups.  The only time we use the auto helm is when we are sail changing and things can get a bit unbalanced as we go through the process.

Just thought I would let you know – from happy customers in the middle of nowhere!

Regards

Andrew and Traci
“Walkabout”
World ARC Pacific 2023

Posted 29 April 2023 to http://blog.mailasail.com/walkabout:

[Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from a longer blog post on Day 17 of a trans-pacific crossing]

There are many bits of equipment that we rely on to safely sail Walkabout across oceans. One of the most amazing additions that we made to Walkabout before leaving the UK was our Hydrovane. This bit of kit defies logic in many ways – it looks very simple, to the extent that you think it surely won’t work. But boy, does it do a job! The Hydrovane is a wind vane self steering system. It quietly steers the boat according to the wind direction.

On any sort of long passage, hand steering is a real chore – particularly when short handed like us. So everyone relies on some means of autonomous steering. The vast majority of boats use an auto helm system, linked to the nav system, driven by an electric motor or hydraulic ram. The forces are big and the power usage is significant. We have such a system, and it is great. But it eats power and what if it failed…? (As has happened to some boats already on this venture).

So we added the Hydrovane as a secondary means of autonomous steering. But I can report that the Hydrovane has been very firmly promoted to our prime means of steering. It has done the most amazing job on the crossing, having been in charge of our heading for probably 80% of the trip. (The auto helm gets used when we are motoring, due to the lack of wind for the Hydrovane to work with). The bright orange wind vane bobs from side to side on our port quarter, adjusting it’s own small rudder to keep us heading in the right direction – using no power at all. It is a blooming miracle!